Visit Columbia City Whitley Indiana and the surrounding area to see the top sights. Discover the charm and history of Columbia City in Indiana! Stroll through the historic district with beautiful old houses and visit the Museum of the American Covered Bridge. Tip: The Covered Bridge Festival in July is a must-see!
Honestly, if you're wondering why Columbia City's sights should appear in your itinerary, let me serve you a little story: Founded in 1839, the city was located at the intersection of important railway lines and quickly became the commercial center of Columbia Township in the heart of Whitley County. I find it fascinating that the old brick houses still shape the cityscape, although most of us today prefer to travel by car or bus from Fort Wayne – the I‐69 is practically the highway to the small Indiana paradise.
I don't understand the hype around the small cafes, but the Bean & Brew next to the historic town hall is really great because you can almost smell local history in a latte. And if you're looking for a place where you can catch up with the hustle and bustle, look at the nearby Whitley County Fairgrounds – yes, that sounds like a year market, but in summer the field turns into an open-air cinema that I personally prefer to find rather than some overpriced city parks.
A short trip to the Columbia City Public Library is also worth it; the building is a relic from the 1900s, and I read more about the early settlers there than I ever thought necessary. So when you arrive by train, get in at the stop, take the bus to downtown and let yourself be surprised by the mix of rustic charm and slightly cynical hospitality – this is the true “Columbia City Sights” experience that I recommend again and again.
I have to admit that my heart beats for the old Columbia City Hall – the sounding room that has refused to be modern since 1888, has somehow more charm than some hip loft in the city. When you arrive there, you will park at the small parking lot behind the Café “The Brickhouse”, because the main parking lot will be a real battlefield on Saturday night when the farmer market fans build their stands. I once tried to find a parking lot there, and finally ended up on a green area that was more intended for a picnic than for a car – but hey, this is part of the adventure.
Directly next to the town hall Columbia City Public Librarya building that looks like a Victorian architect had a bad day. I don't understand the hype around the huge window front, but the light that falls through the windows makes reading old newspaper archives an almost spiritual experience. I have a few yellowed editions of the Columbia City Gazette found to report from a bear who allegedly “visited” the city in 1902 – a clear case of local folklore that should not be missed.
A short walk leads you to St. Joseph Catholic Church, a neo-Gothic church that offers more silence than a yoga retreat. I saw a Sunday concert there, where the organ was so loud that the neighboring shops briefly put their volume controls on “Silence”. This is the only time I used the word “Silence” in a loud context, and that was quite refreshing.
If you're looking for a place where you can feed your soul with a little green, look at it. Miller Park on. The park is not just a national park, but the old oaks and the small playground building have something tranquil. I once made a picnic with friends there, and we fought about whether the squirrel that stole our nuts was a secret food critic. Practical: There are a few parking spaces on the edge, but if you come by bike, you save the eternal search for a free space.
An absolute must for everyone interested in the history of the city is that Columbia City Historical Museum in the old train depot. The museum is a bit like a dust collector for memories – everything is well labeled there, but the atmosphere is so dry that you almost feel you would sit in a time capsule. I discovered an old locomotive model that was supposedly built by a local carpenter; the part is now the highlight of my Instagram stories because I managed to make a photo that was not completely covered by dust.
For those who prefer to have a drink than dusty exhibits, there are Brickhouse Brewing Co.. The brewery is located in a converted warehouse and serves an IPA that is so bitter that it almost looks sweet. I once spent an evening where the bartenders told me that the beer is brewed according to a secret recipe from local hops – this is probably the only time I trust a bartender because he claims he knows the “secret recipe”.
A short detour to Columbia City Farmers Market (which only takes place on Saturdays, if you didn't already know) provides you with fresh products, handmade soaps and the inevitable “local craft” you will never use later. I bought a handmade wood cutting board that is now in my kitchen and every time I use it reminds of the market – a bit like a souvenir you don't need, but still keeps it.
And yes, if you ask yourself what's going on here, look at them. Columbia City Art Center on. The exhibitions are constantly changing, and I once saw an installation that consisted of old keys that are supposed to open the “door to dreams”. I wondered if it was an art work or a very expensive key chain sale – both have its charms.
All this together Columbia City Attractions to a mixture of nostalgic charm and slightly sloping local colony, which is not found in any guide. Next time you stroll through the small streets, keep your eyes open – and don't forget to schedule some time for the unplanned, because this is the real highlight.
A short trip after Chain O’Lakes State Park is almost a must when you explore the area around Columbia City – the three clear lakes there are not only a photo motif, but also a perfect place to spend the weekend with a folding kayak. I made a campfire there the first time in August, and while I tried to turn the marshmallows, a curious raccoon came by, who almost took away the last piece of chocolate. Parking is usually easy as long as you don't come on Saturday night, then the field full of campers becomes a small battlefield.
A few miles further, towards the east, the path leads to Wabash River Heritage Trail in Huntington. The trail stretches along the river and offers surprisingly well-preserved old railway tracks, which can be explored on foot or by bike. I remember driving over a rusty bridge in autumn and suddenly a swarm duck moved over us – a picture you don't forget so quickly. Access is free, and parking at the trailhead is a small but fine parking space that is rarely full, unless a local running event is underway.
If you have enough of nature, it is worth a detour Auburnwhere the Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum stands. The museum is a paradise for car lovers, but also for those who like to immerse themselves in the golden era of the 1920s. I took a lead there with a former workshop master who explained to me why the Duesenberg motors were considered “the Rolls-Royce of the USA” at the time – and even though I never own a car that creates more than 60 km/h. Parking is right in front of the museum, a small but well-signed area that is rarely crowded except on Saturday afternoons when the museum has special exhibitions.
A little further south lies the charming town LaGrangewith its historic courthouse and the weekly peasant market a real piece of Indiana flair. I once saw an old tractor that was declared by a local historian – a real eye-catcher because it still runs with a piston engine from the 1930s. The Courthouse has a small parking lot behind the building; this is practical because the road in front of the town hall is often blocked by vans.
For those looking for the urban flair is a short trip to Fort Wayne unavoidable. The Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory is a green paradise in the middle of the city that blossoms all year round – a bit like a mini-Tropenparadise that can be reached without a plane. I once sought refuge there in a rainy afternoon and was invited by a friendly employee to a guided tour of the orchid greenhouse; that was a real light look when I thought the weather would ruin the day. Parking is possible in the adjacent city park, but you must be there early because the places are quickly away when a concert takes place in the Conservatory.
Another highlight that is often overlooked is that Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo. Although the name “Children’s” suggests that it is only for children, I have learned more about animal behavior there than in any documentary. Especially impressive was the elephant house, which was recently renovated – the animals have more space and the visitors can watch the animals from close proximity thanks to new glass windows without feeling to stand in the cage. The Zoo car park is right next to the main entrance, and parking is free as long as you don't come with the whole family on weekends, then the car park becomes a labyrinth.
Whether you prefer the quiet water of Chain O’Lakes, the historic paths of the Wabash River Heritage Trail, the automotive treasures in Auburn, the rural flair of LaGrange or the urban green of Fort Wayne – the environment of Columbia City has something to offer for everyone. And that's exactly what makes Columbia City Attractions to a small but fine adventure you should not miss.
Find more vacation destinations near Columbia City Whitley Indiana using our map.
Villages, towns, districts, places and Vacation destinations you should visit.
©copyright by POI-Travel.de
info@poi-travel.de
