A fall Getaway in COlumbus, INdiana

Lots of people say fall is the best season of all in Indiana.

No one can deny the beauty in the changing leaves, the crisp air, and the delicious seasonal drinks and food! Columbus, IN is the perfect backdrop for your autumnal getaway.

Attend a Local Event

Columbus’ fall season is filled with great events! From food festivals, and car shows, to a fine arts and craft show.

A few of our favorites coming up:

Columbus Scottish Festival is a weekend of  Scottish entertainment that includes Celtic concerts, Ceilidh (a traditional Scottish party with food, music and dancing), Highland dancing competition, sporting competitions, clan tents, sheep dog trials, a European car show, music, bagpipe marching bands, re-enactors and living history, children’s activities, Scottish dancing, merchandise, and food vendors.

Hot Rods and Rock and Roll! Enjoy classic cars, trucks, hot rods, motorcycles, and more at this family-friendly event! There is no registration fee and no trophies – just pride, passion, and a good time, with music at night

Ethnic Expo is a weekend of events celebrating cultures that come together to call Columbus home to create a vibrant, welcoming community – and also one of the largest and most beloved local festivals. Food is a unique part of everyone’s culture, and is a great way to bring people together. At Ethnic Expo you can explore cuisine from dozens of countries within just a few blocks.

View All Events

Pictured: 6th Street Arts Alley
Credit: Photo by Hadley Fruits for Landmark Columbus Foundation

Exhibit Columbus is a celebrated exploration of architecture, art, design, and community that transforms downtown Columbus into an open-air museum of innovative installations and thought-provoking exhibits. Attending the event offers a unique opportunity to experience cutting-edge works created by internationally renowned architects and designers, all while engaging with the city’s rich modernist heritage. Visitors can walk among large-scale outdoor installations, attend talks and panel discussions, and connect with artists and community members in an inspiring atmosphere. The event is as much about sparking conversation and curiosity as it is about showcasing creative vision, making it a must-attend for anyone passionate about design, culture, and the vibrant spirit of Columbus. The Exhibit is on display from August 16 – Nov 30!

Explore the Architecture

First Christian Church
Credit: Photo by Hadley Fruits for Landmark Columbus Foundation
Large Arch
Credit: Photo by the Columbus Area Visitors Center

Downtown Columbus, is a remarkable blend of the modern buildings that have made it famous for its architecture and the beautiful Victorian storefronts that carry our town’s history. Take a guided tour around the neighborhood and see works by world renowned architects, Elliel Saarinen’s First Christian Church (one of the first Modern churches in the US and I.M. Pei’s Cleo Roger’s Memorial Library.  Stop by the Visitors Center for information or to book your architecture tours. Be sure to explore the gift shop, which offers a curated selection of unique items from local artists and great gifts for your design-savvy friends.

Hadley Fruits
Miller House & Gardens
Credit: Photo by Hadley Fruits for Landmark Columbus Foundation

While in Columbus, your trip is not complete before going to the Miller House & Garden. This historic home designed by Eero Saarinen is a must-see. The garden and interior design reflect mid-century modern aesthetics perfectly and has one of the most recognized and photographed conversation pits of all time.

Enjoy the Visual Arts!

As you explore downtown, you’ll see public art around nearly every corner. Don’t miss the ever-changing exhibits at 411 Gallery, Gallery 506 at the Visitors Center, and the gallery at the Indiana University Architecture School, bringing an eclectic mix of work by local artists and national talent.

Check out the exhibits and enjoy the arts!

Credit: Photo Courtesy of Columbus Area Arts Council

Wander in Nature

Recreate your favorite fall movie scene with a frolic in the woods, a jump into a pile of leaves, or a stroll next to the river! Enjoy the cooler weather by exploring Mill Race Park, the perfect place to spend a low-key afternoon with a leisurely stroll or a picnic. If you want a bird’s eye view, climb to the top of the Mill Race Observation Tower for a beautiful view of the city and the river. 

Whether you are walking, or taking your bike for a spin, be sure to pause to enjoy the scenery! The Columbus People Trail, which runs through Mill Race Park, provides a 27-mile loop throughout the city. The trail will take you by rivers and creeks, and provides great views of of green spaces and productive farmland.

Credit: Photo by Columbus Area Visitors Center

If you consider yourself an hiker, you will want to check out, Brown County State Park, just a short drive away where you’ll feel like you are in the mountains (or maybe the foothills). Nicknamed “The Little Smokies,” Brown County has nearly 16,000 acres of rugged hills, ridges, and fog-shrouded ravines.

Indiana’s largest park is a hot spot for those wanting to take in the stunning views of fall foliage, with nearly twenty miles of tree-lined roads and vistas overlooking miles of uninterrupted forest. Your thrills await!

Pictured: Brown County State Park
Credit: Photo by Gary Scroggins
Anderson Falls, Columbus, Indiana - photo by Gary Scroggins
Credit: Anderson Falls by Gary Scroggins

Anderson Falls is a beautiful cascading waterfall is only 12 feet high, but about 100 feet wide. The amount of water pouring over the falls will depend on the rainfall, but it is likely to have water flowing all year round. The waterfall is right alongside the road, with parking nearby, and visitors can easily access the limestone bed at the base of the falls.

The far side of the creek is a forty-four-acre nature preserve with two hiking paths of 1.75 mi and 2.25 mi. You will have to walk across the creek above the falls to reach the trails.

Hadley Fruits
Miller House & Gardens
Credit: Photo by Hadley Fruits for Landmark Columbus Foundation

Blue’s Canoes is an outdoor recreation center that facilitates canoe, kayak and raft trips on Driftwood River, just north of Columbus off I-65 Exit 76B. Drift through a secluded wildlife preserve that is alive with deer, beaver, blue heron, osprey and wild turkey. Ramp up the excitement paddling through occasional moderate rapids. Trips range from seven to nine miles. Large groups welcome. Primitive camping is available. Your thrills await! Check their Facebook for more details on river levels and any closures.

Enjoy the Local Food Scene

If you are a foodie, book your reservation now at Henry Social Club and enjoy a delicious menu of inventive, seasonal dishes. This sleek and stylish restaurant offers creative cocktails and world class cuisine.

If brunch is what you’re craving hit up Upland Columbus Pump House for a delicious late morning meal and a beermosa on Saturday and Sunday. Upland fully utilizes their scenic river views with a an outdoor dining area and an outdoor patio space with ample seating and a firepit for chilly fall afternoons.

But no fall day would be complete without a the smell of cinnamon and coffee intermingling harmoniously in the air! Head over to Lucabe Coffee Co. and grab a fresh cup of their delicious brew! Sit and sip outside while you enjoy the fall leaves before heading out on a downtown shopping spree.

Pictured: Upland Brewery
Credit: Photo by Columbus Area Visitors Center

Book your stay and enjoy!

Are you a camper, do you want a hotel with a pool, are you bringing any furry friends with you, or do you want to be in a cabin in the woods? 

For those who want a downtown hotel where you can walk to anything, check out Hotel Indigo for a pet friendly stay with a pool! Still wanting to stay downtown, but need something historic, beautiful, and secluded? The Inn at Irwin Gardens is a 1910 Edwardian mansion with Pompeii styled gardens turned bed and breakfast that will not disappoint! If you want to be a bit closer to Brown County State Park, then Holiday Inn might be the hotel for you, this pet friendly hotel is a short 20 minute drive away.

Looking for a true getaway, Columbus has several vacation rentals to meet your needs.

Be sure to tag us @visitcolumbusin on all social medias to share your fall adventures!

Pictured: Inn at Irwin Gardens
Credit: Photo by Gary Scroggins

You May Also Like