Visit this stunning 13 acre rose garden in the middle of Columbus

Created in 1953, Columbus Park of Roses is one of the largest public rose gardens in the U.S. It has grown to include over 7,500 rose specimens, as well as 100’s of varieties of bulbs, herbs, perennials, shrubs and trees. 

I’m embarrassed to admit that I lived in Columbus for 15 years before I finally went to the Park of Roses. Don’t make the same mistake that I did! It’s unbelievably beautiful, and it’s hard to believe that its free and open to the public to enjoy! 

Columbus Park of Roses

Explore the Beauty of the Columbus Park of Roses

Columbus Recreation and Parks Department owns and maintains the 13 acre park, along with volunteers from the Columbus Rose Club and the Central Ohio Rose Society.

While there are plenty of gardens to enjoy from Spring – Fall, peak Rose season is late May through Summer, with a second bloom in September in the Formal Rose Garden.

Garden Highlights

The park is divided into several distinct gardens, each offering a unique floral experience:

Formal Rose Garden: The centerpiece of the park, this symmetrical design features neatly arranged rose beds. This was the original Columbus Park of Roses, and covers 7 acres. It also features an ornate observation tower, so visitors can view the gardens from above. 

Heritage Rose Garden: Showcasing antique rose varieties, all cultivated before 1867. Most heritage roses are very fragrant and flower only once a year. Late spring is the best time to experience their profuse display of blooms.

Backyard Garden: Includes a variety of ornamental trees, shrubs, perennials and bulbs designed to give visitors creative ideas for their own gardens. Featuring Earth-friendly resilient, low-maintenance roses that thrive with minimal care.

Perennial Garden: A diverse collection of flowers that complement the roses and attract pollinators. The growing season extends from March through November. 

Herb Garden: The herbs are planted in nine thematic beds: Culinary, Tea, Medicinal, Dye, Edible Flowers, Fragrance, Rose, Pollinator and Native American.

Arboretum: The extensive variety of trees and shrubs across the 13-acre Columbus Park of Roses creates year-round interest for visitors. It’s a great place to walk in the winter!

Best time to see the roses

While the park is open year-round, peak bloom season typically occurs from late May through mid-June, with additional blooms continuing through early fall. Follow along on the Friends of Columbus Park of Roses Facebook page to see bloom updates and other features.

Visitors can enjoy free admission and stroll through the garden at their own pace. It’s accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, and there are benches throughout the park. 

Plan Your Visit

Location: 3901 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43214
Hours: Open daily from dawn to dusk
Admission: Free
Website: https://parkofroses.org/

Whether you’re visiting for a peaceful walk, to admire the stunning floral displays, or to gain inspiration for your own garden, the Columbus Park of Roses is a true gem in the city’s park system. Don’t forget your camera—this beautiful park is picture-perfect!