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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos
Scioto Lounge deer sculptures
Best Time
Best light for photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Quirky bronze deer sculptures along the Scioto River, offering unique photo ops with the Columbus skyline.
"Elegant, photogenic, and quietly charming with a fantastic view of the Columbus skyline."
👀 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:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

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.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Feeding the Deer: A Word of Caution
Discovering All Three Deer
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👀 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:
Deer statues downtown
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
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Scioto Lounge deer sculptures are public art installations and are free to view and access at any time.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
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.
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.
One Reddit user noted the cost as $281,000 of tax money, sparking debate about public art funding.
Yes, similar statues were installed in Genoa Park nearby, contributing to a broader artistic beautification of the downtown riverfront area.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Artistic Vision of Terry Allen
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.
Navigating the Sculptures and Surroundings
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. Many visitors enjoy this walk, finding it a peaceful way to experience the public art and the revitalized downtown waterfront.
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