Columbus Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Indiana Office of Tourism Development
Brown County State Park which includes a lake or waterhole
Brown County State Park which includes tranquil scenes
Brown County State Park which includes hiking or walking, forest scenes and a garden
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 splendor 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 organized by the Columbus Area Visitors Center.

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 kilometers) 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 amphitheater for concerts.

To get to Columbus, fly into Indianapolis International Airport and pick up a rental car for the 190-mile (310-kilometer) drive to this vacation 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 ₹7,649 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹7,649
₹11,936 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
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! (13 reviews)
"It was a lovely vacation trailer! Nice attention to details, beautiful view and surroundings, and really fun to stay at. The cabin was cute and cozy with a nice little cooking area and fridge, but the mattress was a bit soft and lumpy, and we are old and had trouble climbing in and out of the bed. ..."

Reviewed on 12 Jul 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
The price is ₹7,670 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
₹7,670
₹8,591 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Columbus. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,013 reviews)
"Very nice hotel. Bed was comfortable. Had everything we needed."

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Columbus - Edinburgh
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Columbus-Edinburgh

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Columbus-Edinburgh

3 out of 5
3888 Mimosa Drive, Columbus, IN
The price is ₹6,893 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
₹6,893
₹7,720 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Columbus. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
"Owners (proprietors) and staff were extremely helpful and went above and beyond in all areas. So grateful for all their help."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Columbus-Edinburgh
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! (13 reviews)
"It was a lovely vacation trailer! Nice attention to details, beautiful view and surroundings, and really fun to stay at. The cabin was cute and cozy with a nice little cooking area and fridge, but the mattress was a bit soft and lumpy, and we are old and had trouble climbing in and out of the bed. ..."

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Postcard Cabins Brown County
Stunning 4-BR Houses with On-Site Pool

Stunning 4-BR Houses with On-Site Pool

4 out of 5
1310 N Denver Rd, Bloomington, IN
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly holiday home in Bloomington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour fitness centre. Popular attractions Butler Winery ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"Really nice!"

Reviewed on 27 May 2025

Stunning 4-BR Houses with On-Site Pool
Treetop Retreat

Treetop Retreat

3 out of 5
304 Whippoorwill Ln, Nashville, IN
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Nashville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and private hot tubs. Popular attractions Brown County State Park and Brown County History ...
"Amazing location with gorgeous sky view and a great sauna tub. Fantastic shower. Mini fridge microwave, everything you need including a rechargeable flashlight for night time. Bed was a bit stiff, but I also just bought a new king mattress 2 months ago. So I may be spoiled. The next time I come back ..."

Reviewed on 6 Sep 2024

Treetop Retreat
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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