The world is a crazy place, and it’s not unusual to want to just escape from it all. I certainly feel that way more often than I’d care to admit.
But luckily, because I often feel like I need to escape, I’ve been able to discover some truly magical spots around Central Ohio that not too many people know about.
These sanctuaries are all overlooked, which actually adds to their charm because their beauty shines through, regardless of how well known they are.
So, without any further ado, here are the top hidden sanctuaries in Columbus and Central Ohio.
Chadwick Arboretum
152 Howlett Hall 2021, Fyffe Rd, Columbus, OH 43210
Tucked away on one of the westernmost corners of Ohio State’s campus, the Chadwick Arboretum is a luscious green escape from the hustle and bustle of college students and downtown Columbus. With over 30 acres of varying species of plants, unique architecture scattered throughout, and plenty of benches to sit at, Chadwick Arboretum flies way under the radar as one of the most serene and peaceful parks in all of Columbus. There’s a good chance you might not cross paths with a single person while you’re there… truly a well-kept secret that I almost feel bad about sharing.
Frank Fetch Park
228 E Beck St, Columbus, OH 43206
While it is the smallest park in the city of Columbus, coming in at a WHOPPING 0.2 acres, Frank Fetch Park in German Village punches wayyyy above its weight class. It’s easily one of the best-maintained parks in all of Columbus and has beautiful brick-lined walkways, cool old-fashioned light posts with potted plants, covered picnic areas, and even a fountain! It’s absolutely worth checking out during your next excursion to German Village.
Hidden picnic area at Antrim Lake
5800 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, OH 43235
If you’ve ever gone on a walk around Antrim Lake near Worthington, you know how peaceful it can be. But you probably have never ventured beyond the paved trails, which is where the magic truly lies. On the eastern side of the lake, there is a park bench that sits in front of an entryway to the woods. Back there, you’ll find some hidden trails and even some rocky beaches along the the Olentangy River that could make for a great picnic spot! Just, please, make sure you clean up after yourself.
Glen Echo Park
510 Cliffside Dr, Columbus, OH 43202
This park is a giant winding ravine, nestled away just south of Clintonville alongside the aptly-named Glen Echo Creek. Given that it’s a ravine, this hidden gem of a park offers incredible views of rock formations and what lies beneath the Earth’s surface. Aside from its surprisingly gorgeous views, this park’s claim to fame is the massive Bird Tunnel on the westernmost point of the park, where giant artistic adaptations of birds are painted on the interior walls. It’s really a unique spot that not many people know about.
Indian Run Falls
700 Shawan Falls Dr, Dublin, OH 43017
Sometimes when I can’t sleep, I put on some white noise of water flowing down a stream. But ever since I went to Indian Run Falls, I decided that the next time I can’t sleep, I’ll just drive on over to the falls and sleep there for the night. It’s so unbelievably serene with the gentle flow of the stream, the waterfall, and the wooded areas that surround it all. If you haven’t been here yet, you are missing out on some total peace and quiet.
Going, Going, Gone! Sculpture at Darree Fields
6259 Cosgray Rd, Dublin, OH 43016
My brother used to play soccer at these fields all the time, and since I was always too hyper to sit down and actually watch a game, I’d go explore the fields. The Darree Fields always stuck with me, though, mainly because of the Going, Going, Gone! Sculpture by Don Merkt. It’s honestly a really cool and topical way to represent the passage of time given the surrounding baseball and soccer fields, and the wooded area the sculpture leads you to is generally super quiet and peaceful. Just be sure you don’t go during a major soccer or baseball tournament and you should be fine.
