Congress established National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) in 1983 to encourage and celebrate travel while highlighting the value travel creates for local economies and personal health.
Travel looks different for everyone. It could be travelling for a few hours to visit family for the holidays, or it could mean flying half-way across the country to experience otherworldly views from the top of a mountain. But the commonality for any kind of traveling is creating memories.
Tourism by the Numbers
In 2022, Indiana tourism accounted for $8.5 billion of the states GDP and supported 180,000 full and part-time jobs in the United States!
Columbus Area Tourism
Bartholomew County’s tourism resulted in $211 million in visitor spend and had a total economic impact of $116 million. In our community over 2,600 jobs are supported by the tourism industry.
We appreciate you. Our guests and visitors add to the spirit of the community.
Your enthusiasm and love for our towns create a joy in the air that is felt by all. Thank you!
We are so excited to celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week with YOU!
Meet our Partners!
Every destination has a story to tell and some unique element that makes their community special. NTTW is an amazing opportunity to discover what sets Columbus apart from any other county in the world! And it starts with two words – Discover Columbus.
While traveling on Interstate 65, you can’t miss this message; carved into the grass, welcoming locals and visitors alike – Discover Columbus. Columbus is an improbable town. Every year thousands of visitors arrive to explore the streets and study the buildings, for it is one of the rare places on earth where the idea that architecture and art can improve the human condition has been put to the test.
Columbus Architectural Tours
kidscommons
Bartholomew County Historical Society
Atterbury-Bukalar Air Museum
Columbus Tours
Architectural Bus Tour
Miller House & Gardens Tour
Whether you’re an art and architecture expert or are just curious about design, our Architectural guided tour is a perfect introduction to Columbus.
Grab your camera and learn about the fascinating history of our town and explore the unexpected art and architecture!
Tours run Tuesday – Saturday at varing times. Take a look at the calendar and grab your tickets early as they do sell out!
“I was in Columbus for an unexpected day off. I am very glad to report that I took both the Architectural Tour and the tour of the Miller House. Both were extremly informative and very good. Both guides enthusiastic and knowledgeable. If you only have time for one, I would recommend the Archetectural Tour….more variety and history about why all these magnificent structures are in one town. VERY enjoyable!”
– Shawn S.
kidscommons
kidscommons is a learning hub for all ages and creates a vibrant environment to enrich the life of every child. This children’s museum is a fun, safe, and inviting place that nurtures exploration and creativity.
Friday, May 26th enjoy half priced admission from 5:30 – 7:30.
Advance ticket purchase is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Bartholomew County Historical Society
Bartholomew County Historical Society (BCHS) is to collect and preserve Bartholomew County artifacts, photographs, and documents. Through interpretive programs and displays, BCHS teaches the heritage of this region to enrich both present and future generations.
BCHS is free and operates Tuesday – Thursday from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Atterbury-Bakalar Air Museum
The museum will educate and inspire you about the history, photos and personal stories of those who served. You can learn about World War II Glider pilots, the Tuskegee Airmen, 2466th, 434th, 71st Special Operation Squadron in Vietnam, the base, the leaders, the airmen, the equipment, the aircraft, and The Indiana Aviation Wall of Fame.
The Air Museum is free and operates Thursday Saturday from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Columbus Farmer’s Market
Salute! Memorial Concert
