Columbus Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary

Columbus, Indiana, is a riddle of a city. Located 45 miles south of Indianapolis among cornfields and country roads, it seems like an unlikely candidate for a global design capital. Yet, this town of 48,000 people ranks alongside New York, Chicago, and San Francisco for architectural innovation. It is a living museum where libraries, fire stations, and churches are designed by the likes of I.M. Pei, Richard Meier, and Harry Weese.

The city’s transformation began in the 1950s when J. Irwin Miller, head of the local Cummins Engine Company, offered to pay the architectural fees for public buildings, provided the city selected from a list of top-tier architects. The result is the “Columbus Effect,” a concentrated collection of modern masterpieces that has turned a quiet Midwestern town into a bucket-list destination for design lovers worldwide.

The Athens of the Prairie

What makes Columbus truly unique is not just the names on the buildings, but the accessibility of the art. This isn’t a museum behind velvet ropes; it is a functioning city where residents mail letters at a Kevin Roche-designed post office and children attend schools built by Gunnar Birkerts. The art is integrated into daily life, creating a sense of community pride and aesthetic appreciation that is palpable as you walk the clean, tree-lined streets.

Beyond the steel and glass, there is a deep respect for history. The juxtaposition of the ultra-modern architecture against the backdrop of 19th-century brick storefronts creates a visual dialogue that is fascinating to observe. Whether you are an architecture student or simply a traveler looking for something different, Columbus offers a surprising and sophisticated escape from the ordinary.

The Icons You’ll Want to See

Miller House and Garden - The undisputed highlight of Columbus. Tours depart from the Visitors Center and require a shuttle ride. Tickets are $25-$35 depending on the tour type. It is approximately 2 miles from downtown.

First Christian Church - Designed by Eliel Saarinen in 1942, this was one of the first contemporary churches in the United States. Located downtown on 5th Street, it is free to view from the outside, with occasional interior access.

The Commons - A community hub designed by Koetter Kim & Associates. It serves as a gathering space, performance venue, and indoor playground. Located right on Washington Street, entry is free, though events may ticketed.

Large Arch - A massive bronze sculpture by Henry Moore located on the plaza of the library. It stands 20 feet tall and is a favorite spot for photos. Located downtown, directly across from the First Christian Church.

Planning Your Visit

Columbus is best accessed via Indianapolis International Airport (IND), which is about a 50-minute drive north. While the downtown core is incredibly walkable and flat, perfect for a leisurely stroll, you will likely want a car to visit outlying sites like the Miller House or the architecture on the north side of town.

When packing, prioritize comfortable walking shoes. The “Architectural Tour” involves a significant amount of standing and walking. If you are visiting in the summer, bring light, breathable clothing, as the humidity can be high. In the fall, layers are essential for the crisp mornings and warmer afternoons. Don’t forget a camera with a wide-angle lens to capture the sweeping lines of the buildings.

Columbus proves that high culture and small-town hospitality can coexist beautifully. Whether you come for the Eero Saarinen designs, the vibrant public art, or simply a great scoop of ice cream at a historic parlor, you will leave with a new appreciation for how design shapes our lives.