Travel & Accommodations
Everything you need to plan your trip to Columbus
The Venue
The Inn at Irwin Gardens
608 Fifth Street
Columbus, IN 47201
We can’t wait to celebrate our wedding day with you at The Inn at Irwin Gardens. This historic property features a beautifully preserved 1910 Edwardian estate that remains virtually unchanged from a century ago. Our celebration will take place nestled within the property's breathtaking Italianate gardens, which were completed in 1913 and inspired by ancient ruins excavated at Pompeii. Surrounded by historic wisteria-covered pergolas, classic fountains, and a sunken lawn, it is our favorite place to visit in Columbus, and we are so excited to be able to share its beauty with you!
Getting Here
By Air
Indianapolis International Airport (IND) is the closest major airport, located approximately 50 miles north of Columbus — about a 45–50 minute drive south via I-65. Major airlines including Delta, American, Southwest, and United offer service to Indianapolis from cities across the country. Car rentals are available on-site at the airport, and we recommend booking early as fall weekend availability fills up quickly.
By Car
The Inn at Irwin Gardens is located at 608 Fifth Street, Columbus, IN 47201. Street parking is available along Fifth Street and surrounding blocks.
From the North (Indianapolis / I-65): Take I-65 South to Exit 68 (SR-46). Head east on SR-46 into downtown Columbus, then turn south on Fifth Street — the venue will be on your right.
From the West (Bloomington / SR-46): Take SR-46 East directly into Columbus. Continue into downtown and turn south on Fifth Street — the venue will be on your right.
From the South (Seymour / Louisville / I-65): Take I-65 North to Exit 68 (SR-46). Head east on SR-46 into downtown Columbus, then turn south on Fifth Street — the venue will be on your right.
Where to Stay
We have reserved room blocks at Hotel Indigo near our venue at special rates for our guests. Please book by midnight on September 1, 2026 to secure the discounted wedding rate — after that date, remaining rooms will be released to the public.
Hotel Indigo
Wedding BlockHotel Indigo Columbus Architectural Center hotel is where we are suggesting guests stay while in Columbus for the weekend. It is walking distance to our wedding venue, as well as Mill Race Park, the Fourth Street Entertainment District, and the Columbus Visitor’s Center. The design of the hotel embraces the neighborhood’s contrast of old and new architectural styles, and the hotel is familiar with all the local tours.
Book by: September 1, 2026
By Phone: Call 812-375-9100 and ask for the Crockett-Smith Wedding Block
While You’re in Columbus
Columbus, Indiana is a small city with an outsized personality — a world-renowned architectural destination, a hub for antiques and the arts, and a wonderful base for exploring southern Indiana. We hope you’ll take some time to soak it all in while you’re here.
Columbus Architecture
Columbus is one of the most architecturally significant small cities in the world, with over 70 landmark buildings by celebrated architects including Eero Saarinen, I.M. Pei, Harry Weese, and Richard Meier. From the soaring North Christian Church to the bold Cleo Rogers Memorial Library, every block is worth a closer look.
The Miller House & Garden
A National Historic Landmark and one of the finest examples of mid-century modern residential design in America. Designed by Eero Saarinen in 1957, with interiors by Alexander Girard and landscape by Dan Kiley, the house is breathtaking. Guided tours are available through the Indianapolis Museum of Art — book ahead as spots fill quickly.
Architecture Tours
The Columbus Area Visitors Center offers guided bus tours past more than 40 of the city’s most celebrated buildings. Prefer to go at your own pace? The Iconic Columbus Walking Tour winds through downtown with self-guided and docent-led routes that bring the architecture to life around every corner.
Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor
A Columbus treasure since 1900 and one of America’s last remaining historic ice cream parlors. Step inside to find a lovingly preserved Victorian soda fountain, hand-dipped ice cream, and the sounds of a rare Welte orchestral pipe organ playing in the background. An experience guests of all ages absolutely love.
Mill Race Park
Just a short walk from the venue, Mill Race Park is a beautiful 85-acre greenspace along the Flatrock and Driftwood rivers. Cross the covered bridge, stroll the walking trails, or simply sit along the riverbank and enjoy the fall scenery. The park also features a striking outdoor amphitheater and is a wonderful spot to unwind between wedding weekend festivities.
Antiques & Treasure Hunting
Columbus and the surrounding countryside are a haven for antique lovers, power pickers, and treasure hunters. Browse the shops along Washington Street downtown, or venture out along the back roads where hidden gems turn up in the most unexpected places. A perfect way to spend a relaxed morning before the wedding.
Brown County & Fall Color
Just 30 minutes west of Columbus, Brown County comes alive every October with some of Indiana’s most spectacular fall foliage. Hike the trails of Indiana’s largest state park, explore the art galleries and boutique shops of Nashville, or simply drive the winding roads and take in the color. It’s a perfect day trip and one of our favorite things about being in Columbus in the fall.
Where to Eat
Columbus punches well above its weight when it comes to dining. The downtown area and the Fourth Street Entertainment District are home to a great mix of local restaurants and bars — perfect for a relaxed dinner or a night out with family and friends in town for the weekend. Ask us for our personal recommendations!