Fort Hayes Park

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fort Hayes Park is a historic park situated in the heart of Columbus, Ohio.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

It was initially a military fort built in 1863 by Union forces during the American Civil War. Today, it is a popular destination for people of all ages, offering a range of attractions and activities that cater to both locals and tourists alike.

There are several reasons why one should visit Fort Hayes Park. First, it is a great place to learn about the history of Columbus and its role in the Civil War. The park is home to several historic buildings, including the Fort Hayes Barracks, which has been restored and converted into a community arts center.

Other points of interest in Fort Hayes Park include the Veterans Memorial Museum, which showcases exhibits and artifacts related to American military history, and the Columbus Police Training Academy, which offers visitors a glimpse into the life of a police officer.

In addition to these attractions, Fort Hayes Park is also home to several outdoor recreational areas, including tennis courts, ball fields, and a playground. The park also hosts several events throughout the year, including concerts, festivals, and community gatherings.

Interesting facts about Fort Hayes Park include its designation as a National Historic Landmark, its use as a training ground for several prominent Civil War generals, and its role as a military base during both World War I and II.

The best time of year to visit Fort Hayes Park is during the summer months when the weather is warm and the park is bustling with activity. However, the park is open year-round and offers a range of activities that can be enjoyed during any season.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
View more

Featured Parks