How to Explore Columbus Ohio's Olentangy River Trail

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Your transportation mode of preference (foot, bike, rollerblades, etc).
Your spirit of adventure!

Step 1

The Santa Maria

THE SANTA MARIA: Near the southern edge of the trail you’ll find a Columbus landmark: a museum quality replica of Christopher Columbus’ Santa Maria. You can see the outer ship from the trails edge, but it’s worth the modest admission fee to take a tour of the ship’s interior. Columbus’ Santa Maria also hosts a boatload (pun intended) of events, including “Talk Like a Pirate Day,” “Dueling on the Dock” and “Haunted Ship” tours.
Step 2

Olentangy River Wetland

OLENTANGY RIVER WETLAND RESEARCH PARK: Internationally recognized as a wetland of significance, this research park is sponsored by The Ohio State University and is home to 160 species of birds, 23 species of fish and over 400 species of plants. Stop in the visitor center during daylight hours and it’s surprisingly easy to attain a tour, often from one of the many PhD students who’ve come to Columbus to write their dissertations on the Olentangy Wetland—and are more than happy to entertain questions from visitors about their favorite subject! With many virtually guaranteed wildlife sightings, including geese, chipmunks, gray squirrels and rabbits, the Wetland Research Park is the perfect place to bring out-of-town guests. One unexpected delight in visiting the park is the thousands of snails that line bottom of the marsh, creating intricate designs in the mud that reveal the slow path they’re trudging. In addition, a lucky visitor might spy an opossum, mink, raccoon, deer—even a red fox!
Step 3

Columbus Ohio Native Grass

WHETSTONE PRAIRIE: The Whetstone Prairie boasts 5.1 acres of native Ohio flora and fauna. A trailhead to the prairie is found at the south end of Whetstone Park, adjacent to the Olentangy River Trail. Walking paths weave throughout the prairie where gayfeather, blue stem grass and purple coneflowers stretch up to six feet in height, forming a grand atrium that’s frequented by yellow finches, red cardinals, and dozens of other species of song birds

The prairie is also home to two vernal pools—bodies of water that exist only during the rainy months. Visit these in the spring and early summer and you’re likely to find tadpolls, salamanders, frogs, and toads.
Step 4

The Park of Roses

WHETSTONE’S PARK OF ROSES: Amazingly, by taking just a short detour from the Olentangy Trail, you’ll have the chance to meet Audrey Hepburn, Carrie Grant, Dolly Parton and even Betty Boop! Each of these stars is also the name of one of the 350 species of roses you can find at the Whetstone Park of Roses. For an awesome view of the whole park, climb the spiraling staircase to the top of the raised gazebo at the center of the garden. Love the thrill of the hunt? See if you can sniff out the fragrant “Firefighter”. Also, be on the lookout for the petite “Queen O’ the Lakes” and the larger than life “Rosie O’Donnel”. Finally—though you may be in a hurry by now—don’t miss out on the gorgeous “Pink Inpatients”.
Step 5

Antrim Lake is a Columbus icon

ANTRIM LAKE: By now, you may be tired of cohabitating with other bikes on the trail. You’re in luck! At the northern end of the Olentangy Trail lies Antrim Lake, which is surrounded by a pedestrian-only running trail. And, with plenty of benches and even a large wood deck to rest on, there are ample places to simply take a quiet moment or enjoy the antics of the lake’s active mallard population. You can even bring your fishing poll along—Antrim Lake is lush with trout.
Step 6

One of the joys of living in Columbus is visiting local treasures like these and witnessing how the space evolves with each changing season. So, whether the season calls for grabbing your sweetie to see the Park of Roses in its summer splendor or tromping through the snow to see the icy wonderland of the Wetland Research Park in winter, you’re sure to find adventure at Columbus’ Olentangy River Trail!