Two trails offer practical reference points for planning a visit to Columbia City: the Blue River Trail is about 4.6 miles long; the Mountain Bike Trail offers more than 7 miles of a lightly maintained singletrack course. Other options for your stay include a self-guided downtown walking tour, museums, an aquatics center, and seasonal events.
Trails and route profiles
The Blue River Trail runs from Vine Street to Whitley Street and continues into Morsches Park. In spring 2013, the trail was extended 0.8 miles from Morsches Park to the DeMoney & Grimes funeral home. A new bridge over the Blue River was built as part of the extension.
The Mountain Bike Trail is intended for mountain bikers, runners, and hikers. Its southern side covers about 3.5 miles and includes technical sections. So a comparison involves more than just the different lengths: the Blue River Trail is defined by its street endpoints and route into Morsches Park; the Mountain Bike Trail is characterized by its singletrack, user groups, and technical sections in the south.
Walking tour and local history
Windows into History is a self-guided walking tour through downtown Columbia City with 17 stops. The Whitley County Historical Museum is located in the home of Thomas Riley Marshall in Columbia City, Indiana. At the Columbia City Fire Museum, artifacts from the early days of firefighting tell the story of the local fire department and fire protection in Columbia City. The difference in format is also clear: the walking tour takes you through downtown, while each of the two museums has a specific historical focus.
Water and court sports
The Russell and Evelyn Fahl Aquatics Center features a swimming pool, water slides, pickleball courts, and basketball facilities. This adds water and court sports, all in one facility, to the range of trails and historical attractions. Which of these options is the deciding factor for your trip depends on whether you would rather focus on the trails, museums, or the center’s offerings.
Plan around seasonal events
Old Settlers' Days takes place every June, with rides, food, and a parade. During the warmer months, the farmers market is held on Saturday mornings around the Courthouse Square. Check the market’s current dates before your trip.
On Christmas Eve, the Columbia City Fire Department has held an annual candy giveaway at the Court House for more than a century. From 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., children receive a 1-pound bag of candy and an orange. The timing varies considerably: Old Settlers' Days takes place in June, the market runs during the warmer months on Saturday mornings, and the candy giveaway is held on Christmas Eve in the evening. If you’re planning your trip around one of these events, check the specific event date in advance.
For the broader travel overview: Whitley County.
