Columbus, IN

Travel 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 showing 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
$124 nightly
The price is $139 total per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
$139 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
Total includes taxes and 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! (22 reviews)
"They were so welcoming and very nice to us! We had entry issues but they were there within seconds to let us in… they came back later with a gift for our kids! Overall loved the experience! We will be back!"

Reviewed on Jul 29, 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
$90 nightly
The price is $101 total per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
$101 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,000 reviews)
"Very clean room and comfortable beds. Breakfast was also very nice."

Reviewed on Jul 24, 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
$81 nightly
The price is $90 total per night from Aug 12 to Aug 13
$90 total
Aug 12 - Aug 13
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Columbus. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
"Assigned room wasn't cool enough. Even with the AC turned lower and the fan on hugh it would have taken too long to get the room comfortable. I went to front desk to change rooms and they moved us to another room which was much better."

Reviewed on Jul 26, 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! (22 reviews)
"They were so welcoming and very nice to us! We had entry issues but they were there within seconds to let us in… they came back later with a gift for our kids! Overall loved the experience! We will be back!"

Reviewed on Jul 29, 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 Jul 5, 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 Jul 13, 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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