Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Columbus, Indiana

The city of Columbus is located approximately 40 miles south of Indianapolis and is internationally recognized for its mid-century Modernist architecture.

In the 1950s, industrialist J. Irwin Miller established a foundation in Columbus to cover the fees of architects commissioned to design new public buildings in the city.

This initiative has resulted in Columbus boasting numerous Modernist masterpieces, including works by Miller’s associate Eero Saarinen, the esteemed designer of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis.

In downtown Columbus, these architectural works blend harmoniously with well-preserved Victorian storefronts and public art installations by celebrated artists such as Henry Moore and Jean Tinguely. Furthermore, even everyday street furniture, including the city’s bike racks, exhibits a distinct elegance.

1. City Tours

To fully appreciate Columbus’ Modernist landmarks and understand how this modest city in Indiana became a key reference for architecture, participating in a guided tour is highly recommended.

These excursions commence from the Columbus Area Visitors Center, where visitors can opt for the Iconic Columbus Walking Tour (90 minutes) or the Architecture Highlights Tour (2 hours).

During the autumn months, participants can experience Exhibit Columbus, a series of programs dedicated to the city’s design heritage, featuring innovative installations throughout Columbus.

Additional information regarding this exhibition can be obtained through the Exhibit Columbus Walking Tour or by downloading the Exhibit Columbus Tour App.

For those who prefer a more self-directed exploration of Columbus, the Explore the Architecture guide is available at the Visitors Center.

2. The Miller House and Garden

The principal patron of modern architecture in Columbus was industrialist and philanthropist J. Irwin Miller (1909-2004).

Miller founded the Cummins Foundation in 1954, which financed the architects’ fees for all new public buildings in Columbus.

In 1953, he and his wife, Xenia Simmons Miller, commissioned their friend Eero Saarinen (1910-1961) to design their residence near the Flatrock River in Columbus.

The resulting structure stands as one of the most significant mid-century Modernist homes in the United States, featuring pioneering interior design by Alexander Girard (1907-1993) and remarkable landscape architecture by Dan Kiley (1912-2004).

Kiley created a modern interpretation of traditional European garden design, incorporating allées and gridded arrangements of trees and hedges.

Following the passing of Xenia Miller in 2008, the Miller House was donated to the Indianapolis Museum of Art, where visitors can take a 90-minute guided tour of this extraordinary residence and its gardens.

3. Columbus Public Art Collection

Columbus contains a diverse array and significant quality of public art that one would typically expect from a much larger metropolis, making it worthwhile to embark on a self-guided tour to discover many of these pieces.

Notable stops to initiate your journey include Large Arch by Henry Moore (located adjacent to the Cleo Rogers Memorial Library), Chaos I by Jean Tinguely (positioned at the Commons), and Exploded Engine by Rudolph de Harak (located at the Cummins Corporate Headquarters).

Additionally, there are three stunning works by Dale Chihuly, two at the Columbus Area Visitors Center and one at the Columbus Learning Center.

In downtown Columbus, along the 400 block between Washington and Jackson streets, you will find Friendship Way, a beautifully landscaped alley enhanced by a captivating untitled neon sculpture by Cork Mareschi.

4. Downtown Columbus

Enhanced by captivating architecture and public art, downtown Columbus serves as an excellent gathering place, replete with restaurants, craft breweries, cafes, boutiques, galleries, and shops.

With a plethora of dining options, exceeding two dozen in total, it is clear that there is something suited for every palate.

Among the well-established favorites are the Columbus Bar, Indiana’s oldest bar and restaurant, which dates back to 1939, and Zaharakos, an ice cream parlor that has been an iconic establishment for over 120 years.

Primarily concentrated on Washington Street, a selection of independent shops offers designer homewares, handmade gifts, jewelry, fashion accessories, and sports equipment.

To enhance your understanding of the historical significance of downtown’s Victorian storefronts and Modernist landmarks, consider downloading the Downtown Audio Tour app.

5. Columbus Area Visitors Center

Boasting over 80 noteworthy buildings and a wealth of public art awaiting exploration, it is logical to commence your visit to Columbus at the Visitors Center. Here, you will acquire all necessary resources to maximize your experience in the city.

This location also provides various tour options, with knowledgeable staff available to assist you in selecting the most appropriate one. You can view informative videos about Columbus and its unique history, as well as browse through a vast gift shop filled with Columbus-themed art, fashion, literature, jewelry, and more.

For those wishing to explore Columbus independently, the center offers maps and guides along with personalized guidance from its friendly staff.

Ensure to take a moment to appreciate Yellow Neon Chandelier and Persians, two remarkable art pieces created by renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly in 1995.

6. Mill Race Park

Situated close to downtown on an oxbow of the Flatrock River, Mill Race Park has been acknowledged by Landscape Management as one of the top 100 parks in the nation due to its design, accessibility, and overall reputation.

This stands in stark contrast to the early 20th century, when this segment of the floodplain, frequently submerged, was plagued by health and rodent issues, earning it the nickname “Death Valley.”

Accessible from downtown via the People Trails, the park’s current layout is the result of a redesign by Michael Van Valkenburgh, featuring striking structures by Stanley Saitowitz.

Among these is an observation tower rising 84 feet. The park includes two artificial lakes, a covered bridge, a playground, an interpretive wetland boardwalk, and an earthen amphitheater inspired by the area’s indigenous Native American earthworks, which hosts summer concerts.

7. North Christian Church

Undoubtedly the most remarkable singular building in Columbus is this striking Modernist church, designed by Eero Saarinen and inaugurated in 1964.

Featuring a hexagonal floor plan, the North Christian Church boasts a central metal spire that rises 192 feet. An oculus at the base of the tower illuminates the magnificent sanctuary, which centers around the Communion Table directly beneath the spire.

This space was designed to evoke a sense of awe, utilizing ethereal natural lighting, complemented by dark slate floors and dark mahogany pews.

Moreover, a key aspect of Saarinen’s design was to accentuate the sanctuary’s significance as the church’s focal point, relocating secondary spaces such as an auditorium, meeting rooms, and kitchen facilities to a lower level.

8. First Christian Church

Even today, one can envision the profound impact that this church had upon its completion in 1942, as one of the nation’s earliest contemporary-style churches.

Constructed with brick and limestone and adorned with expansive floor-to-ceiling windows in both the nave and chancel, the First Christian Church was envisioned by Eliel Saarinen (1873-1950).

The interior elements, such as furniture and light fixtures, were crafted by Eliel’s son, Eero, alongside Charles Eames.

Eliel intentionally selected a rectangular, International Modernist design to embody the tenets of the Christian faith, aiming to unify the diverse denominations within Columbus.

The separate bell tower rises 166 feet from the terrace, featuring a perforated section at the summit from which the organ chimes emanate.

Within the sanctuary, above the choir, you will discover a tapestry measuring 35 x 11.5 feet, designed by Eliel and created by Scandinavian weavers under the tutelage of his wife, Loja.

9. The Commons

The Commons, based on a design by Argentine architect César Pelli (1926-2019), is a sleek, indoor communal and event space serving the city.

This venue hosts concerts, exhibitions, lectures, and gala events, while also functioning as a resource for the daily activities of residents and visitors alike.

One compelling reason to visit is to witness Jean Tinguely’s 30-ton kinetic sculpture, Chaos I (1974), located in the lobby. This piece, fashioned from local scrap metal, is intentionally erratic, exhibiting a range of dynamic movements.

A popular attraction for families is the enchanting 5,000-square-foot indoor playground, featuring the tree-like, 35-foot “Luckey Climber,” replete with interconnecting platforms encased in netting.

10. Kidscommons

Located across the street from The Commons, this children’s museum features three floors of interactive exhibits expertly designed to engage young minds with scientific concepts and nurture creativity.

Highlighted exhibits include a “pluckable” Laser Harp inspired by Columbus’ Gateway Bridge, a fully operational robotic arm that visitors can control, a vibrant art studio utilizing recycled materials, and ExploraHouse, which educates youngsters about the functions of a modern home, including a massive toilet.

Fitting for Columbus, the City by Design exhibit serves as an introduction to architecture and urban design, while the Early Childhood Garden offers a multisensory experience for children to explore the sights and sounds of Indiana’s enchanting natural environment.

11. People Trails

Spanning over 27 miles and continuously expanding, the People Trail system facilitates pedestrian and bicycle navigation throughout Columbus.

These paved pathways are typically between 8 and 12 feet wide, distanced from roadway traffic and closed to motor vehicles. Popular among commuters, the network also offers visitors an enjoyable means of experiencing many of the city’s attractions.

As you traverse the trails, you can stroll or cycle alongside the Flatrock River and Haw Creek, pausing to visit one of several parks along the way. These pathways showcase some of the city’s most visually impressive architecture and lead into charming residential neighborhoods.

12. Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor and Museum

A must-visit establishment in downtown Columbus is a historic ice cream parlor that has been in operation since 1900. Zaharakos has been delighting customers with sundaes and sodas for over a century, and entering is akin to stepping into a different era.

The lavish Art Nouveau interior features marble, intricately carved oak, stained glass, and elaborate tin ceilings.

While indulging in gourmet treats such as homemade ice cream and vintage fountain soda, visitors can also explore a lunch and dinner menu that includes burgers, sandwiches, soups, and salads.

Additionally, it is worthwhile to browse the museum, which showcases rare artifacts including an orchestrion from the 1870s and the largest public collection of pre-1900 marble soda fountains.

13. Atterbury-Bakalar Air Museum

Columbus Municipal Airport (CLU), located just north of the city, occupies the site of the Atterbury Army Field, which was in operation during World War II.

This facility subsequently transitioned into a U.S. Air Force base during the Cold War era and was the home of the 434th Troop Carrier Wing until 1969.

For those interested in exploring the airport’s military history, a museum is situated near the control tower, offering free admission and presenting an intriguing collection of photographs, models, uniforms, footlockers, ground vehicles, and aircraft components.

Nearby, a McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom fighter-bomber is prominently displayed to commemorate the exact location of the former military base.

14. Blue’s Canoe Livery

This outdoor recreation facility, situated a few minutes outside Columbus, offers unforgettable kayaking experiences on the scenic Driftwood River.

The two primary excursions (seven miles and nine miles) include shuttle services to the starting point, and participants will float back to the livery, with durations ranging from three to six hours.

The nine-mile trip is especially favored, as the initial segment traverses a secluded state wildlife preserve and a portion of the Camp Atterbury wilderness area.

During this outing, you may encounter beavers, great blue herons, deer, wild turkeys, and ospreys. Rentals for solo and tandem kayaks as well as canoes are available, and campsite accommodations for tents are also provided at the livery.

15. Donner Park

North of downtown Columbus lies the city’s oldest park, which has a rich history spanning over a century and is interconnected with the People Trails.

During the summer months, Donner Park’s appeal is undeniable due to its Aquatic Center, which features an eight-lane, 50-meter pool, a leisure pool with fountains and play structures, as well as a diving well and a waterslide measuring 20 feet in height and 160 feet in length.

The Donner Center accommodates the parks and recreation administration offices and offers room rentals for events and meetings. The park also includes barbecue areas, tennis courts, a playground, picnic tables, and both pickleball and tennis courts.