{"id":35071,"date":"2023-03-27T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-03-27T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/best-things-to-do-in-bartholomew-county-in\/"},"modified":"2024-03-30T19:41:17","modified_gmt":"2024-03-30T19:41:17","slug":"best-things-to-do-in-bartholomew-county-in","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/best-things-to-do-in-bartholomew-county-in\/","title":{"rendered":"17 Best Things to Do in Bartholomew County, IN"},"content":{"rendered":"
Bartholomew County boasts many fascinating attractions over 409 square miles, from the architectural wonders to its state and national parks. <\/p>\n
With Columbus as its county seat, this southeastern US county comprises six towns sure to draw in vacationers from all around.<\/p>\n
Bartholomew County offers many opportunities for travelers to explore its myriad architectural styles, revel in its state and national parks, and much more.<\/p>\n
Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures or want to take in some culture and history, Bartholomew County has something for everyone.<\/p>\n
With so many captivating attractions, it’s no wonder why Bartholomew County is such a popular destination!<\/p>\n
Here are the best things to do in Bartholomew County, Indiana:<\/p>\n
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Lost Shoe Studios \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n
Anderson Falls<\/a> is a 44-acre park in Hartsville operated and owned by the Bartholomew County Parks Department.<\/p>\n With a height of 12 feet and a width of 100 feet, this waterfall is one of Indiana’s larger and most reliable falls.<\/p>\n This fall features low, wide cascading waterfalls, steep-walled valleys, and two hiking trails that are 1.75 and 2.25 miles long.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Kenneth Keifer \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n Anderson Falls also has accessible fishing areas, parking lots, pit toilets, shelters, and a barbeque area all visitors can use.<\/p>\n Visitors will undoubtedly enjoy their stay in this location due to the breathtaking views and peaceful ambiance it can provide.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Kenneth Keifer \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n Eco Lake Park<\/a> is a nine-acre lake and 127-acre parkland that can be visited in Sand Creek Township, Elizabethtown.<\/p>\n This park is considered one of the top spots for fishing in the area, but it’s also a great place to relax and enjoy quality time with your family.<\/p>\n Enjoy breathtaking scenery and plenty of recreational amenities like open shelters, playgrounds, baseball fields, sand volleyball courts, and basketball courts.<\/p>\n Eco Lake Park is an idyllic destination, from spending the day with your family to enjoying a weekend outing with friends.<\/p>\n Whether you’re looking for an exciting day outdoors or want to unwind from daily life stressors, this park has something for everyone.<\/p>\n The Miller House and Garden<\/a> is a contemporary mid-century house built in 1953 and has become a tourist attraction in Columbus.<\/p>\n This house, which took four years to build, was owned by American philanthropist and industrialist Irwin Miller and his wife, Xenia Simons.<\/p>\n Its magnificent architectural design combined the artistic talents of Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen, landscape architect Dan Kiley, and designer Alexander Girard.<\/p>\n In 2000, it was designated a National Historic Landmark.<\/p>\n The Miller House has four rooms for parents, children, visitors, and servants, with a flat roof and walls made of glass and stone.<\/p>\n Aside from that, the home is enticingly landscaped with 13.5 acres of beautiful honey locust trees.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, its warm interiors display attractive colors, artwork, and family emblems.<\/p>\n This grand old house captures the essence of the 20th century\u2014experience it for yourself!<\/p>\n Atterbury Fish & Wildlife Area<\/a> is a park in Edinburgh established in 1942 and is always accessible to the general public.<\/p>\n The area features 4,950 acres of well-maintained wildlife habitat, wetlands, and rushing creeks, allowing visitors to enjoy nature while engaging in outdoor activities.<\/p>\n This Atterbury Fish & Wildlife Area allows hunting and fishing, among other high-quality outdoor recreational opportunities.<\/p>\n When you visit this location, you will marvel at its surroundings, which abound in flowers, plants, and wildlife.<\/p>\n Have a grand time bonding with family and friends as you participate in the recreational activities of fishing, hunting, and target shooting at this park.<\/p>\n All rental equipment, such as rifles and pistols, are available for visitors to use during their stay.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Stephanie L Sanchez \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n The Bartholomew County Public Library<\/a> is a public library that has served thousands of residents of Bartholomew County since 1899.<\/p>\n It operates primarily in the city of Columbus and the town of Hope.<\/p>\n It is a two-room library with 172,126 volume collections, and over 1,065,291 items are circulated here annually.<\/p>\n This public library contains various books recommended for adults, teens, and children.<\/p>\n It also has the Library of Things, where visitors can explore books about games, music, tech devices, hardware, and other topics.<\/p>\n Books on learning microscopes, telescopes, and science kits, as well as making sewing machines and woodburning pens, are also available in the library.<\/p>\n Bartholomew County Public Library has a digital library where everyone can access eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, and stream videos.<\/p>\n This library is more than just a building full of books; it’s a place to foster lifelong learning for people of all ages.<\/p>\n With its many programs and events, this library promises to be part of your journey to discovering new knowledge.<\/p>\n 411 Gallery<\/a> is an art gallery in downtown Columbus under the management of the Columbus Area Arts Council.<\/p>\n This art gallery brings the community closer by offering a wide variety of activities in which everyone can participate.<\/p>\n Whether you’re an artist or someone who loves admiring different art forms, 411 Gallery has something for you!<\/p>\n You’ll find visual arts like sculptures, paintings, and drawings.<\/p>\n Moreover, you can watch performances such as theatre plays, films, poetry readings, and live music.<\/p>\n The modest town of Hope, described by locals as a “surprising little town,” welcomes tourists to its local museum, the Yellow Trail Museum<\/a>.<\/p>\n This museum is in the northwest corner of Town Square and displays collections of artifacts contributed by Hope residents.<\/p>\n Inside this museum is a permanent exhibit called “Living History,” which will transport you to the town’s past and present.<\/p>\n Among the museum\u2019s featured exhibits are the Cloud Family Wagon, Interactive Model from the 1930s to 1940s built by Ikea Wasson, Soda Fountain, New Timeline Wallpaper, and many more.<\/p>\n Yellow Trail Museum also offers a research center that houses written collections such as Local Family History Genealogies, Genealogy Reference Books, Record Books, Documents, Magazines, and many more.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roberto Galan \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n The Bartholomew County Courthouse<\/a>, known as “the finest in the West,” is a historical landmark in Columbus built in 1874.<\/p>\n Indiana architect Isaac Hodgson designed this three-story building, part of the Columbus Historic District.<\/p>\n Visitors will leave in awe of the building’s second-empire French architectural style, which features a mansard roof, a corinthian portico, corner pavilions, and red-brick walls with limestone trim.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n carroteater \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n The stunning Bartholomew County Courthouse was included in the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.<\/p>\n The 154-foot-tall level 6 clock tower and the eye-catching six-inch thick 1875 clock are two features that make it a spectacular sight.<\/p>\n Experience this picturesque building for yourself today!<\/p>\n Clifford Park<\/a> is one of the newest parks owned by Bartholomew County.<\/p>\n It is located in the small town of Clifford.<\/p>\n This park was once the site of an old Clifford Elementary school, making it one of the attractions most children visit.<\/p>\n Clifford Park features playgrounds, trails, a picnic shelter, half a basketball court, and an informal soccer field.<\/p>\n With its wide field, the park is also ideal for kite-flying, especially on windy days.<\/p>\n Having few amenities will make you think this park is only intended for youngsters, but it’s also a great place to spend time with friends and family.<\/p>\n Otter Creek Golf Course<\/a> is a golf course in Columbus established in 1964.<\/p>\n It is known as the home to 26 Indiana Amateur Championships.<\/p>\n British American golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Sr designed this golf course.<\/p>\n He established an original 18-hole layout that blends in with the rolling hills of Southern Indiana.<\/p>\n Otter Creek offers a variety of amenities, such as a practice area where you can improve your golfing strategy, a pro shop to buy golf gear and apparel, and a top-notch driving range.<\/p>\n The historic clubhouse, which modernist architect Harry Weese built, now houses a restaurant where guests can taste various tasty dishes and refreshing drinks.<\/p>\n This golf course isn\u2019t just a location to play golf but also an ideal venue for special events like birthday parties, wedding receptions, business meetings, and many more.<\/p>\n Otter Creek Golf Course offers visitors a great golfing experience.<\/p>\n It was ranked as one of the top public golf courses in the United States.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n James Kirkikis \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n The Crump Theatre<\/a> is a theater in the heart of Columbus, owned by the Columbus Capital Foundation and part of the Columbus Historic District.<\/p>\n Constructed in 1889, the theater served as Charles Franklin Sparrell’s answer to a longstanding call for an opera house.<\/p>\n Since its establishment, it has hosted various activities, from theatrical performances and county musicals to comedic shows and paranormal explorations.<\/p>\n The theater was renovated several times, notably in 1941, when architect Alden Meranda redesigned it in the Art Moderne style.<\/p>\n Meranda added a two-story vertical marquee with chaser lights.<\/p>\n Despite its permanent closure in 2010, people continued to visit this location to see the magnificent building and some vintage artifacts that remained inside.<\/p>\n The Crump Theatre is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.<\/p>\n Zaharakos<\/a> is a charming place in Columbus that will take you back to 1900.<\/p>\n You can taste various flavors of ice cream while exploring the classic American museum.<\/p>\n This attraction was made possible when three Greek brothers named Pete, James, and Pete decided to open a candy store in the city.<\/p>\n Later, it became one of America’s finest ice cream parlors.<\/p>\n Zaharakos offers a wide selection of mouthwatering, homemade premium ice cream flavors, such as vanilla, mint chocolate, cookies, and cream, chocolate, raspberry, and strawberry.<\/p>\n The menu also offers sandwiches, hamburgers made in the style of a diner, fish fillets, salads, french fries, and many more.<\/p>\n Zaharakos also offers collections of preserved artifacts from the 1800s and 1900s.<\/p>\n See soda fountains, syrup dispensers, a soda fountain library, mechanical music, a crystal parlor, and a mechanical music library.<\/p>\n Inside Zaharakos is a shop where you can purchase unique items such as wooden toys, yo-yos, coloring books, coffee mugs, and aprons.<\/p>\n The park and a campground, often described as hilly and heavily forested, are in Edinburgh.<\/p>\n The 35-acre Heflin Park<\/a> is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for a place to hike, have a picnic with your loved ones, and play different sports.<\/p>\n This park has shelters, picnic tables, a barbeque area, drinking fountains, a fishing area, and restrooms.<\/p>\n It also has playgrounds for kids, a basketball court, a volleyball court, a softball field, horseshoe courts, campgrounds, and a walking trail.<\/p>\n Heflin Park is a well-kept pet-friendly park that has a peaceful ambiance.<\/p>\n It offers the opportunity to see wildlife and animals, so visit this place when you’re in town.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n PhotoTrippingAmerica \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n Mill Race Park<\/a> is an 85-acre city park located in downtown Columbus.<\/p>\n People thought the confluence of the Flat Rock and Driftwood rivers formed it.<\/p>\n Landscape Management named this park one of the Top 100 parks regarding reputation, design, and accessibility.<\/p>\n Designed by landscape architect Michael Van Valkenburgh and structured by Stanley Saitowitz, the park features a gorgeous setting with an 84-foot observation tower, two fishing lakes, and a covered bridge.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Stickman42<\/a>, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n Aside from these, visitors to this park could enjoy various amenities such as people trails, picnic shelters, basketball courts, a playground, and an amphitheater used for events such as concerts.<\/p>\n Once an industrial area, Mill Race Park is one of the best attractions.<\/p>\n It offers recreational activities and a lovely setting that you will undoubtedly enjoy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Elizabeth Nicodemus<\/a>, CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n Escape 812<\/a> is one of the tourist attractions in the city of Columbus that will put your puzzle-solving skills to the test.<\/p>\n This attraction is in a historic building on Franklin Street.<\/p>\n It offers escape games with 175 brain-twisting puzzles that you, including your family and friends, will undoubtedly enjoy.<\/p>\n About four to eight members are free to enter any room they want.<\/p>\n Once inside, they are locked for 60 minutes with only clues and puzzles to help them escape.<\/p>\n Escape 812 has two rooms.<\/p>\n One is Granny’s Basement, which tells the story of a Granny who has developed a gambling addiction and is about to lose everything.<\/p>\n Your group’s task is to find Granny’s golden ice cube recipe and escape the room.<\/p>\n The second room is Dr. Evilquirk’s Science Lab.<\/p>\n You will be trapped in a room with other people, one of whom is in danger as the doctor poisoned one of you.<\/p>\n Your group’s task is to find the antidote and the poisoned person.<\/p>\n Escape 812 is excellent for thrills and mental exercise.<\/p>\nCatch Fish at Eco Lake Park<\/h2>\n
Admire the 20th Century at the Miller House and Garden<\/h2>\n
Hunt and Fish at Atterbury Fish & Wildlife Area<\/h2>\n
Read Books at the Bartholomew County Public Library<\/h2>\n
Hone Your Artistry at 411 Gallery<\/h2>\n
See Historical Artifacts at the Yellow Trail Museum<\/h2>\n
Roam the Bartholomew County Courthouse<\/h2>\n
Fly a Kite at Clifford Park<\/h2>\n
Hit the Links at Otter Creek Golf Course<\/h2>\n
See the Majestic Crump Theatre<\/h2>\n
Taste Various Flavors of Ice Cream at Zaharakos<\/h2>\n
Keep Active at Heflin Park<\/h2>\n
Enjoy the Stunning Scenery at Mill Race Park<\/h2>\n
Test Your Puzzle-Solving Skills at Escape 812<\/h2>\n
Spend Time with Your Loved Ones at Grammer Park<\/h2>\n