Experience · Columbus

Columbus Art & Riverside Afternoon

Discover American art and regional history at The Columbus Museum, set in a former private home with lush gardens. Afterward, enjoy a delightful lunch at a local spot known for its Southern-inspired comfort food. Conclude your afternoon with a relaxing stroll along the riverfront, taking in the serene views.

A 3.5-hour Columbus afternoon plan for solo — The Columbus Museum, The Black Cow, Woodruff Riverfront Park.

Duration: 3h 30m
Cost: $15–$35
Stops: 3 stops
Walking: Moderate walking · Total 1.4-mile driving route
Best time: 12:00 – 5:00 PM
Ideal for: Solo · Friends · Couples

Start Plan

Customize

The plan

1The Columbus Museum(1 hr 30 min)→
2The Black Cow(1 hr)→
3Woodruff Riverfront Park(1 hr)

Why this plan works

The 3 stops cover about 1.4 miles total, which keeps you in one pocket of Columbus instead of crossing town between them. The Columbus Museum is the main event and takes the biggest block of time; the other stops are built around it. It finishes at Woodruff Riverfront Park — a short, low-effort stop you can skip if you're ready to call it. Best suited to solo, friends, and couples who want a planned Columbus outing without improvising between stops.

The story

The itinerary

3 stops, one great day

1
1h 30m
The Columbus Museum
Arts & Culture
American art & regional history exhibits are displayed in a former private home with lush gardens.
What to do — Allow ample time to wander through the galleries and gardens, absorbing the unique blend of art and history. Check for any rotating exhibits that might be on display.
Scout Side Quest
Split up for three minutes to find the piece of art you'd hang in your living room, then lead each other to it.
1 mi · 20 min walk or 5 min drive
Then Drive a short distance to the restaurant, located nearby in downtown Columbus.
2
1 hr
The Black Cow
Food & Drink
Homey destination for fried green tomatoes & other Southern-inspired comfort food plus cocktails.
What to do — Enjoy a hearty lunch, choosing from their menu of Southern classics. Don't forget to try their signature dishes.
0.4 mi · 8 min walk or 4 min drive
Then Take a short walk to Woodruff Riverfront Park, enjoying the downtown atmosphere.
3
Optional 1 hr
Woodruff Riverfront Park
Outdoors
This riverside promenade on the Columbus State University campus plays host to many college events.
What to do — Walk along the paved paths, find a bench to relax, and watch the river flow by. This is a great spot for quiet reflection or a casual chat.
Scout Side Quest
Pick a bench by the water and each share your favorite trip you've ever taken near a river or ocean.

Scout Stories

People who did this

Be the first to leave a Moment.

Did this outing? Hit "We Did This" up top and share a photo.

The route

On the map

Open route in Google Maps

Common questions

Planning this outing

Is this a good Columbus itinerary for solo?: Yes. It's built for solo, friends, and couples and runs about 3 hr 30 min across 3 stops, starting at The Columbus Museum.
How long does this outing take?: Plan on 3 hr 30 min door to door, including time between stops.
How much does this Columbus itinerary cost?: Roughly $15–$35 per person, before parking and tips. Free and low-cost stops are marked on each card.
Is this itinerary walkable?: Yes — every hop is under a mile, about 1.4 miles of walking in total.
Do I need reservations?: No. Every stop on this plan takes walk-ins, though weekends move faster if you arrive early.

Keep exploring

Different moods, same city.

See all things to do in Columbus →

Date Night
Columbus
American Art and Midtown Stroll in Columbus
Begin with lunch in Midtown before spending an unhurried afternoon wandering regional history and fine American art at The Columbus Museum. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll past the flowering paths and creeks of nearby Lakebottom Park.
Duration
3h 45m
Cost
$18–$35
Ideal for
Solo · Couples
View the plan
Family
Columbus
Civil War Naval History & Park Fun
Start your full family day with a quick breakfast before heading to the National Civil War Naval Museum for an immersive historical adventure. Recharge with a casual lunch, then let the kids burn off energy at Lakebottom Park with its playground and fields.
Duration
6h 20m
Cost
$50–$90
Ideal for
Families · Kids
View the plan
Arts & Culture
Columbus
Civil War History & Riverfront Columbus
Dive into Columbus's rich history this afternoon with an immersive experience at the National Civil War Naval Museum, featuring impressive ship replicas. Afterward, enjoy a casual lunch with river views, followed by a leisurely stroll along the scenic Woodruff Riverfront Park.
Duration
4h 30m
Cost
$15–$40
Ideal for
Solo · Couples
View the plan
Date Night
Columbus
Broadway & Rooftop Date Night
Begin your date night with pre-show drinks at a trendy spot, then immerse yourselves in a live performance at the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. Conclude the evening with an upscale dinner and drinks at a hip rooftop bar, offering great views and conversation.
Duration
4h 30m
Cost
$100–$200
Ideal for
Couples · Solo
View the plan
Arts & Culture
Columbus
Kids' Space Morning & Downtown Breakfast
Start your family day with an engaging journey through space at the Coca-Cola Space Science Center, perfect for curious young minds. Afterwards, head to Fountain City Coffee for a relaxed and tasty breakfast to recharge before an optional visit to Woodruff Riverfront Park.
Duration
3h 30m
Cost
$10–$30
Ideal for
Solo · Families
View the plan
Date Night
Columbus
East Columbus Escape & Dinner Date
Ignite your evening with an exciting escape room challenge, perfect for a lively start to your date. Afterwards, treat yourselves to a refined American dinner at a top local restaurant, making for a sophisticated and fun evening.
Duration
3h 40m
Cost
$90–$180
Ideal for
Couples · Solo
View the plan