Discover 11 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Columbus (United States). Don't miss out on these must-see attractions: First Christian Church, First Baptist Church, and North Christian Church. Also, be sure to include The Crump Theatre in your itinerary.
Below, you can find the list of the most amazing places you should visit in Columbus (Indiana).
Table of Contents
First Christian Church
Building in Columbus, Indiana. The First Christian Church in Columbus, Indiana, was built in 1942. It was the first contemporary building in Columbus and one of the first churches in the United States to be built in a contemporary architectural style.
The building, designed by Finnish architect Eliel Saarinen, consists of a glass-fronted main hall, with a tower and bridge section. Interior details such as light fixtures, screen and furniture were designed by Saarinen's son Eero Saarinen (who would later design the North Christian Church in Columbus) and Charles Eames.
The building was designated a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service in 2001.[1]
Address: 531 5th St, 47201 Columbus
First Baptist Church
Building in Columbus, Indiana. The First Baptist Church is one of six National Historic Landmarks in Columbus, Indiana. It was designed by distinguished architect Harry Weese; construction was completed in 1965. Since completion, few alterations have been made and the building has retained its integrity. It was one of the first church designs to integrate Modern movement architecture and a non-traditional church plan.[2]
Address: 3300 Fairlawn Dr, 47203 Columbus
North Christian Church
Church in Columbus, Indiana. The North Christian Church is a church in Columbus, Indiana. Founded in 1955, it is part of the Christian Church. The church building of 1964 was designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen and completed in 1964. Saarinen's father Eliel Saarinen had designed the First Christian Church in Columbus.
The building is hexagonal in shape, with a central metal spire that is 192 feet (59 m) high. Below the spire, there is an oculus that admits light into the main level. The sanctuary is located at the center of the building, with the Lord's Table located in the center of the sanctuary. Rows of pews surround the altar in a hexagon, reflecting the idea that worship should be a central aspect of the life of the congregation. The lower level contains classrooms, an auditorium, a kitchen, and an activities area.[3]
Address: 850 Tipton Ln, 47201-2999 Columbus
The Crump Theatre
Theatre in Columbus. The Crump Theatre is located in downtown Columbus, Indiana, at 425 Third Street, is part of the Columbus Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The theatre is owned by the Columbus Capital Foundation and periodically used as an event space for a variety of acts, including musicians, comedians, and paranormal investigators.[4]
Address: 423 3rd St, 47201-6721 Columbus
Mill Race Park
Park in Columbus, Indiana. Mill Race Park is a city-owned park located in Columbus, Indiana, where the Flat Rock and the Driftwood rivers join together in downtown Columbus.[5]
Address: 5th and Lindsey Streets, 47201 Columbus
Bartholomew County Courthouse
Courthouse in Columbus, Indiana. Bartholomew County Courthouse is a historic courthouse located at Columbus, Bartholomew County, Indiana. It was designed by noted Indiana architect Isaac Hodgson, built in 1871–1874 at the cost of $250,000, and dedicated in 1874. Construction was by McCormack and Sweeny. The building was hailed as "the finest in the West" upon its completion.
It is a three-story, Second Empire-style red-brick building trimmed in limestone. It features a mansard roof, corner pavilions, Corinthian-order portico, and a six-level clock tower. The clock tower is 154 feet tall. A six-inch thick, 10-ten clock bell was installed in 1875. The clock's weighted mechanism were replaced with an electric motor in 1940 and a 900-pound weight fell.
It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 15, 1979. It is located in the Columbus Historic District.[6]
Cleo Rogers Memorial Library
Public library in Columbus, Indiana. The Cleo Rogers Memorial Library, also known as the Main Library, is the flagship library of the Bartholomew County Public Library system. It includes a branch in Hope, Indiana, and a bookmobile that serves the county. The building was designed by I. M. Pei & Partners and constructed by Dunlap & Company, completed in 1969, and dedicated in 1971. It is notable for its design of red brick with concrete details and its Library Plaza, an urban space punctuated by the sculpture, "Large Arch" by Henry Moore. It is named for Cleo Rogers who was the county librarian for 28 years and assistant librarian for nine years.[7]
Address: Columbus, 536 Fifth Street
Kidscommons
Children's museum, Entertainment, Museum
Address: 309 Washington St, 47201-6743 Columbus
Columbus Historic District
Columbus Historic District is a national historic district located at Columbus, Bartholomew County, Indiana. It encompasses 574 contributing buildings and 1 contributing sites in the central business district and surrounding residential areas of Columbus. It was developed between about 1850 and 1930, and includes notable examples of Federal and Italianate style architecture. A number of commercial buildings feature locally manufactured cast iron and pressed metal components. Located in the district are the separately listed Bartholomew County Courthouse, Columbus City Hall, and First Christian Church. Other notable buildings include the First National Bank, The Crump Theatre, Reo Theater, Ulrich Bakery, Samuel Harris House, Keller House, Old Post Office, Franklin Building, Gent Mill, First United Presbyterian Church, Irwin Block, Irwin Home and Gardens, and St. Batholomew's Roman Catholic Church.
It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.[8]
Columbus Pump House
The Columbus Pump House, which is also known as the Columbus Power House and the Senior Center, was designed by the architect Harrison Albright and completed in 1903. It stands on the banks of the East Fork of the White River at the foot of Second Street in Columbus, Indiana, USA. In 2016, it was renovated to become a restaurant for the Upland Brewing Company. From 1903 to 1951, ws the city's water works and pumped water from the river for domestic use. It also produced electricity for the city's street lighting. The city sold the property in 1952 and it was renovated to become Southern Machine Company. With a 1976 renovation it became the "Senior Center", which used the building until 2011 when that group moved into the newly built Mill Race Center. It is currently a brewpub operated by Upland Brewing Company.[9]
Address: Columbus, 148 Lindsey Street
Atterbury-Bakalar Air Museum
Military museum, Specialty museum, Museum
Address: 4742 Ray Boll Blvd, 47203-1759 Columbus