Columbus, Indiana, ranks sixth in the country in architectural innovation and design by the American Institute of Architects, just behind Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Boston and Washington, D.C. That's why I was surprised to learn about Columbus, Indiana, which is known for its modern architecture. It's just 1.5 hours from Cincinnati, making it a great destination for a day trip. Here are 10 reasons why you should add Columbus to your list of day trips or road trips.
Next, head out and you'll learn about some nearby structures. The 2-hour tour will take you through 40 important structures and works of art and inside two structures, if availability permits. The First Christian Church shown above was completed in 1942 and is believed to have been the first modern church in the United States. Art meets functionality at this free playground across the street from Kids Commons.
The 5,000-square-foot covered playground includes a play structure where children can climb the 35-foot tall Lucky Climber. The history of this building dates back to the 1900s and there is an incredible collection of refreshments and souvenirs to see. You can also listen to a restored orchestra from the 1870s. One of the best examples of modern architecture in the United States is the city of Columbus, Indiana, which knows how to combine modern style with small-town hospitality.
Architecture tours, however, are just one of the many things that both visitors and locals can do in Columbus. In addition to the more than seventy structures designed by famous architects, such as Eero Saarinen and I, M. Pei, the city is also home to gardens, parks, theaters, museums, orchestras, excellent restaurants and much more. To this day, the ultimate achievement of the architecture program goes beyond pure aesthetics and historical impact.
Columbus has been cited as an example of how investing in people and the community works. It is one of the few manufacturing cities that was not affected by industrial decline in the 1980s, and it mostly escaped the infamous diseases affecting similar cities along the “rust belt”. Not only did I not know about all these interesting things, but I didn't even know that there was a Columbus in Indiana. Columbus is centrally located between Indianapolis, Louisville and Cincinnati, making Columbus a great day trip.
The Indiana Philharmonic in Columbus also offers educational music programs to area schools and private musical instruction.
