Overview
Columbus is a town in Eastern Nebraska with a population of 23,000.
5 sights · 1 things to do · 2 places to eat · 3 bars & cafés
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Columbus
Andrew Jackson Higgins National Memorial
Centered around a replica of an LCPV, the memorial is dedicated to Andrew Higgins, a Columbus native that designed the landing craft for the US military during the Second World War. The site honors US military personnel …
Platte County Museum
Run by the Platte County Historical Society. This volunteer-run museum showcases artifacts and photography ranging from fossils to modern relics. Houses the Gottschalk Log Cabin, constructed in 1857 and moved to its curr…
The Evan's House
A 28-room mansion constructed between 1908 and 1911. A blend of Greek, Spanish, and Renaissance styles of architecture. It houses offices. The building also hosts the Cattlemen's Ball, a charity festival held annually to…
Quincentenary Belltower
Constructed in 1992 to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the voyage of Christopher Columbus. 10 large bells are arranged around a plaza, one ringing every 15 minutes. Each of the bells has a plaque detailing its history…
"Discovering the Colorful History of Columbus" Mural
Completed in 2006 in celebration of the town's 150th anniversary. The mural gives the illusion of pulling layers off a picture, exposing the history and origins of the town.
Pawnee Plunge Water Park
Local water park featuring a lazy river, surfing simulator, and several waterslides. Food court present as well.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 88°F; winter lows dip to about 15°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: May and Aug. (climate data from nearby Omaha)
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.
- LNK Lincoln Airport, Lincoln — 52 mi away. Directions
- GRI Central Nebraska Regional Airport, Grand Island — 58 mi away. Directions
- OMA Eppley Airfield, Omaha — 78 mi away (major hub). Directions
Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Andrew Jackson Higgins National Memorial, Pawnee Plunge Water Park
- Lunch Duster's Restaurant and Gottberg Pub
- Afternoon Quincentenary Belltower
- Dinner Husker Steak House
- Evening Pawnee Bar
Day 2
- Morning Platte County Museum, "Discovering the Colorful History of Columbus" Mural
- Afternoon The Evan's House
- Evening Glur's Tavern
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.
Get in
- Express Arrow buses stop outside Columbus on their way between Omaha and Norfolk.
See
See Andrew Jackson Higgins National Memorial
Centered around a replica of an LCPV, the memorial is dedicated to Andrew Higgins, a Columbus native that designed the landing craft for the US military during the Second World War. The site honors US military personnel and has a monument to the victims of 9/11.
See Platte County Museum
Run by the Platte County Historical Society. This volunteer-run museum showcases artifacts and photography ranging from fossils to modern relics. Houses the Gottschalk Log Cabin, constructed in 1857 and moved to its current location in the 1960s. The cabin is completely original and still has much of the original furniture on display inside.
See "Discovering the Colorful History of Columbus" Mural
Completed in 2006 in celebration of the town's 150th anniversary. The mural gives the illusion of pulling layers off a picture, exposing the history and origins of the town.
Do
Eat
Eat Duster's Restaurant and Gottberg Pub
A more upscale take on the bar and grill formula. Gottberg also brews their own in house beer.
Eat Husker Steak House
A classic American steakhouse. Serving steak, pork, and seafood. Large collection of wine and beers to choose from as well.
Drink
Drink Glur's Tavern
Built in 1876, this is the oldest tavern still operating in the state of Nebraska. Town folklore says Buffalo Bill was a regular when his traveling show was in town. Good food at good prices and friendly staff and customers.
Drink Shenanigans Bar & Grill
Located on the outskirts of town, this local bar hosts live music every weekend. Dimly lit by neon and lots of beer on tap, a fun place to kickstart the weekend.
Drink Pawnee Bar
Family run bar located near some hotels. A good place for travelers to come and put their feet up.
Nearby
York
City / town · 1 listings · 41 mi away
Norfolk
City / town · 20 listings · 41 mi away
Fremont
City / town · 3 listings · 46 mi away
Lincoln
City / town · 80 listings · 57 mi away
Ashland
City / town · 20 listings · 59 mi away
Grand Island
City / town · 18 listings · 61 mi away
Antelope County
Rural area · 3 listings · 63 mi away
Gretna
City / town · 9 listings · 63 mi away
My experience
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