Columbus Indiana isn’t just a dot on the map for me, it’s my mother’s hometown. I’ve never lived there myself, but growing up we visited at least once a year, and it’s still one of my favorite places to go. Known for its modernist architecture and small-town charm, Columbus has a surprising number of gems packed into its quiet streets. Here are five places I’ve returned to again and again, each one holding a piece of my personal history—and worth a visit if you find yourself in town.
1. Bartholomew County Public Library
Designed by I.M. Pei, the library is striking from the outside and welcoming within. As a kid, it was a magical space: big windows, quiet corners, and rows of books that seemed to go on forever. Outside the building is a statue known as “Large Arch” by renowned sculptor Henry Moore. The library was often one of our first stops when we headed downtown, and it remains one of my favorite places to visit.
2. Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor
Zaharakos isn’t just a place to grab dessert—it’s a step back in time. This restored 1900s ice cream parlor features marble counters, stained glass, a mechanical player organ, and a whole museum of soda fountain history. The sundaes are huge, and the floats are perfect. My usual order is a green river soda and a dreamsicle sundae. Zaharakos is the kind of place that makes kids and adults light up equally.
3. The Commons
Originally the shopping mall my mother spent her teen years frequenting, The Commons is now a public space that blends art, architecture, and play. It’s home to Chaos I, a massive kinetic sculpture by Swiss artist Jean Tinguely that whirs, clanks, and spins overhead. I used to stand and watch it for what felt like hours, though nowadays it only runs on special occasions to preserve the sculpture. There’s also a large indoor playground, open seating, and frequent events. It’s the heart of downtown and a great place to rest, regroup, or just people-watch.
4. Mill Race Park
Mill Race is a sprawling city park with walking trails, a lookout tower, and peaceful views of the river. Designed by Michael Van Valkenburgh, it’s a perfect mix of wild and intentional. My cousin actually had her wedding reception here. My favorite places in the park were always the covered bridge and the observation tower.
5. Irwin Miller Home and Garden
Last on our list is the Miller House. I didn’t actually grow up visiting this historic treasure as it wasn’t open for public tours until 2020. Still, I remember driving past the front of the property many times with my mother remarking that she’d always wondered what was inside. It was truly special to walk through the home with her for the first time. This mid-century modern home is a true architectural gem. Designed by Eero Saarinen with interiors by Alexander Girard and landscaping by Dan Kiley, the house reflects the vision of J. Irwin Miller, who helped shape Columbus into the design-focused city it is today. Touring the home feels like stepping into a living museum—elegant, intentional, and timeless. The gardens are especially beautiful in the spring and summer.
[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=1RycmkAXVY7Q-tt5Odn-Aw1q-yn3LX4c&ehbc=2E312F&noprof=1&w=640&h=480]Above you’ll find an interactive map with the locations I discussed pinned. (I pinned the ticket office for the Miller House, rather than the house itself, as visitors are shuttled to the property rather than driving there themselves.)