Discover Columbus
A Great Place to Visit!

There is so much to "discover" in Columbus all year round! With its exceptional historic downtown and distinctive architecture, new aquatic center and other wonderful recreational activities, and  lots of specialty stores and antique shopping, including Wisconsin's largest antique mall, there is something for everyone to do in Columbus. So what are you waiting for -- Discover Columbus today!

Business & Community

Located in Southwestern Wisconsin, just 30 miles northeast of Madison and 70 miles northwest of Milwaukee, Columbus is proud of its vibrant business community, its heritage and friendly people. Columbus is close to metropolitan areas and is also fortunate to be one of the few communities in Wisconsin offering Amtrak train service.

The Columbus downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Columbus presents an almost perfect portrait of the late 19th century, and features over 200 turn-of-the-century commercial and residential buildings, which have been carefully preserved.   Several buildings, such as the 1892 City Hall, 1916 Park Pavilion and 1912 Carnegie Library, all still serve their original purposes.

The 1919 Farmers and Merchants Union Bank is Columbus' greatest claim to fame. Every year architects, students and enthusiasts come to view and photograph the building, one of the last designed by the great Louis Sullivan. The tapestry brick, elaborately decorated with terra cotta ornamentation, is truly something to behold, and the five arched, stained glass windows cast a gorgeous light as the sun is setting. The bank maintains a small museum collection related to its history, and to Sullivan and his works, that is open and free to the public during regular banking hours.

Columbus also offers many historic homes on tree-lined streets and local walking tours  will transport you back in time with stories about the buildings and the individuals who made them.

Recreation & Festivals

The gently rolling farmland and paved county roads surrounding Columbus make the area excellent for family biking. Pick up a biking map at the Columbus Chamber of Commerce. Columbus has two golf courses, a new aquatic center and the Crawfish River to provide lots of leisure activities. Enjoy our new Aquatic Center with zero-depth entrance and 170 foot water slide, or picnic, fish or enjoy other water activities along the Crawfish River. To see Columbus really celebrate, join the fun of the Red Bud Festival in May or attend the Fourth of July activities, which include a parade, carnival and music in Fireman's Park, and a spectacular fireworks display. Our community offers many family oriented activities throughout the year! 

Visit the Columbus Business Directory

Visit Columbia County  for links to businesses, attractions, parks and things to do in the surrounding area

 Visit the Columbia County Business Directory

Dining, Shopping & Entertainment

While on your "day of discovery" in Columbus stop in and enjoy the cuisine at one of our fine cafes or restaurants.  Then perhaps a enjoy shopping at our many fine specialty shop or go antiquing. The Columbus Antique Mall & Museum is Wisconsin's largest antique mall, where you'll discover 70,000 square feet of antiques neatly presented on retail display shelving. And not only is the Columbus Antique Mall the largest of its kind in Wisconsin, it contains the largest selection of glassware anywhere in the United States. With more than 150 dealers represented and lots of special sales, you'll find just about everything, including wildlife prints and an ample supply of newer collectibles, at a great price. There are more than 13,000 square feet of furniture alone!

Area Attractions

• Columbus Antique Mall - Wisconsin's Largest Antique Mall

• Christopher Columbus Museum

• Historic Downtown Columbus

• Columbus Aquatic Center

• Crawfish River - boating, fishing & lots more recreational opportunities!

• Two Golf Courses

• Fine Restaurants

• Great Specialty Shopping

Discover Columbus