Columbus, Indiana, is in Bartholomew County, approximately 33 miles east of Bloomington and 42 miles southeast of Indianapolis. The community had a population of more than 40,000 residents as of July 2009, according to City-Data, making it a regional center for commerce and culture. As a result, visitors to Columbus can find a variety of things to do in the city, ranging from participating outdoor activities to visiting indoor, family-friendly attractions.
Kidscommons Children's Museum opened in October 2005. The institution offers hands-on exhibits geared toward kids. Among the attractions is Our House, which allows children to explore replicas of homes from throughout the world to experience how families live in other countries. The museum also has arts and crafts activities and a storytelling kiosk.
The Kidscommons Children's Museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays and closes every Monday. Free street parking is available in the area around the museum and a pay lot is located nearby on Jackson Street between 4th and 5th Streets.
Kidscommons Children's Museum
309 Washington St.
Columbus, IN 47201
812-378-3046
kidscommons.org
Oak Knoll Golf Course is about six miles outside of downtown Columbus in a wooded area. The public, par-73 course includes 7,054 yards of golf and was designed by Dr. Otto Wickstrom, who co-manages the course. Practice and putting greens and a driving range are located on the property as well as a pro shop and snack bar.
Oak Knoll Golf Course
1705 West 550 South
Columbus, IN 47201
812-342-2000
oakknollgc.com
Mill Race Park is situated at the spot where the Flat Rock and the Driftwood Rivers converge to become White River and covers 83 acres of land. Its location along the water makes the park a destination for boating and fishing. The park's 84-foot observation tower provides visitors with panoramic views of the park and the surrounding city. Other activities and facilities at the park include basketball courts and a playground. The park also hosts events like craft shows, concerts and childrens' festivals.
Visitors can also access The People Trail from the park. This paved walking, rollerblading and cycling trail continues into the city, covering a total of 12 miles.
Mill Race Park is open year-round and is a free attraction. The park received recognition as one of the top 100 public properties in the United States from "Landscape Management Magazine."
Mill Race Park
Fifth and Lindsey Sts.
Columbus, IN 47201
812-376-2680
columbus.in.us
Atterbury-Bakalar Air Museum is located on Ray Boll Boulevard across from the Columbus Indiana Municipal Airport. The museum is located at the site of the former Atterbury Army Air Field and Bakalar Air Force Base and is dedicated to military aircraft used during World War II and the Vietnam War. The museum also has photographs, artifacts and stories about some of the men and women who served during these wars.
The Atterbury-Bakalar Air Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday year-round and closes every Sunday and Monday. On-site parking is available. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.
Atterbury-Bakalar Air Museum
4742 Ray Boll Blvd.
Columbus, IN 47203
812-372-4356
atterburybakalarairmuseum.org
