Columbus

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Indiana Office of Tourism Development
Brown County State Park showing a lake or waterhole
Brown County State Park which includes tranquil scenes
Brown County State Park which includes forests, hiking or walking and a park
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 €122 per night from 12 Aug to 13 Aug
€122
12 Aug - 13 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! (27 reviews)
Sister trip
"The cabin in Brown County IN was great! It had what we needed and I would recommend it for a quiet get a way."

Reviewed on 8 Aug 2025

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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €83 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€83
31 Aug - 1 Sept
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Nice staff ... Coffee ...clean"

Reviewed on 10 Aug 2025

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 €73 per night from 4 Sept to 5 Sept
€73
4 Sept - 5 Sept
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
"Room had a weird smell"

Reviewed on 10 Aug 2025

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.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (27 reviews)
Sister trip
"The cabin in Brown County IN was great! It had what we needed and I would recommend it for a quiet get a way."

Reviewed on 8 Aug 2025

Postcard Cabins Brown County
Brown County Cozy Cabin--Close to Story, Nashville, Columbus on 6 acres

Brown County Cozy Cabin--Close to Story, Nashville, Columbus on 6 acres

Columbus
Stay at this cabin in Columbus. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Bear Wallow Distillery and Salt Creek Golf ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (41 reviews)
Short and sweet
"Nice cabin, could have been cleaner. Wish it had some kind of shade over the back deck. Inside the cabin is very cozy and comfortable."

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2025

Brown County Cozy Cabin--Close to Story, Nashville, Columbus on 6 acres
YOUR OWN PRIVATE 12 ACRE LAKE, 80 ACRES, HOT TUB & GAME BARN

YOUR OWN PRIVATE 12 ACRE LAKE, 80 ACRES, HOT TUB & GAME BARN

Columbus
Book a stay at this beach cabin in Columbus. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a water park. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (151 reviews)
"Everything was clean, some things didn't work, but overall we enjoyed the rental."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

YOUR OWN PRIVATE 12 ACRE LAKE, 80 ACRES, HOT TUB & GAME BARN
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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