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Mill Race Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 1,181 Google reviews · Running trail in Columbus, Indiana · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Mill Race Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Developed 32-acre city park features paved people trails, a covered bridge & an observation tower.
What runners say about Mill Race Park
“Nice and clean playground was great.”
“A wonderful, fun place to ride your bicycle around for fresh air, great exercising, beautiful natural views, people watching, and friendly, happy, respectful people using the park.”
“Great place for a run or to play frisbee/basketball/badminton.”
“There is stuff for all ages here.”
Mill Race park is a beautifully designed park. In its 85 acres, there are various features that provide an engaging public space. Besides the 84-foot tall lookout tower that is a must-try, the well-designed walking trail loop takes you through all sorts of sights: a sandy beach by the Flatrock river; the cool covered…
This is a spacious and beautiful path with lots to offer. The sights here are pretty cool. From a rivers' confluence to a tower that one can climb to overlook the town and surrounding nature. I can here for a nice morning walk and got just that.
My family and I really love this hidden gem in Columbus, Indiana. It has a great trail, a covered bridge, the open theater, playground, pond with ducks, other wildlife, and it's surrounded with beautiful scenery. We've visited multiple times and each time it gets better.
Ive been to mill race for years. I always find myself back walking the same trails, going back to events that happen throughout the years, and simply enjoying the beautiful parts of Mill Race.
Trail conditions & character
“A wonderful, fun place to ride your bicycle around for fresh air, great exercising, beautiful natural views, people watching, and friendly, happy, respectful people using the park.”
“I get lots of steps walking this park and appreciate the clean bathrooms.”
“From a rivers' confluence to a tower that one can climb to overlook the town and surrounding nature.”
“The paths are paved and besides the stairs going up to the observation tower, there is a bit of elevation change.”
“You can go on a 3+ mile loop without losing interest.”
Plan your run at Mill Race Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitecolumbus.in.us
- Phone+1 812-376-2680
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–10 pm |
Running trails near Columbus
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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