Tours regularly fill to capacity – RESERVATIONS ARE NECESSARY
INN AT IRWIN GARDENS HOUSE TOUR
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 60-minute tour features an extensive look at the first floor and when available will include one of the upstairs private suites. The tour gives a unique glimpse into the history and lifestyle of the Edwardian-era family that sparked Columbus’ modern architecture development. Discover the early origins of Cummins Engine Company, when Clessie Cummins worked for the Irwin family as chauffeur and mechanic.
ARCHITECTURE HIGHLIGHTS BUS TOUR
The architecture bus tour drives by over thirty significant structures and works of art and includes two interior stops, depending on availability. Discover how a small Midwestern citybecame a modern architecture “mecca,” boasting structures by names like Eero Saarinen, Harry Weese, Kevin Roche, and I.M. Pei.
MILLER HOUSE AND GARDEN TOUR
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.
ICONIC COLUMBUS TOUR
This 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 modernism to contemporary, designed by some of the most enduring names in architecture. The tour features two interior stops.
HISTORIC ZAHARAKOS TOUR
Step back in time with Zaharakos’ historian on a tour of the historic ice cream parlor and museum. You will get an exclusive tour of the private second story, which houses the Mechanical Music Library, Soda Fountain Library, and the elegant Crystal Parlor suite of Victorian rooms where the Zaharako family lived until 1914.
OTHER TOUR OPTIONS
SELF-GUIDED SMARTPHONE TOURS
Access supplemental information about and Google maps to the stops on the art and architecture guide with your smartphone.
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.
For more information visit: columbus.in.us/tour-options/
