If you’ve ever wanted a close-up look at a bald eagle without leaving the city, Columbus has a surprisingly easy answer.
Just off Dublin Road near the Scioto River, a bald eagle pair known as Athena and Apollo has built a nest that’s become a quiet favorite among local birdwatchers. The site sits near 994–1000 Dublin Road, close to the Dublin Road Water Facility, overlooking the river north of the low-head dam.
It’s one of those spots you could drive past a hundred times and never realize what’s happening just across the water.
Where to go
The main viewing area is along Dublin Road near the water facility, where visitors typically park near 1000 Dublin Road and watch from the roadside or guardrail. There’s no formal overlook or fenced-in platform, just a simple pull-off area that’s become an informal gathering point for birders and photographers.
The old parking lot, owned by the state, has been transformed by The Birds of Prey and Wildlife Society. Now, it serves as a viewing area where bird watchers can gather to watch the bald eagles, as well as other birds in the area.
A small picnic table and signage mark the general area, and the nest itself sits across the Scioto River. Binoculars or a zoom lens help a lot here, especially if you’re hoping to catch activity in the nest.
When to visit
Timing makes a big difference. February through June is peak nesting season, when activity is highest and eaglets are often visible. Early spring tends to offer the clearest view before the trees fully leaf out and block sight lines.
By late spring, visibility can get trickier as the canopy fills in, but eagle activity continues in and around the nest.
What you might see
This pair has a long history in the area, raising eaglets over multiple seasons and rebuilding when needed after storms or natural wear. In recent years, a young eaglet named Star has been spotted learning to fly nearby, drawing extra attention from regular visitors.
The nest sits within a larger network of bald eagle activity across Ohio, which now includes hundreds of nests statewide after just a handful were recorded decades ago.
A few things to keep in mind
This is still a roadside viewing spot, so conditions can be a little uneven. Sturdy shoes help if you plan to step out and look around. Most importantly, visitors are encouraged to keep their distance and let the birds do their thing without disturbance.
The eagles here are used to people watching, but it’s still their home.
Why people keep coming back
Part of what makes this spot special is how accessible it is. There’s no hike or long drive required, just a quick stop near downtown Columbus where you can see a species that once teetered on the edge of disappearing in Ohio.
