A disused quarry turned into a recreational destination, old forests along river bluffs, and restored prairies: Franklin’s natural landscape takes many forms.
Parks with Distinctive Character
Franklin County has more than 200 miles of trails across 19 Metro Parks. The parks show just how varied these natural destinations can be. Quarry Trails has transformed a disused quarry into a recreational destination. Its striking features include a 25-foot waterfall and a challenging 0.75-mile mountain biking trail. Here, the site’s former use is combined with today’s recreational opportunities.
The name Three Creeks refers to the confluence of Alum Creek, Big Walnut Creek and Blacklick Creek. Scioto Grove offers a different landscape, with old forests and scenic bluffs overlooking the Scioto River. Nature and activity also come together there on a 3D archery course equipped with 12 foam animal targets.
Nearly 500 acres of restored flowering prairies and grasslands define the landscape at Prairie Oaks. Seeds from the Darby Plains were used to restore them. Walnut Woods, meanwhile, includes restored wetlands and spring-fed waters. There are two access points for canoeing and kayaking on Big Walnut Creek. The options range from prairies and grasslands to forests, bluffs, wetlands and activities on the water.
Science, Art and History
Cultural discoveries also offer a variety of experiences. The American Museum of Natural History Dinosaur Gallery at COSI lets visitors come face to face with dinosaurs such as a T. rex. The COSI Planetarium is the largest planetarium in Ohio. For practical information when visiting, there is an underground garage and an above-ground garage west of the COSI building. Additional parking is within a ten-minute walk.
Visitors can explore the Ohio Statehouse and its grounds with the Monument Cell Phone Audio Tour. Along the way, they learn about the Capitol’s architecture, history and current use. The Columbus Museum of Art offers a different historical perspective: it was founded in 1878 as the Columbus Gallery of Fine Arts.
At Franklin Park Conservatory, walking paths wind through an 88-acre site. The 2-acre Scotts Miracle-Gro Children's Garden includes a Nature Play Zone and a Canopy Walk. The Conservatory also features 17 installations by glass artist Dale Chihuly. The combination of expansive grounds, garden areas and glass art offers several ways to explore, without requiring visitors to experience nature and culture in the same way.
A Weekly Program with a Regular Schedule
In 2026, North Market’s pop-up program runs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from January through December. Events take place at both North Market Downtown and North Market Bridge Park. The regular schedule gives you a concrete starting point for planning a 2026 trip, while the parks, exhibitions and historic sites each offer their own highlights.
Discover more destinations: Columbus, Dublin, Westerville, Grove City, Hilliard, Worthington, Canal Winchester, Reynoldsburg, Obetz, Lockbourne, Whitehall, Gahanna, Upper Arlington, Groveport.
For the broader travel overview: Ohio.
