Scioto Lounge deer sculptures - a couple of wooden rocking horses sitting on top of a sidewalk
1 / 10

Scioto Lounge deer sculptures

4.8
·26 reviews·Columbus, United States

Quirky bronze deer sculptures along the Scioto River, offering unique photo ops with the Columbus skyline.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Best light for photos

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Scioto Lounge deer sculptures - a couple of wooden rocking horses sitting on top of a sidewalk

Scioto Lounge deer sculptures

Best Time

Daytime

Best light for photos

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Quirky bronze deer sculptures along the Scioto River, offering unique photo ops with the Columbus skyline.

4.8
(26 reviews)

"Elegant, photogenic, and quietly charming with a fantastic view of the Columbus skyline."

Vertical photo
TIP

👀 Spot All Three Deer!

Don't stop at the bridge! Find the other two deer sculptures on the COSI steps and in Genoa Park for the full experience. :camerawithflash:

⚠️ Feeding Caution

Be mindful when feeding the deer; they can be intimidating in groups and have been known to nip. :warning:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bridge Deer's Skyline View

Bridge Deer's Skyline View

Scioto Lounge Pedestrian Bridge

An elegant bronze deer gazes towards the Columbus skyline, offering a picturesque and unique photo opportunity.

COSI Steps Paired Deer

COSI Steps Paired Deer

COSI Steps

A second deer sculpture mirrors the bridge deer, creating a charming paired sightline perfect for memorable photos.

Genoa Park's Hidden Gem

Genoa Park's Hidden Gem

Genoa Park

Discover a third, similar deer statue along the Scioto River greenway, adding to the artistic charm of the area.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Feeding the Deer: A Word of Caution

While tempting, feeding the Scioto Lounge deer sculptures can lead to unexpected behavior. One visitor reported being nipped after a group of deer became intimidating. Consider discreetly offering snacks if you choose to feed them, or simply enjoy observing their unique presence.

Discovering All Three Deer

Many visitors are aware of the deer sculpture on the bridge, but there are actually three! Don't miss the one on the COSI steps and another in Genoa Park. Keep an eye out during your downtown explorations to find them all.

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Best light for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Early Morning
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Hahaha poor husband. They ended up throwing all their snacks and getting out of there. Pro tip find a deer alone ish and feed it discreetly. In large groups they’re intimidating and one actually nipped my behind.
@ashleyinit7
41.7K likes • 500.5K views

👀 Spot All Three Deer!

Don't stop at the bridge! Find the other two deer sculptures on the COSI steps and in Genoa Park for the full experience. :camerawithflash:

⚠️ Feeding Caution

Be mindful when feeding the deer; they can be intimidating in groups and have been known to nip. :warning:

reddit.com

Deer statues downtown

reddit.com

Columbus, Ohio has three bronze deer statues. Here is one buck just hanging out.

📸 Perfect Photo Ops

The deer sculptures offer unique angles with the downtown skyline and river. Great for artistic shots! :iphone:

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Greenway

Walk along the Scioto River greenway to discover the deer and enjoy the scenic views. :athletic_shoe:

Tips

from all over the internet

👀 Spot All Three Deer!

Don't stop at the bridge! Find the other two deer sculptures on the COSI steps and in Genoa Park for the full experience. :camerawithflash:

⚠️ Feeding Caution

Be mindful when feeding the deer; they can be intimidating in groups and have been known to nip. :warning:

📸 Perfect Photo Ops

The deer sculptures offer unique angles with the downtown skyline and river. Great for artistic shots! :iphone:

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Greenway

Walk along the Scioto River greenway to discover the deer and enjoy the scenic views. :athletic_shoe:

What Travellers Say

4.8
(26 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Scioto Lounge deer sculptures to be elegant, photogenic, and a charming addition to downtown Columbus, particularly appreciating the skyline views and unique artistic poses. While some question the cost, most enjoy the quirky art and the opportunity for memorable photos along the riverfront.

"Scioto Lounge Bronze Deer standing and starring toward downtown—elegant, photogenic, and quietly charming. A second deer on the COSI steps looks the same way, creating a lovely paired sightline and great photo spot."

Andrey Salyakhov (Andreisadventurechronicls)

"Just happens to be in a spot with a fantastic view of the Columbus skyline. Its a quirky sculpture with a deer posing in an impossible human like form but I guess that's the point of art.

It doesn't take up too much space on the pedestrian pathway on the bridge. Fun photo spot."

Rasikanand Harvind

"The statue of the deer looking into the Scioto river from the bridge was installed as part of beautification of Columbus downtown. Scioto means "hairy deer" in native language.
Artist : Terry Allen"

Sunny M A

What People Like

Photogenic sculptures
Skyline views
Unique artistic poses

What People Dislike

Cost of sculptures

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The main deer sculpture is located on the Scioto Lounge pedestrian bridge, offering great views of downtown Columbus. Two other similar deer sculptures can be found on the steps of COSI (Center of Science and Industry) and within Genoa Park along the Scioto River greenway. Reddit

Yes, there are several parking garages and street parking options available in downtown Columbus near the Scioto Lounge bridge and Genoa Park. COSI also has its own parking facilities. Reddit

Several COTA bus routes serve the downtown Columbus area, with stops within walking distance of the Scioto Lounge bridge and Genoa Park. Check the COTA website for specific route information.

The Scioto Lounge pedestrian bridge and the pathways in Genoa Park are generally accessible. The COSI steps may present a challenge for wheelchair users, but the deer sculpture is visible from the surrounding area.

A pleasant walk along the Scioto River greenway will allow you to easily visit all three sculptures. Start at one end and stroll to the others, enjoying the riverfront scenery. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Scioto Lounge deer sculptures are public art installations and are free to view and access at any time. Reddit

As outdoor public art, the deer sculptures can be viewed 24/7. However, for the best experience and safety, visiting during daylight hours is recommended. Reddit

Genoa Park and the exterior areas around COSI are free to access. COSI itself requires admission tickets for entry into the museum exhibits.

While there aren't specific guided tours for the deer sculptures, many downtown Columbus walking tours may include them as part of their route. You can also explore them independently.

You can get close for photos and admire the sculptures. However, climbing on or damaging the art is prohibited. Be mindful of the 'human-like' poses and artistic intent. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for capturing the deer sculptures with the downtown skyline. Daytime provides clear views, but can be harsher. TikTok

The Scioto Lounge bridge offers a direct sightline to the downtown skyline with the deer in the foreground. The COSI steps provide a paired view, and Genoa Park offers a more natural riverfront setting. Reddit

Drone usage in downtown Columbus is subject to FAA regulations and local ordinances. It's advisable to check current rules and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone in the area.

A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for capturing great shots. If you have a DSLR or mirrorless camera, a wide-angle lens can be useful for including the skyline, and a telephoto can isolate details of the sculptures.

Generally, personal photography is allowed and encouraged. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits. Always be respectful of other visitors.

🎫 💡 Interesting Facts

The sculptures, created by artist Terry Allen, are intended as public art. The name 'Scioto' itself is derived from a Native American word meaning 'hairy deer,' adding a layer of local history to the art. Reddit

The 'quirky' and 'impossible human-like form' is part of the artistic statement, designed to provoke thought and conversation about art and its place in public spaces. Reddit

One Reddit user noted the cost as $281,000 of tax money, sparking debate about public art funding. Reddit

Yes, similar statues were installed in Genoa Park nearby, contributing to a broader artistic beautification of the downtown riverfront area. Reddit

The Scioto River flows through Columbus and is a central feature of the city's landscape. The name 'Scioto' itself has indigenous roots, meaning 'hairy deer,' connecting the river and the sculptures to the region's history. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Scioto Lounge deer sculptures offer a fun and engaging way to introduce children to public art. The unique, almost whimsical poses of the deer can spark imagination and curiosity. Encourage kids to spot all three sculptures – the one on the bridge, the one at COSI, and the one in Genoa Park – turning it into a mini scavenger hunt. Reddit

While the sculptures themselves are not interactive, the surrounding areas like Genoa Park offer open spaces for children to run around. Be mindful of the warning about feeding the deer, as they can become intimidating in groups, and it's best to supervise children closely if snacks are involved. TikTok

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, the Scioto Lounge deer sculptures present a compelling subject, especially when framed against the Columbus skyline. The golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) provides the most dramatic lighting, casting a warm glow on the bronze and enhancing the cityscape backdrop. TikTok

Experiment with different angles: capture the deer in profile on the bridge, create a symmetrical shot with the paired sculptures at COSI, or incorporate the natural riverfront setting in Genoa Park. A wide-angle lens is useful for encompassing the full scene, while a telephoto lens can isolate the intricate details of the sculptures. Remember to be respectful of other visitors and their photo opportunities. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Artistic Vision of Terry Allen

The Scioto Lounge deer sculptures are the work of renowned artist Terry Allen. Allen is known for his multidisciplinary approach, often blending sculpture, music, and performance. His pieces frequently explore themes of place, history, and the human condition, often with a touch of wry humor or poignant observation. The deer sculptures, with their unusual, almost human-like poses, invite viewers to question perception and the nature of art in public spaces. Reddit

Visitors often remark on the 'quirky' nature of the sculptures, noting how they appear 'like a person from far away.' This deliberate artistic choice is central to Allen's work, aiming to create an engaging and thought-provoking experience for the public. The placement of the sculptures along the Scioto River, with views of the downtown skyline, further integrates the art into the urban fabric, making it an accessible yet striking feature of the city. Reddit

Navigating the Sculptures and Surroundings

Discovering all three Scioto Lounge deer sculptures is a rewarding experience that encourages exploration of Columbus's riverfront. The primary sculpture on the Scioto Lounge pedestrian bridge offers a fantastic vantage point for photographing the city's skyline. It's easily accessible and a popular spot for a quick photo op. Reddit

Just a short walk away, the COSI steps host another deer sculpture, creating a delightful paired visual. Continuing along the Scioto River greenway, you'll find a third, similar sculpture in Genoa Park. This pathway is ideal for a leisurely stroll or bike ride, allowing you to appreciate the sculptures and the scenic river views at your own pace. Reddit Many visitors enjoy this walk, finding it a peaceful way to experience the public art and the revitalized downtown waterfront. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2