Do More in Columbus, IN

Recreation, Family Fun & Active Adventures

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 Rocks Climbing and Fitness

With over 50 different routes to choose from, the Columbus Rocks Climbing and Fitness 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.

Credit: Kayla Rodriguez

CERAPark

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, CERAland 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 CERAPark Aquatic Center with family. Challenge a friend to a game of golf on the 18-hole miniature golf course.

Blue’s Canoes

Located just north of Columbus and nearby Indiana 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.

Credit: photo by Gary Scroggins

BMX Track

This USA BMX-sanctioned track brings high-energy racing and a welcoming community to Columbus, making it a fun stop for riders of all ages and experience levels. Whether you’re a seasoned racer, a curious beginner, or a family looking for something different to do together, Columbus BMX offers a chance to get outside, build confidence, and experience the thrill of the track.

Credit: Columbus BMX

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.