Have you ever been to the city of Columbus? The city lies around 40 miles south of Indianapolis with a worldwide reputation for its mid-Century Modernist architecture. Being filled with many attractions to explore, the city is a must-visit place for those who are searching for some innovative to do! In the city, in the 1950s the industrialist J. Irwin Miller set up a foundation to pay the fees of architects who designed new public buildings in the city. Therefore, you can see a lot of archaeological sites, with displays and art galleries in the city! So, here are some of the best things which you can do in the city during your holidays!
Lists of 15 Best Things to do in Columbus
1. City Tours
Taking the Columbus Architecture Highlights Tour is the foremost thing when visitors arrive. Come here to appreciate Columbus’ Modernist landmarks. People also love to find out just how this small city in Indiana became a reference point for architecture. Various sites are well worth taking a tour of. Set away from the Columbus Area Visitors Center, you can take the Iconic Columbus Walking Tour (90 minutes) or the Architecture Highlights Tour (2 hours).
Visit Official Site: City Tours
2. The Miller House and Garden
Try to visit the Miller House and Garden on the first day of your trip to avoid the rush and last-day hassle. At this site, you can learn about the leading patron of modern architecture in Columbus who was the industrialist and philanthropist J. Irwin Miller (1909-2004). This man established the Cummins Foundation in 1954, which would pay the architects’ fees for all new public buildings in Columbus. He commissioned his friend to design their home by the Flatrock River in Columbus.
Visit Official Site: The Miller House and Garden
3. Columbus Public Art Collection
The city is famous for the Columbus Public Art Collection with quantity and quality of public art. People like to have a tour of this worth tracking many of the pieces down on a self-guided tour. There are some essential steps to get you started. For instance, there is Large Arch by Henry Moore that is next to the Cleo Rogers Memorial Library, next is Chaos I by Jean Tinguely at the Commons, and the last one is Exploded Engine by Rudolph de Harak located at the Cummins Corporate Headquarters.
Visit Official Site: Columbus Public Art Collection
4. Downtown Columbus
This area was heightened by the spellbinding architecture and public art is extremely famous in Columbus. Visit here to see this area is all about a fine hangout, filled with restaurants, craft breweries, cafes, boutiques, galleries, and shops. in addition, you can enjoy more than two dozen dining options, it’s no exaggeration to say that there’s something for all tastes.
Visit Official Site: Downtown Columbus
5. Columbus Area Visitors Center
There are more than 80 monuments in the Columbus Area Visitors Center. People rush towards this center to adore the more than 80 notable buildings with a treasure trove of public art ready to be discovered. Here, you can start your visit to Columbus at the visitor center, and arm yourself with everything you need to get the best out of the city. at this place, you can sign up for tours, and get help selecting the one that’s right for you. However, watch out for some free videos about Columbus learning its unique story. Visit the giant gift shop packed with Columbus-themed art, fashion, books, jewellery, and more.
Visit Official Site: Columbus Area Visitors Center
6. Mill Race Park
Located close to downtown on an oxbow in the Flatrock River, this Mill Race Park has been recognized by Landscape Management. This park is one of the top 100 parks in the country for design, accessibility, and reputation. Here, you can see a far cry from the early 20th century when this piece of the floodplain, often underwater, had health and rodent problems, earning the nickname “Death Valley”. the park is linked to downtown by the People Trails, with current layout dates that have been redesigned by Michael Van Valkenburgh, with eye-catching structures by Stanley Saitowitz.
Visit Official Site: Mill Race Park
7. North Christian Church
This Church is arguably the most notable single building in Columbus boasting its striking Modernist church. The church has been designed by Eero Saarinen and inaugurated in 1964. Mark the hexagonal footprint, at the North Christian Church that has a central metal spire, 192 feet high. In addition, this Church has at the base of the tower, an oculus lighting the magnificent sanctuary. This also has rows of pews centering on the Communion Table, directly underneath the tower.
Visit Official Site: North Christian Church
8. First Christian Church
The Church was made in 1942, where you can see one of the country’s first contemporary-style churches. Being popular, this Church has brick and limestone that features clear, floor-to-ceiling windows in the nave and chancel. This First Christian Church was designed by Eliel Saarinen (1873-1950). People come here to adore the interior fittings, for instance, the furniture and light fixtures were the work of Eliel’s son, Eero, as well as Charles Eames. Also, you must look inside, above the choir, and check out the 35 x 11.5-foot tapestry, that has been designed by Eliel and produced by Scandinavian weavers under the path of his wife, Loja.
Visit Official Site: First Christian Church
9. The Commons
The Commons is based on a design by the Argentine architect César Pelli (1926-2019). This site is a class-clad, indoor community and event space for the city. visit the Commons which offers a venue for concerts, exhibitions, lectures, and gala events, but is also a day-to-day resource for residents and visitors.
Visit Official Site: The Commons
10. Kidscommons
Children’s Museum is located across the road from the Commons. Hop into this children’s museum with three floors of interactive exhibits. The museum has been smartly designed to introduce kids to scientific ideas and bring out their creativity. In addition, there is along those lines, a “pluckable” Laser Harp designed like Columbus’ Gateway Bridge. Know about this genuine robotic arm that you can control, an art studio using recycled materials. Also, visit the ExploraHouse, where kids can learn about the functions of a modern home, including a gigantic toilet.
Visit Official Site: Kidscommons
11. People Trails
If you love hiking, then you must visit this area. With more than 27 miles and still growing, the visitors come here to track the Trail system which makes it easier to navigate Columbus on foot or by bicycle. Here, you can find paved paths that are usually between 8 and 12 feet wide. The path is separated from the street and closed to motor vehicles. Being favored by many commuters on Columbus, the hiking path is also a convenient way for visitors to experience almost all of the city’s assets.
Visit Official Site: People Trails
12. Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor and Museum
Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor and Museum is a great place that you should not miss. This downtown is a historic ice cream parlor that dates back to 1900. Some sundaes and sodas have been served since 1900, and stepping inside is like entering a time warp. Hop into the opulent Art Nouveau and see the interior abounds with marble, carved oak, stained glass, and intricate tin ceiling.
Visit Official Site: Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor and Museum
13. Atterbury-Bakalar Air Museum
Atterbury-Bakalar Air Museum is under the Columbus Municipal Airport (CLU) located just north of the city. this museum is on the site of the WWII-era Atterbury Army Field. This museum by the U.S. Army Air Forces ability later became a U.S. Air Force installation during the Cold War. In addition, this museum was the host base for the 434th Troop Carrier Wing up to 1969. For instance, you can find out more about the airport’s military past there’s a museum in a building near the control tower. This site has free admission that presents an absorbing model, uniforms, footlockers, an array of photographs, ground vehicles, and aircraft components. Read the site to mark the exact location of the former base there’s a McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom fighter-bomber on display.
Visit Official Site: Atterbury-Bakalar Air Museum
14. Blue’s Canoe Livery
If you are eager to go Kayaking, then you must head towards this place which is an outdoor recreation center. Located a few minutes out of Columbus, this center arranges unforgettable paddling trips on the picturesque Driftwood River. You can choose the two main trips that are seven miles and nine miles. The trip involves a shuttle bus to the departure point but you’ll float back to the livery, taking between three and six hours. The other is the nine-mile option which is the most popular. Here the first part of this trip takes you through a remote state wildlife preserve and a piece of the Camp Atterbury wilderness area.
Visit Official Site: Blue’s Canoe Livery
15. Donner Park
Jump into a Swimming Pool located north of downtown Columbus. This place is the city’s oldest park, dating back more than a century and connected to the People Trails. There is an aquatic Center, that features an eight-lane, 50-meter pool, and a leisure pool. In addition, there are fountains and a play structure, as well as a diving well and water slide 20 feet high and 160 feet long. Visit the Donner Center which houses the parks & recreation administration offices.
Visit Official Site: Donner Park
