Columbus, IN Tourist Attractions
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In the late 1930s the city fathers of Columbus, situated to the south of Indianapolis, commissioned the Finnish architect Eliel Saarinen to redevelop part of the city. Saarinen brought in other leading architects, and as a result Columbus is now a museum of modern architecture, with buildings designed by Saarinen, I.M. Pei, J.C. Warnke, Kevin Roche and other distinguished names.A great day can be had just strolling the streets of Columbus soaking up the atmosphere and visiting unique shops and restaurants. While touring, be sure to visit the Franklin Street, this is where you will find a great selection of historically significant restored buildings.
Bartholomew County Courthouse
The Bartholomew County Courthouse is located in Columbus. This spectacular building is one of Columbus' premier architectural gems. The red brick building with green roof and ornate clock tower is a favorite of photographers. The Bartholomew County Courthouse is named after General Joseph Bartholomew who was wounded at the battle of Tippecanoe.
1700-1900 Blocks of Franklin Street
A walk through the 1700-1900 blocks of Franklin Street in Columbus will reveal some beautiful architectural styles. This area is home to many prominent community members. Some of the homes are Arts and Crafts style, Jacobethan Revival style, and Bugalow style.
A. Tross Building
The A. Tross Building is located in the historic area of Columbus. This structure was built in the late 19th Century and has been extensively renovated over the years. A historical plaque posted on the building gives visitors on a walking tour more information on the clothing business that once operated here.
Columbus Inn (Old City Hall)
The Columbus Inn (Old City Hall) is located in Columbus, Indiana. This luxurious inn is located in what was once City Hall. Built in 1895 the building is done in the Romanesque style and features a tall bell tower and wonderful interiors. The Columbus Inn (Old City Hall) is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Indianapolis Museum of Art-Columbus Gallery
The Indianapolis Museum of Art-Columbus Gallery is located in the city of the same name and is an offshoot of the Indianapolis Museum of Art. The Columbus Gallery consists of 4,000 square feet of exhibit space that is constantly filled by local, national, and international traveling exhibitions.
Old Garfield School
The Old Garfield School was once the headquarters of the Arvin Industries Company but the building is now owned by the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation. This structure was built in the late 19th Century and has been renovated and added on to while still maintaining much of its charm.
400 Block of Washington Street
The 400 Block of Washington Street is an interesting place for a stroll to see some of the unique Italianate style buildings. Some of the buildings of note include the Lucs-Marr building and Cummins Bookstore.
800-900 Block of Franklin Street
The 800 and 900 blocks of Franklin Street in Columbus are home to some of the city's unique and well preserved architectural styles. Some of these include Queen Anne style, American Four Square style, and Prairie style, to name a few.
Cerealine Mill
The former Cerealine Mill is located in Columbus. This building was constructed in the late 19th Century and has been lovingly restored to its original condition. The Cerealine Mill was owned by the Cerealine Manufacturing Company.
Columbus Architecture Tours
Over fifty public and private buildings by architects such as Richard Meier, I. M. Pei, Kevin Roche, and Robert Venturi create a contemporary collection of architecture. Guided bus tours take visitors through highlights of the city.
First Presbyterian Church
First Presbyterian is a Victorian Gothic church, built between 1872 and 1885. It was designed by Levi Levering and features tower and spire, stained glass, and the pointed arch doors.
Franklin Square
Franklin Square is a quarter block that consists of the Federal style house, built in 1853 for Samuel Harris and the Italianate Style house, built in 1870 for Dr. William Hogue.
Henry Strasser House
Henry Strasser, proprietor of the Columbus Galvanized Iron Works, installed pressed metal work on his own house. The home was renovated in the 1980s as a business office.
Irwin Home and Gardens
Built in 1910, Irwin Gardens were built to complement the Irwin Home, which was completed in 1864. The landscape includes a Roman garden house, an Italian-style garden, 7,500-square-foot greenhouse for annuals, and numerous fountains.
Ulrich-Schwartzkopf Building
The Ulrich-Schwartzkopf Building is the former home of the Leuchter Bakery and the White Star Market. Built around 1850, the exterior has been restored as it was in 1891.
1316 Franklin Street
At 1316 Franklin Street in Columbus is an interesting old carpenters cottage that has remained relatively unchanged since the late 1800s.
600-700 Blocks of Lafayette Avenue
The 600 and 700 blocks of Lafayette Avenue in Columbus are great for strolling. This area features some of the city's beautiful and unique architectural styles.
First Christian Church
The First Christian Church was designed by Eliel Saarinen and completed in 1942. The materials, exterior and interior, are mostly buff brick and limestone.
Irwin's Bank Building
Joseph I. Irwin originally operated a dry goods store in this building and then established one of the city's early banks modeled in the Italianate style in 1881.
J. Will Prall House
This Queen Anne style house was designed by local architect, Charles F. Sparrell, in 1891 for Dr. J. Will Prall.
McEwen-Samuels-Marr House
William McEweb built this Italianate style house in 1864. Samuel Samuels, and retired farmer, James Marr were additional owners.
McKinley School
McKinley School was designed by Charles F. Sparrell in 1892. This Romanesque Revival style school was originally called North Side.
North Christian Church
North Christian Church, designed by Eero Saarinen, is a hexagonal structure that tapers to a spire and is topped with a gold leaf cross.
Old Lincoln School
This Italianate style structure, built in 1877, is the oldest extant school building in Columbus.
Sparrel Block
Sparrell Block is an Italianate style structure, built in 1855. The building was designed by Charles F. Sparrell.
Story House
This Italianate style home was built in 1864 for John V. Storey, druggist and miller. It currently houses the Visitor Center.
Orinoco Firehouse
The Orinoco Firehouse, Neo-classical in style, was built c 1910.
