Columbus Travel Guide

Discover all the top cultural, natural, and adventure attractions in Columbus, Wisconsin. Find the best things to do, places to stay, and delicious food to try in this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Columbus

Nestled in the Greater Madison Area of Southwest Wisconsin, Columbus is a charming small town with a rich history, cultural attractions, and natural beauty. Known for its scenic drives, biking and hiking trails, and historic architecture, Columbus is a popular destination for a day trip, weekend getaway, or week-long vacation.

List of Places to Visit in Columbus

Whether you are a history buff, nature lover, adventure seeker, or foodie, Columbus has something for everyone. Here’s a list of must-see attractions and activities to add to your itinerary:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Columbus Antique Mall & Museum: Browse through an impressive collection of vintage furniture, glassware, jewelry, books, and other antiques. The museum section features exhibits on local history and industry.
  • Christopher Columbus Museum: Learn about the life and voyages of the famous Italian explorer in this small museum, housed in a historic church.
  • Columbus Fireman’s Museum: Step back in time and explore the fascinating history of firefighting in Columbus. Admire antique fire trucks, equipment, and uniforms, and learn about the brave men and women who have served as firefighters.
  • Ludington Guardhouse Museum: This restored 1860s military guardhouse offers a glimpse into the life of Civil War soldiers and their families.

Natural Attractions of Columbus: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Columbus Park and Trail System: Take a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike through the park’s wooded trails, as well as paved walking paths. Enjoy the lovely views of the Crawfish River, picnic areas, and playground equipment.
  • Glacial Drumlin State Trail: This 52-mile trail stretches through the picturesque Wisconsin countryside, passing through many small towns and offering stunning scenic views. Perfect for cycling, hiking, or jogging.
  • Lost Canyon Tours: Embark on an exciting underground adventure in the Lost Canyon, a labyrinth of narrow passages, caverns, and underground lakes formed by the erosion of sandstone.
  • Horicon Marsh: Just a short drive from Columbus, Horicon Marsh is one of the largest freshwater marshes in the country, home to over 300 species of birds, as well as mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Take a nature walk, a boat tour, or a birdwatching excursion.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Columbus

Columbus is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide variety of hiking and biking trails for all skill levels. Some of the best routes include:

  • City Trail System: This network of trails covers over 20 miles, connecting the city’s parks, neighborhoods, and natural areas. Enjoy scenic views of the river, woods, farmland, and historic sites.
  • Wild Goose State Trail: This 34-mile trail stretches from Fond du Lac to Clyman, passing through picturesque farmland, peaceful woodlands, and several small towns.
  • Capital City State Trail: This 17-mile urban trail links Madison and Sun Prairie, passing through parks, neighborhoods, and commercial areas. Bike rental is available at several locations.

Best Things to Do in Columbus: Activities and Tours

  • Columbus Carriage Tours: Explore the historic district in style with a horse-drawn carriage ride, complete with a knowledgeable guide who will share fascinating facts and stories about Columbus’ past.
  • Columbus Fall Art Walk: Every October, Columbus hosts a two-day art fair featuring dozens of local and regional artists and artisans, showcasing paintings, ceramics, jewelry, glassware, and other crafts.
  • Willow Springs Garden: This unique 12,500-square-foot indoor garden features a tropical rainforest room, a Japanese garden, a Tuscan room, a desert room, and a butterfly garden.
  • Columbus Farmers Market: From May to October, the farmers market offers a wide variety of fresh, locally grown produce, as well as artisanal bread, cheese, honey, and other products.

Week-Long Itinerary for Columbus

If you are planning a longer stay in Columbus, here’s a suggested itinerary:

Day 1: Visit the Christopher Columbus Museum, the Fireman’s Museum, and the Antique Mall & Museum.

Day 2: Take a hike or bike ride in the City Trail System, enjoy a picnic lunch in Columbus Park, and visit the Ludington Guardhouse Museum.

Day 3: Take a day trip to Horicon Marsh, enjoy a boat tour or a birdwatching excursion, and have lunch at a local restaurant.

Day 4: Explore the Wild Goose State Trail, bike rental available at several locations.

Day 5: Visit the Lost Canyon Tours, and have lunch at a local restaurant.

Day 6: Take a horse-drawn carriage ride with Columbus Carriage Tours, and visit Willow Springs Garden.

Day 7: Shop for souvenirs at the farmers market, and enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Food and Drink Scene of Columbus

Columbus has a diverse and delicious food and drink scene, featuring local specialties, international cuisine, craft beer, and more. Here are some must-try dishes and beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Bratwurst: Columbus is known for its German heritage and delicious bratwurst, served at many local restaurants and cafes.
  • Cheese Curds: Made from fresh, delicious Wisconsin cheese, these bite-sized snacks can be found at many bars, taverns, and other eateries.
  • Fish Fry: A Friday night tradition in many places, Columbus’ fish fry is especially tasty, featuring crispy and flavorful fish, fries, coleslaw, and tartar sauce.

Local Beverages

  • Craft Beer: Columbus is home to several microbreweries, producing a wide range of flavorful and unique craft beers. Try a flight at Working Draft Beer Company, Karben4 Brewing, or The Lone Girl Brewing Company.
  • Wine: Visit the Wollersheim Winery & Distillery, just a few miles from Columbus, and sample their award-winning wines, or take a tour of their historic facility.
  • Craft Cocktails: The Tuscan Whiskey Sour at The Columbus Club and the Bourbon Basil Lemonade at The Red Mouse are just a few examples of the creative and delicious craft cocktails available in Columbus.

Where to Stay in Columbus: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Whether you prefer a rustic cabin in the woods, a cozy bed and breakfast, or a modern hotel with all the amenities, Columbus has plenty of lodging options to suit all budgets and tastes. Here are some of the best places to stay in Columbus:

  • Columbus AmericInn: This modern hotel offers comfortable rooms, a heated indoor pool, free breakfast, and a convenient location near the highway.
  • Kozy Rest Motel: This charming motel features clean and cozy rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a friendly staff.
  • Voyageur Inn and Conference Center: This full-service hotel offers spacious rooms, a fitness center, a restaurant and bar, and meeting and event facilities.

What to Buy in Columbus: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

No trip to Columbus is complete without bringing home some locally made souvenirs or products. Here are some ideas:

  • Cheese: Wisconsin is famous for its delicious and diverse cheese varieties, and Columbus has several cheese shops and factories where you can sample and purchase your favorites.
  • Antiques: The Columbus Antique Mall & Museum is the perfect place to find unique and interesting antiques, including furniture, glassware, jewelry, books, and more.
  • Art: The Columbus Fall Art Walk and the nearby city of Madison have many galleries and art shops featuring local and regional artists and artisans.

Local Culture and Customs of Columbus

Columbus has a friendly and welcoming culture, based on hard work, community spirit, and love of history and nature. Some things to keep in mind when visiting Columbus:

  • Respect local traditions: Columbus has a rich and diverse history and culture, so be sure to learn about the local customs and traditions before your visit.
  • Enjoy the outdoors: Columbus is surrounded by beautiful natural areas, so take advantage of the numerous hiking and biking trails, parks, and other outdoor attractions.
  • Eat and drink local: Columbus is known for its delicious food and drink scene, featuring locally sourced ingredients, craft beers, and award-winning wines. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, and support the local businesses as much as possible.

Best Time to Visit Columbus

Columbus is a year-round destination, with something to offer in every season. However, the best time to visit depends on your interests and activities:

  • Spring/Fall: These seasons offer mild temperatures, beautiful scenery, and plenty of outdoor activities, like hiking, biking, and birdwatching.
  • Summer: This is the peak tourist season, with many festivals, fairs, and outdoor concerts, as well as water-based activities, like boating and fishing.
  • Winter: Although cold and snowy, winter in Columbus can be charming, with holiday festivities, ice skating, and cross-country skiing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Columbus

To make the most of your visit to Columbus, keep these do’s and don’ts in mind:

Do:

  • Do visit the local museums and historical sites: Columbus has a rich and fascinating history, so be sure to learn about it at the local museums and sites.
  • Do enjoy the outdoors: Columbus offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities, so take advantage of them.
  • Do try the local food and drink: From bratwurst to craft beer to cheese curds, Columbus has many delicious specialties that you don’t want to miss.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or damage nature: Columbus prides itself on its natural beauty, so be sure to respect it by not littering, damaging trails, or harming wildlife.
  • Don’t ignore local traditions: Columbus has a rich and diverse culture, so be sure to respect it by learning about the local customs and traditions before your visit.
  • Don’t forget to tip: Tipping is customary in the United States, so be sure to tip your servers, tour guides, and other service providers.

Safety and Health

Safety in Columbus

Columbus is generally a safe and peaceful town, but it’s always a good idea to take some precautions:

  • Be aware of your surroundings: Like in any other place, stay aware of your surroundings, especially after dark or in unfamiliar areas.
  • Lock your car and don’t leave valuables visible: Car theft and break-ins are rare, but it’s still a good idea to lock your car and not leave valuables visible.
  • Follow safety guidelines on hiking and biking trails: Stick to designated trails, wear appropriate clothing and shoes, and bring plenty of water and sunscreen.

Health in Columbus

Columbus has a modern and well-equipped hospital and medical clinic, as well as several pharmacies and other healthcare providers. It’s always a good idea to have travel insurance and bring any necessary medication or supplies with you.

Getting to Columbus: Transportation Options and Logistics

Columbus is located just off Interstate 94, about halfway between Milwaukee and Minneapolis. Here are some transportation options to get to Columbus:

Airports Near Columbus

  • Dane County Regional Airport (MSN): This airport is located about 30 miles from Columbus and serves several major airlines, including Delta, United, and American.
  • General Mitchell International Airport (MKE): This larger airport is located about 80 miles from Columbus and serves many domestic and international airlines.

Bus Stations Near Columbus

  • Badger Bus: This bus company offers daily service between Madison and Milwaukee, with a stop in Columbus.
  • Greyhound Bus: This national bus company offers service to many cities across the United States, including Columbus.

Other Options

  • Car Rental: Renting a car is an easy and convenient way to get to Columbus and explore the surrounding area.
  • Taxis and Ride-Sharing Services: Uber and Lyft are available in Columbus and nearby cities.

How to Get Around in Columbus

Columbus is a small town, easy to navigate on foot or by bike. However, if you need to drive, there are several rental car options and free parking available. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available.

Where to Go Next from Columbus: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have some extra time and want to explore the surrounding area of Columbus, here are some nearby destinations and excursions:

  • Madison: The vibrant capital city of Wisconsin is just a short drive from Columbus, offering many cultural attractions, shopping, dining, and nightlife options.
  • Wisconsin Dells: This famous tourist destination is about 50 miles from Columbus and features water parks, amusement parks, go-karts, and other family-friendly attractions.
  • Milwaukee: This historic and diverse city is about 90 miles from Columbus, offering many cultural attractions, breweries, museums, and festivals.

Conclusion

Columbus, Wisconsin is a hidden gem, offering a charming mix of history, culture, nature, and adventure. Whether you are a local or a visitor, there is always something new to explore and discover in this beautiful small town. Use this comprehensive travel guide to plan your perfect trip to Columbus, from must-see museums and natural attractions to delicious food and drink, comfortable lodging, and nearby excursions.

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