what is there to do in columbus, indiana?

  • You'll toast friends and your new life at Henry Social Club.

  • Visit ZwanzigZ for delicious pizza and beer.

  • Zaharakos old-fashioned ice cream parlor and soda fountain will satisfy your sweet tooth.

  • Get drinks with friends at one of many local bars and taverns.

  • Enjoy patio seating at a local eatery. (Photo, Columbus Area Visitors Center)

  • Get your afternoon pick-me-up from Lucabe Coffee. (Photo, Lucabe Coffee)

  • Stop by Savory Swine butcher shop at lunchtime for a handmade sandwich. (Photo, Don Nissen)

  • Visit Taku Steak House for Japanese cuisine & tasty hibachi. (Photo, Don Nissen)

  • The Upland Pump House brewery is located in a historical building by architect Harrison Albright. (Photo, Don Nissen)

Food & Drink

Lunchtime in downtown Columbus is bustling as employees of nearby businesses enjoy the locally owned eateries, ranging from ethnic food to pub fare. You’ll also find fine dining, an old-fashioned ice cream parlor and microbreweries.

View Dining Guide

  • The sunken conversation pit at the Miller House looks out over the lush lawn.

  • View the Chaos I kinetic sculpture by Swiss artist Jean Tinguely at Columbus Commons.

  • The triangular-shaped Columbus City Hall was designed in 1981 by Edward Charles Bassett. (Photo, Don Nissen)

  • Bartholomew County Memorial for Veterans comprises 25 limestone columns.

  • Pass over the Robert Stewart Bridge and see the Bartholomew County Courthouse.

  • Catch a glimpse of Eos sculpture by artist Dessa Kirk on a bike tour. (Photo, Don Nissen)

  • Cummins headquarters features the deconstructed Exploded Engine by Rudolph de Harak.

  • Check out Large Arch by Henry Moore, one of the most influential sculptors of the 20th century.

  • You can't miss the 192-foot spire leading you to the hexagonal-shaped North Christian Church. (Photo, Rhonda Bolner)

  • Every other year, Exhibit Columbus brings fascinating art installations to town.

  • Visitors come from all over the world for the Columbus architecture tours.

Architecture & Arts

Visitors come to Columbus from all over the world for our architecture tours. In fact, we’ve been ranked 6th in the world for best architecture. In addition to the churches, schools and other buildings designed by world-renowned architects, Columbus is home to many pieces of public art. You’ll also enjoy Exhibit Columbus, where we jury and welcome artists to create temporary outdoor pieces every other summer. 

BOOK AN ARCHITECTURE TOUR SEE OUR PUBLIC ART GUIDE

  • Outdoor festivals and events are the social way to get some fresh air.

  • Mill Race Park made the list of America's top 100 parks for design. (Photo, Don Nissen)

  • People love how bike-friendly Columbus is (Photo, Don Nissen)

  • Otter Creek has been ranked in the top 25 U.S. public golf courses since its 1964 opening. (Photo, Ike DeClue)

  • It's always fun to paddle the Driftwood River

  • The covered bridge at Mill Race Park is a popular photo setting. (Photo, Don Nissen)

  • The local skatepark was designed by Finnish architect Janne Saario. (Photo @jonathan_nesci)

Outdoors

You can enjoy the great outdoors even without leaving the city limits. Mill Race Park in downtown Columbus has been ranked in the Top 100 in the nation for design, reputation and accessibility. Its covered bridge is a popular photo setting, and the views from the 84-foot observation tower are definitely worth the climb. The park is home to two lakes and an amphitheater that hosts concerts and performances. You’ll find Columbus to be a bicyclist-friendly town. We have canoe and kayak rentals, a skate park, fishing, a top-ranked public golf course and hiking trails. You’re also just a few miles away from some of the beautiful Indiana State Parks.

  • Go your own pace or take lessons at Columbus Rock Gym.

  • Summer sounds great with outdoor concerts in the park.

  • Our professional Columbus Philharmonic offers a varied theme to suit all musical tastes.

  • Find your favorite brands at Indiana Premium Outlets. (Photo, Tony Vasquez)

  • Columbus Arts Council puts on all kinds of events. (Photo, Don Nissen)

  • Downtown Columbus is fun for shopping, starting with the Visitors Center Gift Shop. (Photo, Tony Vasquez)

  • Shop over 600 vendors at the Exit 76 Antique Mall.

Recreation & Shopping

In addition to the outdoor rec mentioned above, you’ll also find a wide variety of things to do indoors in Columbus. Challenge yourself at Columbus Rock Gym, designed for both experienced and beginner climbers. Take in a concert put on by the Columbus Philharmonic, our city’s professional symphony orchestra. You could learn a new craft from a trained professional artist through the Columbus Area Arts Council’s lifelong learning classes. Looking for shopping? We have that covered, too, from our popular Indiana Premium Outlets and local boutiques to the Exit 76 Antique Mall. And don’t worry—Columbus has a Target, too.

  • Columbus Young Professionals celebrate accomplishments with annual awards.

  • There's always something to see or do at Columbus Area Arts Council's 411 gallery.

  • Networking? You bet, with the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce.

  • The Columbus Multi-Ethnic Organization (CAMEO) shares cultures and traditions.

Connecting

Moving to a new community like Columbus is easy because there are so many opportunities to get connected with others outside of work, too. Like these three groups:

  • Columbus Young Professionals is affiliated with the Columbus Chamber of Commerce and gets together for networking and fun events as well as volunteer activities.
  • Columbus Area Multi-Ethnic Association (CAMEO) is a welcoming organization that helps everyone in the community recognize and celebrate the traditions of our diverse ethnic cultures.
  • Columbus Area Arts Council is here to strengthen the area through arts and culture, and you can get involved with their many programs, from pop-up events to workshops.

  • The Commons indoor playground is a local favorite. (Photo, Andrew Laker, The Republic Newspaper)

  • Kids really get into the ExploraHouse exhibit at kidscommons.

  • Save room for dessert at Zaharakos Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor. (Photo, Lee Lewellen)

  • Kids go for their goals at the kidscommons rock climbing wall. (Photo, Don Nissen)

Fun for Families

Columbus loves kids and vice versa! For starters, they can climb on one of the most innovative play-spaces in the Midwest—located inside the Commons in downtown Columbus. And they can get flushed down a giant toilet (not really) at our three-story children’s museum, called kidscommons. Everyone’s a kid with a sundae or soda at Zaharakos Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor.

CHECK OUT FAMILY FUN

  • Youth sports is a great outlet for volunteering in Columbus.

  • Volunteer docents guide the architecture tour visitors. (Photo, Don Nissen)

  • Local organizations, groups and individuals help at events like Columbus Pride Festival.

  • The United Way Day of Service is a great opportunity to make a difference with others.

  • Columbus' generous residents give to United Way at a higher per-capita rate than most cities.

Volunteering

For starters, Columbus has the highest per-capita giving to United Way, so you know that’s a good place to get started if volunteering is your passion. Columbus Pride Festival has all kinds of volunteer opportunities as we celebrate unity and individualism. Our annual Mill Race Marathon takes place each September, and you can imagine how many volunteers are needed to create the big success it is every year. Mill Race Theatre Company needs volunteer actors, directors, set builders and more. Of course, Columbus welcomes thousands of visitors each year for our architecture tours, and that takes a lot of volunteer tour guides.

  • North Christian Church welcomes visitors and new members.

  • Hindu Society of Southern Indiana hosts religious, educational and cultural events.

  • St. Bartholomew Catholic Church built a new home in 2001. (Photo, Steven Risting)

  • The Islamic Center of Columbus Indiana is open for prayer and community gatherings.

  • First Baptist Church is one of six National Historic Landmarks. Photo: Don Nissen

Worship

No matter your faith tradition, you should be able to find a faith home in Columbus. Four of the Columbus churches are included on our architecture tours, but they are also vibrant houses of worship welcoming visitors and new members at all times. And there are many more churches in the area, offering Catholic, Protestant and non-denominational options. The Islamic Center of Columbus, Indiana welcomes Muslims and others who want to learn about their beliefs. Sha’arei Shalom - Reform Jewish Congregation of Columbus, Indiana was founded in the late 1960s and hosts community events. The Hindu Society of Southern Indiana hosts a variety of religious, educational and cultural events throughout the year.