Looking for a hidden gem with world-class architecture and small-town charm? Head to Columbus, Indiana! Known for its striking modern architecture, vibrant arts scene, and beautiful parks, Columbus is one of the Midwest’s most surprising and delightful destinations. Whether you're an architecture buff or a casual explorer, Columbus offers creativity around every corner.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Columbus is from spring through fall (April through October). Mild weather is perfect for walking tours, exploring public art installations, and attending lively festivals.

How to Get There

  • If you are traveling by car: Columbus is located off I-65, about 45 minutes south of Indianapolis and 1 hour north of Louisville.
  • By Air: The nearest airport is Indianapolis International Airport (IND), about 45–50 minutes away by car.
  • By Train/Bus: Bus service is available to nearby Indianapolis, with rental cars needed to reach Columbus.

Where to Stay

  • Hotel Indigo Columbus Architectural Center – Stylish boutique hotel surrounded by public art, steps from downtown attractions.
  • Courtyard by Marriott Columbus Tipton Lakes – Comfortable, family-friendly hotel with a pool, just a short drive from downtown.
  • Inn at Irwin Gardens – Elegant historic mansion offering luxurious accommodations and stunning gardens in the heart of the city.

Best Things to Do

Step Into Modern Mastery at The Miller House and Garden


A National Historic Landmark of mid-century elegance, designed by Eero Saarinen with interiors by Alexander Girard

Step Into Modern Mastery at The Miller House and Garden

© The Miller House and Garden

The Miller House and Garden in Columbus, Indiana showcases the incredible work of several leading designers and architects of the twentieth century, which include Dan Kiley, Alexander Girard, Kevin Roche, and Eero Saarinen. Owned and maintained by Newfield’s the Miller House is one of the city’s architectural icons, as well as one of the country’s most significant mid-century modern residences, often noted alongside The Farnsworth House, The Glass House, and Fallingwater as the best residential modernism examples in the United States. Tours of the building are available for a fee from the Columbus Visitors Center and last around ninety minutes.

506 5th St, Columbus, IN 47201, Phone: 800-468-6564

Relax Where Design Meets Nature at Mill Race Park


Flood-resilient design, a scenic riverwalk, and an iconic observation tower in a park co-created by landscape architect Michael Van Valkenburgh

Relax Where Design Meets Nature at Mill Race Park

© Shelley/stock.adobe.com

Mill Race Park is located where the Driftwood River and the Flat Rock River converge in the downtown area of Columbus. This city-owned and operated park encompasses more than eighty acres and features an observation tower that’s eighty-four feet tall and a playground for children. The park also includes two small lakes with a wooden bridge, a perimeter loop road, a circular lake with surrounding walkway, the People Trail, basketball courts, an earthen amphitheater, and opportunities for fishing. The interpretive boardwalk connects the park wetland to the community’s path system. Mill Race Park also hosts several festivals and events throughout the year.

50 Carl Miske Drive, Columbus, IN 47201, Phone: 812-376-2680

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

Play Where Creativity Lives at The Commons


A stunning civic space featuring the colossal Luckey Climber and a vibrant community hub for all ages

Play Where Creativity Lives at The Commons

© The Commons

The Commons in Columbus is an indoor event venue and community space, featuring a stage area and modern event spaces, a number of casual dining establishments, and a 5,000-square-foot indoor playground, which includes the “Luckey Climber” measuring 35 feet tall. The Commons also displays public art, such as the Chaos I, a one-of-a-kind sculpture created by Jean Tinguley and the centerpiece for the space. Upstairs provides an event venue for exhibitions, gala events, lectures, and live performances. The Commons was designed by Koetter Kim to to be not only a “community center,” but a resource for the community as well.

300 Washington St, Columbus, IN 47201, Phone: 812-376-2681

Explore, Imagine, and Learn at Kidscommons


Hands-on fun for young explorers, with exhibits like a giant toilet slide and a Japanese house replica

Explore, Imagine, and Learn at Kidscommons

© Kidscommons

Kidscommons in the architecturally famed city of Columbus, Indiana provides toddlers up through early teens and their families with a safe and vibrant environment where everyone can explore the three floors of interactive, hands-on exhibits together. Children can delight in sliding down the ExploraHouse’s world-famous giant toilet and learning about houses, learning about other cultures in the Our House Japan exhibit, designing their own “city of the future” in the City by Design exhibit, along with creating their own masterpieces within the Kids at Art Studio, climbing the seventeen-foot wall designed to replicate a building, and much more.

309 Washington St, Columbus, IN 47201, Phone: 812-378-3046

Honor Aviation Heritage at Atterbury-Bakalar Air Museum


Stories and artifacts from WWII and beyond, celebrating local contributions to America’s air power

Honor Aviation Heritage at Atterbury-Bakalar Air Museum

© Atterbury-Bakalar Air Museum

The Atterbury-Bakalar Air Museum of Columbus, Indiana dedicates itself to the memory of all civilian and military personnel who served during the conflicts and wars from between the years of 1942 and 1970 in any capacity, serving to recall the various events of World War II, along with the Vietnam, Cuban, and Korean conflicts, which affected many lives. The Atterbury-Bakalar Air Museum has no admission fee, and aims to inspire and educate guests through the personal stories, photos, and history of the men and women who served.

4742 Ray Boll Blvd, Columbus, IN 47203, Phone: 812-372-4356

Activities and Attractions for Couples:

Catch a Performance at The Crump Theater


This Art Deco gem is being lovingly restored—peek into its cinematic past or support its future

Catch a Performance at The Crump Theater

© aerogondo/stock.adobe.com

The Crump Theater is situated less than one block away from the downtown historic district’s Bartholomew County Courthouse and is one of the city’s sentimental favorites. The history of the theater dates back to the year 1889, when an opera house was built by J.S. Crump at the rear of an already existing building. No expense was spared to bring national theater firms in to design the theater’s scenic backdrops and lavish interior. The Crump Theater has hosted an array of acts and a number of famous performers over the years, such as John Mellencamp and John Philip Sousa.

425 3rd St, Columbus, IN 47201

Dig Into Local Roots at the Bartholomew County Historical Society


Preserving pioneer life, community stories, and hidden treasures from Columbus’s past

Dig Into Local Roots at the Bartholomew County Historical Society

© Bartholomew County Historical Society

The Bartholomew County Historical Society has a mission of collecting and preserving artifacts, documents, and photographs related to the history of Bartholomew County in Indiana. The historical society teaches about the region’s heritage to both current and future generations through interpretive displays and programs. Among the various displays in the Bartholomew County Historical Society’s museum, visitors can see a large number of radios from the largest Arvin radio collection in the world, as well as learn how the company helped with manufacturing items used during World War II. Other collection items include product posters, display cases, and original marketing materials.

524 3rd St, Columbus, IN 47203, Phone: 812-372-3541

Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:

  • Tour iconic architecture on a guided Architectural Tour – Explore buildings designed by legends like Eero Saarinen and I.M. Pei.
  • Explore the kidscommons Children's Museum – Fun, interactive museum perfect for families with kids.
  • Wander Downtown Columbus – Discover public art installations, boutique shops, cozy cafés, and historic landmarks.

Where to Eat

  • Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor – Step back in time with classic American fare and hand-crafted sodas in a restored 1900s soda fountain.
  • Henry Social Club – Upscale dining with a seasonal menu, craft cocktails, and intimate atmosphere downtown.
  • 4th Street Bar & Grill – Casual spot for burgers, sandwiches, and live music nights in the heart of downtown.

If you are interested in local events:

  • Exhibit Columbus (biennial) – Public art and architecture exhibition showcasing innovative installations throughout downtown.
  • Columbus Scottish Festival (September) – Celebrate Scottish heritage with Highland games, bagpipes, food, and fun.
  • Ethnic Expo (October) – A vibrant two-day festival celebrating cultures from around the world with food, music, and performances.

If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Columbus, Indiana:

  • Brown County State Park (30 min) – Hike rugged trails, enjoy scenic vistas, and admire colorful fall foliage in Indiana's largest state park.
  • Nashville, Indiana (30 min) – Explore this charming arts and crafts town filled with galleries, shops, and rustic eateries.
  • Edinburgh Premium Outlets (20 min) – Score deals at major brand stores in a large outdoor outlet mall.
  • Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge (30 min) – Birdwatch, hike, or photograph wildlife in serene wetland and forest habitats.
  • Camp Atterbury Outdoor Recreation Area (25 min) – Enjoy fishing, hiking, archery, and outdoor adventure activities.
  • Historic Hope, Indiana (15–20 min) – Stroll a small town known as "The Surprising Little Town," rich in Moravian history and antique shops.
  • Anderson Falls (25 min) – Visit a pretty 15-foot waterfall surrounded by scenic wooded trails.
  • Atterbury-Bakalar Air Museum (10–15 min) – Learn about Columbus’s World War II aviation history at this engaging small museum.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Q: What is Columbus, Indiana known for?
  • A: Columbus, Indiana is known for its display of modern architecture, blending modern style with small-city hospitality.
  • Q: What can visitors do in Columbus, Indiana?
  • A: In addition to architecture tours, visitors and locals can enjoy over seventy structures designed by famed architects such as Eero Saarinen and I.M. Pei.
  • Q: What other attractions does Columbus offer?
  • A: The city is also home to gardens, parks, theaters, museums, orchestras, great restaurants, and more.

At a Glance:


Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming landscapes. Hotel Indigo Columbus Architectural Center – A stylish boutique hotel in downtown Columbus. Explore Mill Race Park – Walk scenic trails, enjoy picnic areas, and take in river views.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and ideal for outdoor activities. Courtyard by Marriott Columbus Tipton Lakes – A comfortable stay near major attractions. Take an architecture tour – Discover Columbus’ famous modernist buildings designed by world-renowned architects.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air, colorful foliage, and local festivals. The Inn at Irwin Gardens – A historic bed & breakfast with stunning gardens. Visit Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor – Enjoy vintage charm and homemade ice cream at this historic spot.

Columbus, Indiana is 50 minutes from Indianapolis.


Plan Your Trip