Location: Columbus
Top Things to do in Columbus
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10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Columbus That You Shouldn't Miss
Columbus /kəˈlʌmbəs/ is a city in and the county seat of Bartholomew County, Indiana, United States. The population was 44,061 at the 2010 census. In its built environment, the relatively small city has provided a unique place for noted Modern architecture and public art, commissioning numerous works since the mid-20th century. Located about 40 miles (64 km) south of Indianapolis, on the east fork of the White River, it is the state's 20th-largest city. It is the principal city of the Columbus, Indiana metropolitan statistical area, which encompasses all of Bartholomew County. Columbus is the birthplace of former Indiana Governor and current Vice President of the United States, Mike Pence.
Restaurants in Columbus
1. North Christian Church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By wendelld2013 - New York City, United States
North Christian Church is entered though a dense grove of trees to the East and the morning sun lights up its magnificent roof and and spire. So, if you can, try to see it in the same light Saarinen intended for its parishioners.
2. Columbus Area Visitors Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 469 reviews
See the architecture that made Columbus, Indiana famous. Find out why the American Institute of Architects ranked Columbus 6th in the nation for innovation and design with significant structures and works of art by modern masters such as Eero Saarinen, I.M.Pei, Robert Venturi, Robert A.M. Stern and Henry Moore, Jean Tinguely, and Dale Chihuly. Check out guided tours at The Columbus Visitors Center at 506 5th Street. Tour dates and times vary by seasons, please visit website to see availability and make reservations.
3. The Miller House and Garden
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 189 reviews
The Miller House and Garden is accessible by guided tour only. Tours are scheduled March - December. The property is closed January - February for conversation work. The 1957 Miller House and Garden showcases the work of leading 20th-century architects and designers Eero Saarinen, Alexander Girard, and Dan Kiley. In 2000, the Miller House and Garden was awarded National Historic Landmark status. The Miller House is only accessible on guided tours because it is located in a private residential neighborhood. Tours begin and end at The Columbus Area Visitors Center, 506 Fifth Street (not at the house). The tour is oriented to adults and children over 10 – please note only children over 10 are allowed on the tour and all guests must purchase a ticket.
Reviewed By StaunchCharacter
The Miller House is a gem and must-see for anyone who appreciates mid-century modern and/or the perfect artistic expression of wholistic architectural design - where the house design, siting and interior design elements all perfectly achieve the client's personality and needs. The home is one of the best examples of this type of architecture. It had the perfect marriage of client and architects and now its stewards are doing a great job keeping it in tip-top shape and relevant. The tour operations are smooth. At check-in we were greeted with an enthusiastic and knowledgeable top-level employee and then presented with a helpful and insightful video introduction. A short and comfortable bus ride to the property was followed by a relatively leisurely and immersive house tour experience. The group size was just right and we were given ample opportunity to photograph to our heart's content in certain spaces. A very enjoyable experience that I recommend whole-heartedly.
4. Bartholomew County Veteran's Memorial
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 73 reviews
Reviewed By interceptpubs - Columbus, United States
This simple memorial consists of numerous stone-clad columns arranged in a grid on the lawn of the county courthouse. Engraved on the columns are the names of the county's service members of all services from all wars who died in the service of their country, along with letters to and from their families during their wartime service, medal citations, etc. - some of the letters in particular make very poignant reading as from their dates it is clear they were often written just days before the service member's death and thus represent the last communications between these service members and their families. Nearby is a brick sidewalk with the engraved names of county service members (look for the small kiosk nearby which has a laminated list indicating where a specific service member's brick is located). There is also an older memorial to soldiers and sailors who fought in the First World War and another listing Revolutionary War soldiers buried in the county. A small fountain rounds out the courthouse's lawn. The Courthouse itself is interesting, at least on the outside. Having visited all of the county courthouses in the state, we can say Bartholomew County's is unique in being in the Second Empire style (if it looks vaguely familiar, the Addams Family house in the old 60s TV show was also in this style). Unfortunately, the interior is more utilitarian than many other courthouses in the state. While there is some ornamental plaster work, the lack of a dome means there is no real focal point architecturally, and the general austerity (you won'f find any historical displays or even photos on the walls) makes for a fairly boring interior.
5. Escape 812
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 26 reviews
Escape 812 is located in downtown Columbus Indiana as the first and premier experience. Great for team building, corporate events, date night, or just for fun!
6. First Christian Church
7. St. Bartholomew Catholic Church
8. Mill Race Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 153 reviews
Reviewed By Breezyrayn69
Nice walking trails. Great picnic areas. Kids went down to the stream to look for shells with their dad and had a great time! We loved it and will be back.
9. kidscommons
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 96 reviews
Mission Statement: A fun, safe, and inviting place, kidscommons nurtures exploration, collaboration, and creativity within all children and their caregivers. It is a place to learn about our community and our world. Vision: kidscommons will be a vibrant learning hub that enriches the life of every child.
