Discover History & Museums in Columbus, Indiana

Explore the stories, people, and innovations that helped shape Columbus, Indiana, and the surrounding Bartholomew County community. From military aviation and industrial breakthroughs to small-town heritage and century-old traditions, local museums and historic attractions offer a fascinating look at the past.

Discover the area's aviation history at the Atterbury-Bakalar Air Museum, where military artifacts, aircraft exhibits, and personal stories highlight the airport's role in American military history. Explore the legacy of innovation at the Cummins Corporate Headquarters Museum, where early diesel engines, historic race cars, and impressive engineering displays tell the story of a company founded in Columbus in 1919. For a taste of history, visit Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor and Museum, a downtown landmark since 1900, complete with an ornate soda fountain, antique furnishings, and mechanical music.

History extends beyond downtown Columbus

Visit the Bartholomew County Historical Society to discover the people and events that shaped the region, or head to nearby Hope, Indiana, where the Yellow Trail Museum preserves the community's Moravian heritage. From local history exhibits and tours to hands-on museums and historic landmarks, Columbus offers memorable ways to connect with the past.

Explore Aviation & Military History

Discover an important chapter of Columbus’s military past at the Atterbury-Bakalar Air Museum. Located at the Columbus Municipal Airport, the museum shares stories from World War II through the Vietnam War, with military uniforms, aircraft models, and historical artifacts that bring decades of aviation history to life.

Discover Innovation & Local Heritage

Columbus has a history of big ideas, and its museums help explain how those ideas shaped the community. Explore the engineering legacy of Cummins, learn about life in Bartholomew County through the Historical Society, or visit the Yellow Trail Museum in Hope to discover a small town’s Moravian roots and traditions.

Step Back in Time with Family-Friendly Attractions

Some of the best history lessons happen when you experience them firsthand! Take a seat at Zaharakos’ historic soda fountain, explore the restored Simmons School near Hope, or spend an afternoon discovering hands-on exhibits at kidscommons. These attractions make it easy to mix learning, local history, and family fun.

Stories Worth Exploring

There’s more to Columbus and Bartholomew County’s history than meets the eye! Take a deeper look at the people, places, and stories that shaped our community. From architectural landmarks and local legends to unexpected pieces of the past, explore our blog for more fascinating stories and a little inspiration for your next visit.

National Historic Landmarks in Columbus, Indiana: The Buildings That Made Federal History

Seven buildings in Columbus, Indiana, have been recognized by the National Historic Landmarks program, an extraordinary number for a city of over 50,000, and one of the reasons the unexpected Columbus collection…

Columbus, Indiana Architecture History: How One Visionary Town Bet on Design — and Won

Columbus, Indiana, is an improbable town. The story begins with the leadership of a family with a vision and a program rooted in the words of Winston Churchill: “We shape our buildings…

Columbus, Indiana Architecture Tours: Every Way to Explore

Columbus is an extraordinary Indiana community celebrated for its remarkable collection of modernist architecture. While the city is best known for its midcentury design legacy, visitors will also discover impressive examples of…

Columbus, Indiana’s Most Concentrated Mile of Landmark Buildings

Fifth Street in downtown Columbus is nicknamed the Avenue of the Architects—and for good reason. Columbus’s international reputation for architecture grew out of the Cummins Foundation Architecture Program, which brought some of…

A Guide to Columbus, Indiana Antique Shops

Shops for antiques lovers, power pickers, and treasure hunters.

Experience the Best of Downtown Columbus, Indiana We like to think of Downtown as everyone’s neighborhood. You’re going to love it here! Choose…
Discover Hope, Indiana’s Historic Charm & Local Events Just 15 minutes northeast of Columbus, Indiana, Hope is a hidden gem in Bartholomew County filled…
Art & Architecture Step into Columbus, Indiana, where world-famous architecture and bold public art transform a small city into…
Exit 76 Edinburgh: Outlet Mall & Antique Shopping Just off I-65, Exit 76 is one of the area’s biggest shopping hubs and an easy…
The Best Family Activities & Kids Fun in Columbus, Indiana Looking for family-friendly things to do in Columbus, Indiana? From hands-on learning and imaginative play to…
Outdoor Activities & Parks in Columbus, Indiana A guide to recreation in Columbus, Indiana, including People Trails, Anderson Falls, Ceraland Park, Hamilton Center…