FAQs
Visitor Information
Find quick answers to common questions about visiting the Scioto Mile, including park hours, parking, events, and visitor amenities. Browse the questions below to learn more and prepare for your visit.
The Scioto Mile is located in the heart of downtown Columbus and spans more than 175 acres of parkland along the Scioto River. Stretching from the Arena District to the Whittier Peninsula, the Mile connects downtown neighborhoods through a scenic network of parks, riverfront promenades, bikeways and pedestrian paths.
The Scioto Mile is open year-round. Parks along the Mile, including Bicentennial Park and the Promenade, are open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Visiting the Scioto Mile is completely free. All parks and fountains along the Mile are open to the public.
Metered street parking, surface lots and parking garages are available throughout downtown Columbus near the Scioto Mile.
Explore ParkingThe Scioto Mile hosts a variety of concerts, festivals, and community events throughout the year. Columbus Recreation and Parks produces several signature events on the riverfront, including:
- Jazz & Rib Fest
- CBUS Soul® Fest
- WinterFest Columbus
- FountainFest
Events organized by the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department are typically held rain or shine. If severe weather creates safety concerns, events may be postponed or canceled. Updates are posted on the Scioto Mile Facebook page.
Visit our Plan an Event page to find out more about hosting an event on the Scioto Mile.
Yes. During the summer months, public restrooms and changing facilities are available at Bicentennial Park and Dorrian Green.
Yes! Amara, located in Bicentennial Park, features Mediterranean menu options for lunch and dinner. Food trucks are also available most days in Bicentennial Park. During festivals and special events, additional local and national food vendors are often available. Check out the Dining & Drinks page for more information.
Yes, dogs are welcome along the Scioto Mile! However, pets must remain on a leash at all times and are not permitted in or around the Scioto Mile Fountain.
The fountain is designed for visitors of all ages. Children 8 years old and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
Swimsuits are not required. Children who are not potty trained must wear swim diapers. Changing stations are available in public restrooms.
No. The fountain water is chlorinated and recirculated. Please avoid getting water in your mouth.
Please visit our Connect page for more information.
Smoking and tobacco use are prohibited within designated zones in Columbus parks and facilities, including restrooms, playgrounds, pools and spraygrounds, athletic fields and courts, spectator areas, concession areas, and special event venues.
Park Rules
Columbus Recreation and Parks has established the following guidelines to help maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all visitors.
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Clean up after your pets
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Keep pets under direct control
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Dispose of litter properly
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Alcohol is prohibited except during permitted special events
City of Columbus Code Chapter 919 is enforced in all parks along the Scioto Mile.
To report illegal activity, please call 614-645-4545.
- Motorized vehicles are prohibited on all trail ways on the Scioto Mile.
- Dogs must be on a leash on trails and owners must clean up after pets.
- Bikers must yield to pedestrians and give an audible warning when passing other trail users. Ride and skate at a safe speed and slow down to form a single file line in congested areas, reduced visibility and other hazardous conditions.
Pedestrians must stay to the right side of the trail except when otherwise designated. Be alert when running or walking and listen for audible signals when others are passing to ensure trail safety.
- Toys of any kind are not permitted in the fountain as they may damage its internal workings.
- Children under 8 years old must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
- Pets are not permitted in any of the fountains or water features on the Scioto Mile.
- Any children playing in the water who are not potty trained must wear swim diapers.
- Please walk, do not run in the fountain.
- Fountain water is re-circulated; avoid getting water in your mouth.
- Diaper changing in public restrooms only.
- Refrain from playing in the fountain if you are ill or have had diarrhea in the past 2 weeks.
The following activities and items are not allowed:
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Smoking or tobacco use
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Unauthorized vehicles in parks or on sidewalks
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Commercial activity or vending without approval
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Panhandling
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Camping
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Grills or open fires
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Feeding wildlife
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Illegal drugs
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Illegal weapons
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Alcohol outside permitted events
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Glass containers
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Unleashed pets or pets in fountains
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Skateboards
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Large shade structures such as tents or patio umbrellas
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Ground staking of any kind