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Scioto Mile, United States of America - Things to Do in Scioto Mile

Scioto Mile

Scioto Mile, United States of America - Complete Travel Guide

Scioto Mile is a busy waterfront district in downtown Columbus, Ohio, stretching along the Scioto River for nearly two miles. This beautifully revitalized area serves as the city's premier destination for outdoor recreation, cultural attractions, and scenic beauty, featuring parks, fountains, trails, and impressive views of the Columbus skyline. The district easyly blends natural landscapes with urban amenities, offering visitors everything from interactive fountains and riverfront dining to major attractions like COSI science museum and the National Veterans Memorial and Museum. As Columbus's crown jewel, Scioto Mile represents one of the most successful urban waterfront transformations in the Midwest. The area hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year, making it a dynamic gathering place for both locals and tourists. With its network of bridges, green spaces, and recreational facilities, Scioto Mile provides an perfect introduction to Columbus's culture, history, and natural beauty all in one walkable district.

Top Scioto Mile

the Interactive Fountains

The Scioto Mile features several spectacular fountain installations, including the iconic dancing fountains that shoot water in choreographed patterns. Visitors can walk through and interact with these fountains, making them particularly popular with families during warmer months. The fountains are beautifully illuminated at night, creating a magical atmosphere along the riverfront.

Booking Tip: The fountains are free to enjoy and operate seasonally from late spring through early fall. Visit during evening hours for the best lighting effects, and bring a change of clothes if you plan to let kids play in the water.

COSI Science Museum

The Center of Science and Industry (COSI) is one of the premier science museums in the country, featuring hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, and interactive learning experiences. The museum covers topics from space exploration to ocean life, with special exhibitions that rotate throughout the year. The building itself offers great views of the Scioto River and downtown Columbus.

Booking Tip: General admission costs around $20-25 for adults, with discounts for children and seniors. Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid lines, especially during weekends and school holidays. Allow 3-4 hours for a full visit.

Stroll the Scioto Greenway Trail

This paved multi-use trail extends for miles along both sides of the Scioto River, offering scenic views of the water, downtown skyline, and natural areas. The trail is perfect for walking, jogging, cycling, or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll while taking in the sights. Multiple access points and bridge connections make it easy to customize your route length.

Booking Tip: The trail is free and open year-round, though spring through fall offers the best weather. Bike rentals are available at several locations for around $15-25 per day. Early morning or late afternoon provide the most comfortable temperatures and beautiful lighting.

the National Veterans Memorial and Museum

This unique spiral-designed museum is the only national memorial and museum dedicated to honoring all veterans from all branches of service. The exhibits tell personal stories of service members through interactive displays, artifacts, and multimedia presentations. The building's architecture itself is striking, with its distinctive curved design rising from the riverfront.

Booking Tip: Admission is typically $15-20 for adults with military discounts available. Reserve tickets online, especially for weekend visits. Plan for 2-3 hours to fully experience the exhibits and take time to reflect in the memorial spaces.

Enjoy Riverfront Dining and Entertainment

The Scioto Mile area features numerous restaurants, cafes, and entertainment venues with outdoor patios overlooking the river. From casual dining to upscale restaurants, visitors can enjoy meals while taking in skyline views and watching boats pass by. Many venues offer live music and special events, particularly during summer months.

Booking Tip: Reservations are recommended for waterfront restaurants, especially during peak dining hours and weekends. Prices range from $15-40 per entree depending on the establishment. Happy hour specials are common between 4-6 PM at many locations.

Getting There

Scioto Mile is located in downtown Columbus, Ohio, easily accessible by car via Interstate 70, 71, or 670, with multiple parking options including street parking and several parking garages. The closest major airport is John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), about 15 minutes away by car or accessible via COTA bus service. If arriving by train, the area is within walking distance of downtown Columbus, and Greyhound bus service connects to the downtown terminal just blocks away from Scioto Mile.

Getting Around

The Scioto Mile is highly walkable, with most attractions within easy walking distance of each other and connected by the scenic Greenway Trail. COTA (Central Ohio Transit Authority) provides bus service throughout downtown Columbus with several stops near Scioto Mile attractions. The free CBUS circulator provides convenient transportation around the downtown core during peak hours. For longer distances, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available, and bike-sharing stations are located throughout the area for eco-friendly transportation.

Where to Stay

Downtown Columbus
Short North Arts District
German Village
Arena District
Victorian Village
Brewery District

Food & Dining

The Scioto Mile and surrounding downtown area offer diverse dining options ranging from food trucks and casual cafes to upscale restaurants with river views. The nearby Short North Arts District features trendy eateries and craft breweries, while German Village offers traditional German cuisine and cozy pubs. Local specialties include Columbus-style pizza, craft beer from numerous local breweries, and farm-to-table restaurants featuring Ohio-grown ingredients. Many restaurants along the riverfront offer outdoor seating with scenic views, and food festivals throughout the year showcase the city's culinary diversity.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Columbus

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

The Thurman Cafe

4.6 /5
(6666 reviews) 2

Cap City Fine Diner and Bar

4.6 /5
(4112 reviews) 2

Lindey's

4.6 /5
(2737 reviews) 3

Forno Kitchen + Bar

4.5 /5
(2458 reviews) 2

The Old Mohawk

4.5 /5
(2153 reviews) 2

The Guild House

4.5 /5
(1923 reviews) 3

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Scioto Mile is from late spring through early fall (May through October) when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities and the fountains are operational. Summer months offer the most events and festivals, though they can be crowded and hot. Spring and fall provide comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery with blooming flowers or changing leaves. Winter visits are still worthwhile for indoor attractions like COSI and the Veterans Memorial, though outdoor activities are limited and some fountains may be shut down for the season.

Insider Tips

Visit during Red, White & Boom! festival in July for one of the largest fireworks displays in the Midwest, but book accommodations well in advance
The best photography spots are from the bridges crossing the Scioto River, especially during golden hour for skyline shots
Free parking is available on Sundays at most downtown meters, making it an ideal day for budget-conscious visitors to explore the area

Activities in Scioto Mile