Columbus, IN

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Indiana Office of Tourism Development
Brown County State Park which includes a lake or waterhole
Brown County State Park which includes tranquil scenes
Brown County State Park which includes hiking or walking, forest scenes and a garden
Brown County State Park showing signage
Sometimes called the Athens of the Prairie, this Midwest city is a treasure trove of modern, post-modern and contemporary buildings.  

Columbus is a city filled with architectural innovation and splendor as well as imaginative pieces of public art. See the work of some of the most influential architects of the 20th century and discover the attractive countryside within and around the city.

The imaginative cityscape results from the late industrialist Joseph Irwin Miller’s desire to improve Columbus to lure businesses and employees to the area. 

For a good introduction to the city’s architecture, stroll along Fifth Street which is nicknamed the Avenue of the Architects for the prominent architects who built there. Among its collection of impressive buildings are Historic City Hall, St. Peter's Lutheran Church and the First Christian Church, which was the first contemporary building in Columbus, constructed in 1942. Study the street’s public artworks such as The Large Arch by English artist Henry Moore.

Get around to other fascinating buildings and artworks in Columbus. Appreciate the unusual forms of Ancestral Way, a series of abstract sculptures along Third Street. Tour the Miller House and Garden, a mid-20th-century modernist masterpiece that was commissioned by J. Irwin Miller. An enjoyable way to discover the buildings is on the architecture bus tour organized by the Columbus Area Visitors Center.

While the architecture is often the magnet that pulls in visitors, Columbus also has beautiful southern Indiana scenery. Rent bikes from kiosks located throughout the city and ride along more than 27 miles (44 kilometers) of trails. You’ll pass through woods and along and over a river. 

Kayak or canoe along the Driftwood River and relax in Mill Race Park, a riverfront park with lakes, playgrounds, basketball courts and an amphitheater for concerts.

To get to Columbus, fly into Indianapolis International Airport and pick up a rental car for the 190-mile (310-kilometer) drive to this vacation destination of imaginative art, architecture and Midwest scenery.

Postcard Cabins Brown County

Postcard Cabins Brown County

2 out of 5
6249 Poplar Grove Rd, Columbus, IN
The price is NT$2,721 per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
NT$2,721
NT$4,359 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this cabin in Columbus. Enjoy free parking, patios, and climate control. Popular attraction Southwest Community Field is located nearby.
Postcard Cabins Brown County
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Columbus - Edinburgh

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Columbus - Edinburgh

3 out of 5
101 Carrie Lane, Columbus, IN
The price is NT$2,650 per night from Sep 8 to Sep 9
NT$2,650
NT$2,968 total
Sep 8 - Sep 9
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Columbus. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Columbus - Edinburgh
Sleep Inn & Suites Columbus South

Sleep Inn & Suites Columbus South

2.5 out of 5
2335 Jonathan Moore Pike, Columbus, IN
The price is NT$2,391 per night from Sep 8 to Sep 9
NT$2,391
NT$2,678 total
Sep 8 - Sep 9
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Columbus. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
Sleep Inn & Suites Columbus South
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Postcard Cabins Brown County

Postcard Cabins Brown County

2 out of 5
6249 Poplar Grove Rd, Columbus, IN
Stay at this cabin in Columbus. Enjoy free parking, patios, and climate control. Popular attraction Southwest Community Field is located nearby.
Postcard Cabins Brown County
Stunning 4-BR Houses with On-Site Pool

Stunning 4-BR Houses with On-Site Pool

4 out of 5
1310 N Denver Rd, Bloomington, IN
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly vacation home in Bloomington. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions Butler Winery ...
Stunning 4-BR Houses with On-Site Pool
Salt Creek Golf Retreat

Salt Creek Golf Retreat

3.5 out of 5
2359 State Road 46 East, Nashville, IN
Stay at this 3.5-star golf aparthotel in Nashville. Enjoy an outdoor pool, a golf course, and a snack bar/deli. Popular attractions Brown County State Park and ...
Salt Creek Golf Retreat
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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