Explore Columbus

Everywhere Art for Everyone

Columbus, just 45 minutes south of downtown Indianapolis is one of the most well-known destinations for fans of good design. With 80+ noteworthy buildings and public art installations, Columbus (pop. 50,000) ranks 6th in the U.S. for architectural innovation. Columbus is also a great place for families. With Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor, a soda shop preserved to its original charm, and kidscommons children's Museum located in the same block downtown, it's the perfect spot to spend an afternoon with kids. Just outside of Columbus, you'll find the small towns of Hope and Edinburgh, both bursting with small-town charm.

Columbus Archway

Downtown Columbus

Downtown is the heart of Columbus, where you’ll find locally owned restaurants, cafés, shops, and boutiques that make it a one-of-a-kind destination. Downtown is also a great place to see much of the modern architecture and public art that has made Columbus famous. If you're visiting with kids, don't miss kidscommons children's museum and the legendary Zaharakos ice cream parlor.

Discover Downtown
Exit 76 Antique Mall of Columbus

Exit 76

Exit 76 off of I-65 is a shopper's dream! With the state's largest outlet mall, Indiana Premium Outlets, and Exit 76 Antiques, an enormous treasure trove of cool vintage finds, you might not be able to get to all the bargains in one day! Nearby hotels offer "shop and stay" packages for hard-core shoppers.

More About Exit 76
CERA

CERA Sports Park & Campground

CERA Park is the perfect place to spend time with family and friends on a beautiful day. Less than ten minutes southeast of Columbus, Cera Park is home to an aquatics center, campsites and cabins, and offers just about every outdoor activity you can think of including fishing, paddle boating, canoeing, basketball, shuffleboard, horseshoes, beach volleyball, go-karts, mini golf, and tennis.

Explore CERA
kidscommons

kidscommons - Columbus' Community Children's Museum

kidscommons is exciting and interactive, with three floors of fun! Hands-on activities and kid-sized exhibits support STEM learning and creativity. Don't miss ExploraHouse, with the "world's largest toilet" where kids can "flush themselves" and Camp kidscommons, which explores native wildlife and encourages pretend playing an outdoor wilderness adventure.

Have Fun at the Kidscommons

Things to Do IN Columbus, Indiana

Blue Canoes | Columbus

Blues Canoes

Canoe or kayak your way down the peaceful Driftwood River, through a scenic nature preserve full of native wildlife.

Hope, Indiana

Hope, Indiana

Visit Hope with shops and restaurants dotting the town square. The Yellow Trail Museum shares the rich history of…

Lodging IN Columbus, Indiana

Hotel Indigo

Hotel Indigo

Be greeted by Tripp, the canine ambassador, at this modern boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Columbus.

Holiday Inn Columbus

Holiday Inn

The hotel amenities are sure to please travelers with an outdoor heated pool and pet friendly rooms.

Food & Drink IN Columbus, Indiana

Henry's social Club in Columbus

Henry Social Club

One of Columbus' top spots, this warm, hip eatery offers seasonal menus, an impressive bar, and a great wine list.

Ramen Alley

Ramen Alley

Tucked away in an unassuming downtown alley, Ramen Alley offers authentic Japanese-style ramen, sake, beer, and…

4th Street Bar

4th Street Bar

Where locals head after work, 4th Street Bar's offerings are a step above typical bar fare with fantastic daily…

450 North Brewing in Columbus

450 North Brewing

A winery, distillery, and craft beer brewery, 450 North is known for its wood-fired pizza and famous slushy beers!

Zaharakos in Columbus

Zaharakos

Zaharakos has been serving up scoops for over 100 years! Best known for sweet treats, this marble palace offers a…

Festivals & Events IN Columbus, Indiana

Ethnic Expo in Columbus

Ethnic Expo

A celebration of the cultures of the diverse people who call Columbus home, this is one of the area's most beloved…

Hogstock in Columbus

Hogstock

A full day of live music and food trucks at one of Columbus' favorite local spots, Hog Molly Brewing Company.

Lavender Daze in Columbus

Lavender Daze

Smell the lavender in bloom at White Diamond Lavender Farm during this two-day festival that includes food, music…

Hope Heritage Days in Columbus

Hope Heritage Days

The county's longest-running festival celebrates the history of Hope on the town square with music, food, and a…

Jazz in July in Columbus

Jazz in July

See Al Cobine Big Band in one of Clumbus' most iconic spots. Bring a chair and get comfortable at this free…

INDIANA INSIDER BLOG

Couple in Columbus
Columbus

Get to Know "The Avenue of the Architects" in Columbus

  • 2 minute read

Holding rank alongside much bigger metropolitan areas as one of the most architecturally significant cities in the United States, Columbus, Indiana is famous for its collection of modernist buildings and structures, serving as an open-air museum of sorts to explore and appreciate. The most…

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