Being a student at Ohio State University means you’re surrounded by some of the most photogenic spots in Columbus, but finding them isn’t always easy, especially if you’re new to campus or living off campus for the first time. When choosing where to live, location plays a big role, and being close to walkable and social areas can shape your overall college experience.
After spending years exploring Columbus and getting to know the areas around campus, it’s clear which locations students return to again and again for photos. From iconic OSU landmarks to nearby neighborhoods, certain spots stand out for their scenery and convenience.
In this guide, you’ll find eight of the best places to take pictures near Ohio State University, all located near campus or within easy walking distance, so you can make the most of where you live.
Read Next: 10 Best Brunch Spots Near OSU
Best 8 Places to Take Pictures Near OSU (updated 2026)
1. German Village
Location: German Village
The German Village neighborhood is an amazing place to take photos in Columbus because of its charming historic architecture, picturesque streets, and beautiful gardens. The neighborhood is full of brick buildings, many of which date back to the 1800s. The streets are lined with trees and flowers, and there are several parks and gardens to explore, including Frank Fetch Park and Schiller Park.
2. Scioto Mile
Address: 233 S Civic Center Dr
The Scioto Mile has beautiful riverfront views, providing an excellent backdrop for your Instagram photos. With its central location, the Scioto Mile offers impressive views of the Columbus city skyline while also featuring stunning landscape architecture, including well-maintained parks, trails and green spaces.
3. Ohio State University Rotunda
Address: 411 Woody Hayes Dr
The OSU Rotunda is a classic spot for students to take photos in because of its iconic architecture and its significance to the university community. This Rotunda is located in the gateway to the Ohio Stadium, also known as “The Shoe,” and it’s one of the most popular buildings to take pictures on campus.
4. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Photo courtesy of Franklin Park Conservatory.
Address: 1777 E Broad St
The Franklin Park Conservatory offers an extensive collection of plant species from various regions around the world. The plants are arranged in a variety of themed gardens, including a rainforest garden, a desert garden, and a bonsai garden. In addition to its exotic plants and architecture, the Conservatory also has a variety of unique exhibits that are great for taking pictures. For example, the Conservatory has a Chihuly Collection, which features the work of world-renowned glassblower Dale Chihuly.
5. Topiary Park
Photo courtesy of WOSU Public Media.
Address: 480 E Town St
Topiary Park is located in downtown Columbus, and it is known for its life-size topiary sculptures of people, animals, and objects, all arranged to recreate a scene from the famous painting “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte” by Georges Seurat. This is a great spot to take pictures in because it offers a variety of different and interesting photo opportunities. You can take pictures with the individual topiaries, or you can try to capture yourself with the entire scene.
6. Mirror Lake
Address: Mirror Lake
Mirror Lake is a small pond located on OSU’s campus, between Browning Amphitheater and the Oxley and Pomerene Halls, and it is an iconic part of the university. This place is a popular spot for students, faculty and staff to relax and enjoy the outdoors. It is also a popular spot for photo shoots, senior pictures and wedding ceremonies.
7. Wexner Center of Arts
Photo courtesy of Wexner Center for the Arts.
Address: 1971 N High St
The Wexner Center for the Arts is a multidisciplinary, international arts center on the OSU campus and it presents a wide range of performing arts, including dance, music, theater and film. This is an amazing spot to take Instagram pictures because of its unique architecture, beautiful spaces, and vibrant arts scene.
8. Columbus Park Of Roses
Photo courtesy of Ohio Tourism.
Address: 3901 N High St
The Columbus Park of Roses is a 13-acre public park and rose garden and it’s located in the neighborhood of Clintonville. The park is free to enter and offers beautiful scenery for pictures, including the thousands of roses and the well-maintained gardens. You can easily take close-up pictures of the roses, or take wider shots of the gardens and the park as a whole.
Columbus is a great place to take photos, whether you’re looking for your next Instagram shot or just want to have some fun with friends. Many of these spots are close to the OSU campus, and some are even within walking distance. Next time you’re looking for a place to take pictures, be sure to check out these awesome and conveniently located spots!
While you’re out taking pictures, check out the 10 Best Things to do in Columbus Ohio near campus, as these are all wonderful spots to take pictures as well!
If you’d like to learn more about students living near Ohio State University, contact the Rambler leasing team, who are more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
