COLUMBUS TOUR OPTIONS 

Discover how a small midwestern city became a modern architecture “mecca.” 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, fees included
Duration : 2 hours
Guided bus tour, minimal walking
Begins and ends at The Columbus Visitors Center

Children younger than 6, including toddlers and infants, are not permitted on this tour. All guests must purchase a ticket, regardless of age

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

Learn about private, group, and special interest tour options

See tour FAQs

Eligible for American Institute of Architects LUs

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, fees included
Duration : 90 minutes

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
January and February: Closed

Children younger than 10, including toddlers and infants, are not permitted on this tour. All guests must purchase a ticket, regardless of age

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.

Experience the iconic styles of architecture, from modernist to historic Victorian. See three interiors, including an exclusive tour of J. Irwin Miller’s office, featuring Alexander Girard’s work (subject to availability).

Price : $12, 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

Eligible for American Institute of Architects LUs

Good Design and the Community – Experience a guided walking tour of the 2019 Exhibition. This fast-paced 90-minute tour includes an overview of many of the 18 installations around downtown and the sites they have been created in relationship to. Explore the five Miller Prize installations, and installations by international designers, and students, and professors from Midwestern universities. The Exhibit Columbus 2019 Exhibition highlights the idea that good design, at any scale, has the power to inspire and connect us all.

Price : $12
Duration : 90 minutes
Guided walking tour
Begins and ends at the Visitors Center

August 24 – November 9 as part of Exhibit Columbus

Fri and Sat at 1:30 pm

Get an insider’s look at the Irwin House, the Irwin family home, and childhood home of J. Irwin Miller, virtually unchanged since 1910. Get a unique glimpse into the history and lifestyle of the Edwardian-era family that sparked Columbus’ modern architecture development.

Price : $15
Durations : 60 minutes
Guided interior tour
Begins and ends at Inn at Irwin

October – March: Sun and Tue at 1 pm, check-in at 12:45
December: Sun, Tue and Sat at 1 pm, check-in at 12:45

Eligible for American Institute of Architects LUs

Our sweetest tour provides a step back in time at the historic ice cream parlor and museum. Get an exclusive look at the private second floor and elegant Crystal Parlor preserved in stunning 1914 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

Explore Columbus at your own pace using your phone. Follow Google maps, listen to exclusive commentary from architecture experts, and learn about Columbus’ history. 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

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.

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