Columbus Travel Guide

Tourist 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 which includes 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 splendour 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 organised by the Columbus Area Visitors Centre.

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 kilometres) 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 amphitheatre for concerts.

To get to Columbus, fly into Indianapolis International Airport and pick up a rental car for the 190-mile (310-kilometre) drive to this holiday 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 ฿2,889 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
฿2,889
฿4,628 total
26 Aug - 27 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this cabin in Columbus. Enjoy free parking, patios and climate control. Popular attraction Southwest Community Field is located nearby.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (29 reviews)
"Absolutely loved it, nice and beautiful spots the tiny cabins really makes me want to buy on to live in, 10/10 will be going again"

Reviewed on 11 Aug 2025

Postcard Cabins Brown County
Sleep Inn & Suites Columbus South

Sleep Inn & Suites Columbus South

2.5 out of 5
2335 Jonathan Moore Pike, Columbus, IN
The price is ฿2,433 per night from 4 Sept to 5 Sept
฿2,433
฿2,725 total
4 Sept - 5 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Columbus. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
Good overnight stay.
"Enjoyed the pillows. Shower was was nice, water pressure could have been a little better. Some items in the room were a little run down. Room felt a little damp.Simply breakfast. Coffee was great. Good for an overnight stay. Staff wa very friendly."

Reviewed on 12 Aug 2025

Sleep Inn & Suites Columbus South
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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿2,814 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
฿2,814
฿3,151 total
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Columbus. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Bed was quite comfortable and food options were good."

Reviewed on 12 Aug 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Columbus - Edinburgh
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.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (29 reviews)
"Absolutely loved it, nice and beautiful spots the tiny cabins really makes me want to buy on to live in, 10/10 will be going again"

Reviewed on 11 Aug 2025

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 holiday home in Bloomington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour fitness centre. Popular attractions Butler Winery ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"Really nice!"

Reviewed on 27 May 2025

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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (173 reviews)
"This turned out to be a diamond of a find. We were pressed to find a place for IU's graduation weekend and came upon this condo. Our back balcony (nice) faced the 10th hole, so it was fun watching the golfers (sometimes struggling). Very relaxing out there. The only drawback was that one of the renters ..."

Reviewed on 12 May 2025

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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