Itinerary: Explore the Columbus Area on This Three-Day Trip

Looking for a weekend getaway? You're invited to explore all that the Columbus area has to offer.

Columbus NE Mural

Local's Tip

Hours of operation may vary by location, so make sure to call ahead or click the “Learn More” link under each activity.

Day 1
Broken Mug

2200 28th Avenue
Columbus, NE
United States

Fuel up for your three-day itinerary with a stop at The Broken Mug for a cup of coffee from their extensive espresso menu and a tasty omelet or breakfast sandwich.

Shop Local with 13th Street Again

13th Street
Columbus, NE
United States

Peruse antique shops, craft stores, clothing boutiques and more in downtown Columbus. Support the small businesses that line historic downtown Columbus and treat yourself to a trinket or two along the way.

Glur's Tavern

2301 11th Street
Columbus, NE
United States

Hop across the tracks and grab a bite at the oldest continuously operated tavern west of the Missouri River.

Fun Fact: Glur’s Tavern is known to have been frequented by William “Buffalo Bill” Cody from the late 1880s and early 1900s.

S.T.A.R. Escape Rooms

2705 13th Street
Columbus, NE
United States

Test your problem-solving skills with a trip to S.T.A.R. Escape Rooms in downtown Columbus. Search for Black Beard’s hidden treasure or hunt for a way out of the haunted JART Castle before its ghoulish former residents find you.

Boulevard Greens Miniature Golf Course

1819 Howard Boulevard
Columbus, NE
United States

Putt-putt your way through 36 holes at Boulevard Greens. Putt your way through a series of obstacles, but don’t let the alligator eat your golf ball!

Duster's Restaurant & Gottberg Brew Pub

2804 13th Street
Columbus, NE
United States

Grab a bite at local-favorite restaurant Dusters, which features delicious dishes like beef stroganoff, bacon-wrapped pork chops and top sirloin. Then, pull up a seat at Gottberg Brew Pub and enjoy refreshing hand-crafted brews, both alcoholic and non.

Local's Tip: Make sure to wash dinner down with a glass of Gottberg’s famous root beer.

Ramada-Columbus & River’s Edge Convention Center

265 33rd Street
Columbus, NE
United States

Settle in for the night at Ramada Columbus. Relax with an impressive list of amenities and rest up for the day ahead.

Duster's Brew Pub Columbus
Day 2
Daylight Donuts

1266 27th Avenue
Columbus, NE
United States

Satisfy your sweet tooth with one (or more than one) of Daylight Donuts’ fresh, melt-in-your-mouth donuts, long Johns, cinnamon twists and more.

Andrew Jackson Higgins Memorial

265 33rd Avenue
Columbus, NE
United States

Visit the Andrew Jackson Higgins National Memorial. This memorial, which features a full-size replica of a “Higgins Boat” and life-size bronze statues emerging from it, is dedicated to native son, Andrew Jackson Higgins, designer and builder of the boat that carried American forces ashore on D-Day. 

CK Grill & Bar

655 S 33rd Avenue
Columbus, NE
United States

Stop by CK Brill & Bar for hearty servings of home-cooked favorites like chicken-fried steak, hot beef and prime rib.

Lake North Park

4 miles north of US Highway 30 on 18th Avenue
Columbus, NE
United States

Explore the 12-acre beach and 200-acre lake located just north of Columbus; enjoy boating, fishing and plenty of other aquatic activities for the afternoon.

Sahara Lounge

1819 Howard Boulevard
Columbus, NE
United States

Chow down on tasty fries and the cheesiest pizza after a trip to the lake.

Boulevard Lanes

1819 Howard Boulevard
Columbus, NE
United States

After dinner, it’s time for a little bit of healthy competition, so lace up your bowling shoes, pick out the perfect ball and hit the lanes.

Sleep Inn & Suites

3030 23rd Street
Columbus, NE
United States

Relax in this 95-room hotel and enjoy a good night’s sleep to get ready for the last leg of your trip.

Andrew Jackson Higgins Memorial Columbus
Day 3
Picket Fence Cafe

2714 13th Street
Columbus, NE
United States

Start the day with a hearty, home-cooked breakfast at this downtown Columbus staple; and no visit to Picket Fence is complete without a slice of delicious pie made from scratch daily (since you’re on vacation, nobody can judge you for eating pie for breakfast).

Horn T Zoo

37692 State Highway 22
Monroe, NE
United States

Take a trip to the zoo and meet wildlife from right here in Nebraska and all around the world. Horn T Zoo allows visitors the opportunity to experience wildlife up close; close enough that you may even be able to answer the age-old question: are zebras white with black stripes, or black with white stripes?

Monroe Tavern

410 Gerrard Avenue
Monroe, NE
United States

Grab a bite at the local-favorite, Monroe Tavern. With classic burgers and fantastic wings, you definitely won’t leave hungry.

Local’s Tip: Monroe Tavern is a cash-only restaurant.

Humphrey Veteran's Park

Humphrey , NE
United States

Honor the brave servicemen and women of the U.S. military for their service and sacrifice to safeguard our nation’s freedom.  

The Farmer's Wife Boutique & Coffee Co.

112 Pine Street
Lindsay , NE
United States

“Sip and shop” ‘til you drop at The Farmer’s Wife Boutique & Coffee Co. in small-town Lindsay.

Big Red Pub

104 Pine Street
Lindsay, NE
United States

This family-friendly pub serves a delectable 8-oz. burger, a heaping plate of nachos, and so much more!

The Wild Plum Bed and Breakfast

30429 257 Avenue
Platte Center, NE
United States

Cozy on up by the fireplace with a complimentary appetizer and glass of wine in one of four beautiful, rustic rooms at The Wild Plum.

Visit Columbus, Nebraska