COLUMBUS TOUR OPTIONS
Tours regularly fill to capacity – RESERVATIONS ARE NECESSARY
Architecture Highlights Bus Tour
Discover how a small Midwestern city became a modern architecture “mecca,” boasting structures by names like Eero Saarinen, Harry Weese, Kevin Roche, and I.M. Pei. This tour drives by more than forty significant structures and works of art and provides the opportunity to see the interiors of two buildings (depending on availability).
Price : $25 Adults, $15 Students, fees included
Duration : 2 hours
Bus tour, minimal walking
Begins and ends at The Columbus Visitors Center
April – November
Tue – Thu at 10 am / Fri – Sat at 10 and 2 pm / Sun at 2:30 pm
December – March
Sat at 10 am
Learn more about the architecture tour
Miller House and Garden Tour
Tour one of the most important examples of mid-century modern residential architecture in the country. This hallmark of modern design showcases the talents of architect Eero Saarinen, designer Alexander Girard, and landscape architect Dan Kiley.
Price : $25, fees included
Duration : 90 minutes
Interior and exterior home tour
Begins and ends at The Columbus Visitors Center
(there is no public access at the house)
The guided tour is oriented to adults and children 10 and older and all guests must purchase a ticket
April – November
Tue – Sat at 12:45 and 2:45 pm / Sun at 12:45 pm
December – March
Fri – Sat at 12:45 and 2:45 pm
Learn more about the Miller House Tour
Downtown Landmarks Walking Tour
This walking tour of downtown offers a thoughtful overview of some of Columbus’ most lasting architecture. Along the way, you’ll encounter a variety of architectural styles from historic Victorian and iconic modernism to contemporary designed by some of the most enduring names in architecture. The tour features two interiors, which when available are, Eliel Saarinen’s First Christian Church and Alexander Girard’s 301 Washington Street office of J. Irwin Miller, community benefactor and champion of the arts.
Price : $12 Adults, fees included
Duration : 90 minutes
Guided walking tour
Begins and ends at The Columbus Visitors Center
April – October
Wed and Sat at 10:30 am
Inn at Irwin Gardens Tour
Glimpse the grandeur of an Edwardian-era home and get an insider’s look at the Irwin House, the Irwin family home, and childhood home of J. Irwin Miller, virtually unchanged since 1910.
The tour gives a unique glimpse into the history and lifestyle of the Edwardian-era family who sparked Columbus’ modern architecture craze. Discover the early origins of Cummins Engine Company, when Clessie Cummins worked for the Irwin family as chauffeur and mechanic.
Price : $15 (ages 5 and up)
Duration : 60 minutes
Guided tour
Begins and ends at The Inn at Irwin Gardens
Sun and Tue at 1 pm
Self-Guided Smartphone Tours
Price : free
Duration : your own pace
Access supplemental information about and Google maps to the stops on the art and architecture guide with your smartphone.
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.
You may also download PDF maps of some suggested itineraries below, or pick up FREE COPIES at the Visitors Center
Group Tour Options
Group tours are always available for groups of ten or more – call 800-468-6564 for booking details.
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, rent a bikeshare bike (or use your own), and explore Columbus at your own speed.
Find out more about these tours and the bikeshare program
