COLUMBUS TOUR OPTIONS
Welcome Back
The health and safety of our staff and guests is a priority of the Columbus Area Visitor Center. Therefore, we are opening our tours in stages, on a limited schedule, with reduced capacity to meet social distancing guidelines aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19. We will open tours on a rolling basis, so please check our tour calendar regularly to see when your favorite tour will be offered.
TOUR OPTIONS
Tours regularly fill to capacity – reservations are recommended – see tour FAQS
Iconic Columbus
Tour
Iconic Columbus Tour
Experience the iconic styles of architecture, from modernist to historic Victorian
Tour rates and details...
Learn about the celebrated modern buildings of Columbus and see how they intermingle with Victorian storefronts and historic buildings on this newly-expanded walking tour of downtown Columbus. Tour guests will also get an up-close look at highlights from the city’s collection of public art, landscapes, and many of the unexpected design gestures that set Columbus apart.
Select building interiors may be included on this tour based on availability. Access to interiors is subject to change without notice.
Price : $15
Duration : 2 hours
Guided walking tour begins and ends at The Columbus Visitors Center
View 2020 TOUR CALENDAR
Eligible for American Institute of Architects LUs
Inn at Irwin Gardens
House Tour
Inn At Irwin Gardens Tour
Get an insider’s look at the Irwin Home in all its grandeur, virtually unchanged since 1910
Tour rates and details...
Price : $15
Durations : 60 minutes
Guided interior tour
Begins and ends at Inn at Irwin
Eligible for American Institute of Architects LUs
Historic Zaharakos
Tour
Historic Zaharakos Tour
Our sweetest tour provides a step back in time as you tour the historic ice cream parlor and museum
Tour rates and details...
Get an exclusive look at the private second floor and elegant Crystal Parlor preserved in stunning 1900 Victorian fashion. Before you go, indulge in your favorite ice cream treat, such as a Green River.
Price : $15
Duration : 60 minutes
Guided interior tour
Begins and ends at Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor
Learn more about the Zaharakos Tour.
Eligible for American Institute of Architects LUs
Self-Guided
Tours
Self-Guided Tours
Explore Columbus at your own pace using your phone. Follow Google maps, listen to exclusive commentary from architecture experts, and learn about Columbus’ history.
Tour details...
View up to 82 stops on the Downtown and City loops. Printed maps are available at the Visitors Center for $3.
Price : free
Duration : your own pace
NOTE: This tour is a supplement to the “Guide to Art and Architecture” map, available for $3 at the Visitors Center, Hotel Indigo, and Viewpoint Bookstore.
Go to the mobile tour for smartphone >
You may also download PDF maps of some suggested itineraries, or pick up FREE COPIES at the Visitors Center
Architecture Highlights
Tours
Architecture Highlights Tour
This tour is currently unavailable. Please check back here for future dates.
About the tour...
Discover how a small Midwestern city became a modern architecture destination
Tour rates and details...
Whether you’re an architecture expert or are just curious about design, this guided tour is a perfect introduction to Columbus.
Price : $25 Adults, $20 Students
Duration : 2 hours
Guided bus tour, minimal walking
Begins and ends at The Columbus Visitors Center
View 2020 TOUR CALENDAR
Learn more about the architecture tour
Learn about private, group, and special interest tour options
See tour FAQs
Eligible for American Institute of Architects LUs
Children younger than 6, including toddlers and infants, are not permitted on this tour. All guests must purchase a ticket, regardless of age
Miller House & Garden
Tour
Miller House and Garden Tour
Tour currently available and booking for August and beyond.
About the tour...
Be inspired by one of the nation’s most significant midcentury modern homes
Tour rates and details...
Be inspired by the story of three top designers working with exceptional clients to create one of the nation’s most significant midcentury homes, celebrated for its colorful interiors and remarkable landscapes.
Begins and ends at The Columbus Visitors Center (there is no public access at the house)
Price : $25
Duration : 90 minutes
View 2020 TOUR CALENDAR
Children younger than 10, including toddlers and infants, are not permitted on this tour. All guests must purchase a ticket, regardless of age.
To protect the carpeting and flooring at Miller House, you will be asked to wear shoe covers or remove your shoes and tour the house in socks. Shoe covers will be provided.
Learn more about the Miller House Tour
Learn about private, group, and special interest tour options
See tour FAQs
Eligible for American Institute of Architects LUs
Tours at Miller House and Garden are made possible through the Columbus Area Visitors Center. Miller House and Garden is owned and cared for by Newfields.
SELF-GUIDED BIKE TOURS
Duration : your own pace
The Columbus Area Visitors Center and the Parks and Recreation Foundation teamed up to create self-guided bike tours of Columbus, for a variety of biking levels. Start at the Visitors Center or the Parks and Recreation office to pick up the free maps and explore Columbus at your own speed.
Find out more about self-guided bike tours
GROUP TOURS
The Visitors Center is excited to offer private tours of architectural highlights, Miller House, museums, foodie experiences, and more. Talk with one of our staff members to create an itinerary perfect for your group.
View the architecture videos
RELATED LINKS
Photo credit, top of page, left, by Qisti Gitosuputro
Photo credit, top of page, right, by Tony Vasquez
