The Scioto Mile is an urban oasis comprised of 175 acres of green space in Downtown Columbus. Featuring nine parks, water features and unparalleled views of the skyline, the Scioto Mile is a must-visit on your trip to Columbus. In 2024, The Scioto Mile was named a top ten best riverwalk in the country by USA Today 10Best. Help us get on the 2025 list by voting daily!
Here are some of our favorite things to do along the Scioto Mile in Columbus.
Picnicking along the Scioto Mile. Source: Experience Columbus.
Have a picnic.
Named one of our Most Picturesque Picnic Spots in Columbus, The Scioto Mile is a great place to settle in for a bite this season while enjoying the warm weather. With several nearby food options including Maudine's (a cute coffee shop inside The Junto Hotel) and the historic North Market (featuring 30 food vendors serving up cuisines from across the world), The Scioto Mile makes for a great picnic locale.
Paddlers on the Scioto River. Source: Experience Columbus.
Launch a kayak or paddleboard.
Paddle away the warm days on the river with a city skyline as a backdrop. Rental equipment is accessible from Windrose Outdoor, Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Come back in the fall for the annual Witch Paddle, to watch (or join in the fun) as dozens of witches wind their way down the river by boat or board.
Catch a movie.
Yes, you read that right. Nightlight 614 offers a series of 21+ outdoor movie screenings on the steps of COSI's Genoa Park. Nightlight proclaims it's a movie experience like no other with a curated bar, local food trucks, a pre-movie DJ and unparalleled views of the Columbus skyline. Get tickets and learn more about the screenings in 2025.
Biking along the Scioto Mile. Source: Experience Columbus.
Take a walk or ride your bike.
There's no better place for a morning or evening walk (or ride) than the Scioto Mile. With more than 12 miles of paved paths divided into four distinct sections, the multi-use trails along the Scioto Mile are a great place to explore by bike or on foot. The City of Columbus recently announced its new partnership with Veo, an alternative transportation company that offers those visiting Columbus different ways to get around with rental e-bikes, and e-scooters. Similar rentals are available through Spin.
Red, White & BOOM! Source: Experience Columbus.
Attend a marquee festival.
Festival season is upon us and what better way to enjoy the Mile than at one of Columbus' marquee events! Kicking things off along the riverfront is the Columbus Arts Festival, June 6-8 where hundreds of artists showcase their work. Don't miss the largest fireworks display in the Midwest at Red, White & BOOM!, Columbus' Independence Day celebration happening annually on July 3. Grab some grub and listen to some smooth tunes at Jazz & Rib Festival, July 18-20, and celebrate Columbus' rich, Black history and culture at CBUS Soul Fest, August 15-16.
Scioto Mile Fountain. Source: Infinite Impact, Downtown Columbus Inc.
Make a splash in the new fountain.
Stay cool in the heat this season and make a splash in the newly renovated Scioto Mile Fountain. Situated on the east bank of the Scioto River next to Bicentennial Park, the Scioto Mile Fountain has been a family-friendly favorite for years and now it's better than ever with captivating water and light shows. The fountain and splash park are free and open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Scioto Lounge by artist, Terry Allen. Source: Experience Columbus.
Snap a picture with the iconic deer statues.
Scioto Lounge is a series of three human-like, bronze deer statues situated in various spots along the Scioto Mile by Artist Terry Allen. Of the three, the most photographed is the deer perched in the center of the Rich Street Bridge that appears to be pondering life while overlooking the city's skyline. Taking a picture with this iconic Columbus landmark has become a right of passage for many who live and have visited our city.
SegAway Tours of Columbus. Source: Experience Columbus.
Book a segway tour.
SegAway Tours of Columbus offers two separate tours that take you around the Scioto Mile (along with other places) from March 1 through December 23. While spring and summer are great times to book, be sure to come back for the Holiday Lights Tour which guides you through some of the spectacular lights displays in the city.
