Mcferson Commons - Arch Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
McFerson Commons, also known as Arch Park, is a public park located in Columbus, Ohio.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The park is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, with several attractions and points of interest to see.
One of the main reasons to visit McFerson Commons is to see the iconic Columbus Arch, which serves as a beautiful backdrop for events, public art displays, and other activities. The park also features a fountain, walking trails, and plenty of green space for picnicking and relaxing.
Other notable points of interest in the park include the Neil Avenue Gate, which serves as the entrance to the Ohio State University campus, and the historic North Market, a popular indoor market featuring vendors selling a wide range of goods and food.
In addition to its attractions, McFerson Commons is also known for its rich history. The park was once the site of a bustling industrial district, and remnants of this past can still be seen throughout the area.
The best time of year to visit McFerson Commons depends on personal preference. The park is beautiful and vibrant throughout the year, with different events and activities taking place depending on the season. Visitors can enjoy outdoor concerts, farmers markets, and festivals during the summer months, while fall brings stunning foliage and Halloween events.
Overall, McFerson Commons is an excellent destination for anyone looking to experience the history, culture, and natural beauty of Columbus, Ohio.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
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
North Bank Park
Richter Worker's Memorial Park
Battelle Riverfront Park
Sensenbrenner Park
Capitol Square