Riverwalk Spotlight: Riverfront Park
There’s something for everyone at Columbia’s Riverfront Park. Located beside the CanalSide neighborhood near The Vista, this park is packed with fun features, art, historic sites, and recreational opportunities.
Features
Historic Canal. This segment of the Three Rivers Greenway runs in between the Congaree and Broad rivers and the historic Columbia canal. The canal was active during the 19th century and powered many mills in the area, but railroads eventually made it obsolete. Just past the bridge used to cross the canal, you’ll see an old turbine house and pump house accompanied by information panels on the history of the canal.
Spider Lilies and Spanish Moss. This park shows off two flora that make this area so unique. Spanish moss hangs from the trees lining the path, and it’s a great place to spot the Rocky Shoals Spider Lily, the rarest species of spider lily in the world. If you want to get up close and personal with the spider lilies during the short time that they’re in bloom, book a guided spider lily tour with us! More info is on our website under “Tour”.
Wildlife. This park is not only popular with human residents, but with animal ones too. In the summer, hundreds of turtles can be seen sunning on the rocks in the river. Deer are often seen on either side of the path, and otters and the occasional alligator have made appearances along the canal.
Fitness Center. Just beyond the parking lot and before the bridge there is an outdoor fitness center. This provides a fun and free way to stay active while also getting outdoors.
Things to Do
Get some sun. Right after you cross the bridge near the entrance, you’ll see a large riverside green space. Pack a blanket and some snacks (and water of course!) and bask in the sun like the turtles in the river below. Visitors also often hang hammocks on the hammock stands, host small get-togethers, and play with their dogs in this area.
Trailside Storybook. The StoryWalk, unveiled in 2021 by the Richland Library, gets kids excited about reading and encourages them to interact with the nature around them. The story is broken up into multiple signs leading down the riverside trail, and guides readers through activities.
Check out CanalSide. The CanalSide community is a soon-to-be hotspot of Columbia. The property, which is located directly beside Riverfront Park, has two luxury apartment complexes, a market, and will soon be the home of Bierkeller, a German brewery and biergarten, as well as other new businesses.
Other Things to Know
Access. You can access the park from two spots. South Riverfront Park, which is the main entrance, is located at 312 Laurel Street. North Riverfront Park, which is where the dam is, is at 4210 River Drive.
More coming soon. The trail at Riverfront Park will eventually connect to EdVenture Children’s Museum.
Be mindful. There are always lots of dogs, runners, and bicyclists at this park, so be mindful and share the trail.
Riverfront Park is the kind of place that you can keep coming back to and do/find something different. With the upcoming beautiful weather, we encourage you to explore the canal’s rich history, take your furry friend on a walk, soak up some sun, or whatever you enjoy doing in the beautiful outdoor spaces the Columbia area has to offer!