Do more in Columbus, Indiana

Columbus, IN is best known for everywhere art and unexpected architecture.

No city blends world-class architecture and small-town charm quite like Columbus, Indiana. However, in addition to inspirational art, the city offers a variety of outdoor activities and family-fun adventures. Experience scenic canoeing, climbing, golfing, hiking, fishing and much more. Here is our list of the top recreational places to visit in Columbus, Indiana!

Columbus Rock Gym

With over 50 different routes to choose from, the Columbus Rock Gym encompasses an entire climbing atmosphere that is passionate, determined and supportive! Climbers of all ages can scale over a padded floor with no ropes or harnesses required. They also offer private training sessions for those who wish to learn from a professional.

Cera Park

This 345-acre park is the perfect place to spend time with family and friends on a beautiful day. Less than ten minutes southeast of Columbus, Cera Park offers a wide range of activities including fishing, paddle boating, row boating, canoeing and more!

Visitors can also enjoy any of the outdoor sporting activities including basketball, shuffleboard, horseshoe, beach volleyball, go-karting, golf, and tennis. Pack a picnic and enjoy a day at the Cera Park Aquatic Center with family. Challenge a friend to a game of golf on the 18-hole miniature golf course.

Visitors may have a difficult time choosing from the many things you can do at Cera Park!

Blue’s Canoes

Located just north of Columbus and nearby Edinburgh Premium Outlets, Blue’s Canoe Livery is an outdoor recreation center that provides canoe, kayak and raft trips on the Driftwood River. Visitors can camp and fish for small mouth bass. The most popular river trips flow through a secluded state wildlife preserve and a part of Camp Atterbury wilderness area. While you are rafting you may encounter deer, beaver, great blue heron, osprey, and wild turkey!

Mill Race Park

Landscape Management recognized this 85-acre riverfront as one of the top 100 parks in the nation for design, reputation and accessibility. A beautiful setting with original structures, Mill Race Park is a testament to the collaborative spirit of design within Columbus, Indiana.

Concepted by Michael Van Valkenburgh, and featuring structures by Stanley Saitowitz, the park features an 84-foot observation tower, a covered bridge, people trails, fishing, picnic shelters, playgrounds, horseshoe pits, basketball courts and an amphitheater for concerts and other performances!

Anderson Falls

Dedicated as a State Nature Preserve in 2004, Anderson Falls is a popular area with steep-walled valleys and a picturesque waterfall, cascading down to its limestone bed. The falls can be found in the 44-acre park along with two adventurous hiking paths.

The scenic, moderate terrain is ideal for hiking. While exploring the falls, keep an eye out for a number of woodland animals as well as birds, including migratory songbirds, woodpeckers and hawks.

Anderson Falls photo by Gary Scroggins

Credit: photo by Gary Scroggins

Bowling Center

Although we love to spend time outdoors during the summer, we all look for a fun place to visit during rainy days or on a relaxing summer evening. Look no further than the Columbus Bowling Center! Whether you’re a competitive or a casual bowler, there is a lane for you. Visitors will also have a blast under the black lights cosmic bowling with friends. Come listen to music, eat yummy snacks and challenge friends to a bowl-off! Open bowling is available Monday through Sunday for all ages.

Columbus Area Golf Courses

There are several golf courses throughout Columbus, each with their own unique flair.

Clifty Creek Golf Course

This nine-hole golf course features 2,955 yards of golf stretching across the rolling hills of southern Indiana. This pristine course on rolling terrain is known as “The Relax Spot.”

Greenbelt Golf Course

Established in the 1930s, this nine-hole community golf course is located in the heart of Columbus, close to Columbus Regional Hospital. The course was later renovated in 1976 by renowned golf course architect Pete Dye.

Otter Creek Golf Course

Otter Creek has been ranked among the top public golf courses in the U.S. since its inception in 1964. Located in the midst of a serene countryside, this is an original 18-hole championship course.The design of the course harmonizes with the gracefully rolling hills of southern Indiana and contours of the land.

Rocky Ford Par 3 Golf Course

Built in 1963 by the Columbus Parks and Recreation Department, Rocky Ford Par 3 Golf Course is a local favorite. The course is home to 18 holes of Footgolf! Footgolf is a precision sport, a combination of soccer and golf. The Rocky Ford Par 3 Golf Course boasts a special emphasis on programming for youth and beginners in the game of golf.

Timbergate Golf Course, Edinburgh, Indiana

Timbergate Golf Course is one of four Indiana courses rated as a “good value” by Golf Digest. Located in Edinburgh, this eighteen-hole course is one of the premiere public courses in Indiana. The links-style design was geared to be both challenging to experienced players as well as playable to any level of experience.