Overview
Columbus is a city in Southern Indiana and the seat of Bartholomew county.
11 sights · 6 things to do · 3 places to eat · 3 bars & cafés · 5 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Columbus
Bartholomew County Courthouse
A historic courthouse building built in the second empire style. It features large clock tower.
Fire Station Number 4
An early post modernist fire station, most clearly recognized by its tower displaying the number "4".
The Republic Newspaper Office
A former office for the local newspaper, it uses glass walls extensively. It is now used by Indiana University for classes.
Indiana University Columbus
An extension campus located near the airport.
McEwen-Samuels-Marr House
A two-story brick house in the Italianate style.
Miller House
Famous for its conversation pit.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 85°F; winter lows dip to about 20°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: May and Jul. (climate data from nearby Cumberland)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- IND Indianapolis International Airport, Indianapolis — 41 mi away (major hub). Directions
- CVG Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport, Cincinnati / Covington — 68 mi away (major hub). Directions
Columbus lies adjacent to Interstate 65. The easiest exit to take, whether coming from the north or south is exit 68 at State Road 46 (also called Jonathan Moore Pike).
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $70–$150 a night (typical $110), from 6 listed prices.
- Typical meal: about $10 per person at listed restaurants.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$100, mid-range ~$160, comfortable ~$270.
Options are grouped as Budget, Mid-range, Splurge in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Bartholomew County Courthouse, Veteran's Memorial, The Republic Newspaper Office
- Lunch Ramen Alley
- Afternoon The Crump Theatre, McEwen-Samuels-Marr House
- Dinner Olesya's Kitchen
- Evening The Garage Pub and Grill
Day 2
- Morning Fire Station Number 4, L. Frances Smith Elementary School, Hamilton Ice Arena
- Lunch Amazing Joe's Grill
- Afternoon Greenbelt Golf Course, Indiana University Columbus
- Evening ZwanzigZ Pizza & Brewing
Day 3
- Morning Miller House, Donner Aquatic Center
- Afternoon Exhibit Columbus
- Evening Upland Pump House
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Columbus is noted for its inspired architecture and public artwork.
Visitor information
Get in
By car
Columbus lies adjacent to Interstate 65. The easiest exit to take, whether coming from the north or south is exit 68 at State Road 46 (also called Jonathan Moore Pike).
By plane
Columbus has a municipal airport, but it is only used for private and the occasional charter flight. The nearest commercial airport is Indianapolis International Airport (IND). It is about a 60-minute drive from downtown Columbus. Louisville International Airport (SDF) is about a 75-minute drive.
Go Columbus Municipal Airport (CLU)
A large General aviation airport. A former World War II and Cold War era air base, its history is documented in an onsite museum. The airport also has the "Hanger Five" restaurant in the terminal, serving American breakfast and lunch.
By bus
There is a daily bus that runs from Columbus to the bus station in downtown Indianapolis. It can be boarded at the "transportation depot" next to the county jail.
Get around
The 27 mi Columbus people's trail circles the city, allowing for easy movement by bicycle.
See
Architecture
See Bartholomew County Courthouse
A historic courthouse building built in the second empire style. It features large clock tower.
See Fire Station Number 4
An early post modernist fire station, most clearly recognized by its tower displaying the number "4".
See The Republic Newspaper Office
A former office for the local newspaper, it uses glass walls extensively. It is now used by Indiana University for classes.
Public art
See Veteran's Memorial
Do
Buy
Shop Fair Oaks Mall
Eat
Eat Ramen Alley
Gourmet ramen and other gourmet noodle dishes. Order at the counter, staff brings it to your table. Delicious. A couple of vegetarian options are available.
Eat Olesya's Kitchen
Family restaurant with traditional Ukrainian cuisine and homemade food, founded by Ukrainian immigrants.
Drink
Drink The Garage Pub and Grill
Offers live entertainment.
Drink ZwanzigZ Pizza & Brewing
A pizzeria that brews their own beer and soda.
Drink Upland Pump House (Columbus Pump House)
Sleep
Budget
Mid-range
Splurge
Stay The Inn at Irwin Gardens
A bed and breakfast in a historic Edwardian mansion. The gardens were inspired by Roman gardens found in Pompeii, and the gardener's cottage is now home to a spa. The gardens are open freely to the public Tu Su 2-6PM from June to October. A guided tour is available of the first floor and garden from 1-2PM on open days for a cost of $15.
Nearby
Edinburgh
City / town · 2 listings · 11 mi away
Seymour
City / town · 15 listings · 17 mi away
Brown County State Park
Park · 10 listings · 19 mi away
Franklin
City / town · 21 mi away
Shelbyville
City / town · 2 listings · 23 mi away
Greensburg
City / town · 1 listings · 25 mi away
Greenwood
City / town · 12 listings · 30 mi away
Martinsville
City / town · 2 listings · 31 mi away
My experience
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