Columbus, GA is a charming Southern city that offers plenty of things to do for visitors and locals alike. From historical attractions to outdoor recreation, there are things to do in Columbus, GA, for everyone. So whether you’re looking for a new adventure or just want to know what’s going on in your town, read on for the inside scoop!
Riverwalk
Riverwalk is a beautiful park that runs along the Chattahoochee River. It’s perfect for a leisurely walk or picnicking with friends, or even just to sit and enjoy the view. There are many shops and restaurants along the way, as well as several parks and playgrounds. The Riverwalk is also a great place to take a scenic boat ride or go fishing. You can even rent paddle boats and kayaks to explore the river on your own. Admission to the Riverwalk is free, and it is open year-round. If you are visiting Columbus, GA, be sure to add the Riverwalk to your itinerary. You won’t be disappointed!
Columbus Museum
If you’re looking for a fun and educational family outing, the Columbus Museum is an ideal destination. It opened in 1953 and boasts a collection of more than 15,000 artworks spanning thousands of years. The museum’s permanent collection includes Native American artifacts, medieval armor, pieces from Ancient Egypt and Japan, and works by artists like Chuck Close, Paul Gauguin, Georgia O’Keeffe and Renoir. The museum also features traveling exhibitions and special events.
Visit Fort Benning
Fort Benning is a U.S. Army base located just outside of Columbus. Visited by more than 300,000 people every year, Fort Benning has plenty to see and do for the whole family. With a history dating all the way back to 1918, Fort Benning is now the largest United States Army installation in terms of training space. At the museum, you can learn all about life at Fort Benning and its impressive history with tours through their collection of military artifacts, from uniforms worn during World War I to a wing suit used in Iraq in 2008. Check out their website for current admission prices, operating hours and much more!
Catch a Show at the Springer Opera House
The Springer Opera House is a historic theater that hosts a variety of performances throughout the year. It is a great Columbus attraction that doesn’t cost a thing to see. The building itself is an architectural wonder, having been built in 1871 and still standing strong today. While you can take a tour of the inside, we recommend waiting until there’s actually an event going on, so you can fully experience the magic of what this building has to offer. From plays to musicals to concerts, there are plenty of events taking place at the Springer Opera House for you to choose from.
Relax at the Columbus Botanical Garden
One of the best places to take photos in Columbus is the Botanical Garden. It has beautiful scenery, with a variety of plants from around the world. If you’re looking for a place to take a date, this is great because it will make both of you look cultured, and there are lots of interesting plants that you can talk about together. It’s also a good place to bring kids, as they’ll enjoy all the plants and gardening tools. The Botanical Garden is dog-friendly too! If you want some alone time or just want to reflect on things, the garden is also good for doing some writing or sketching. Admission charges are $5 per person; it’s open from 9:00 am – 7:00 pm on weekdays and 9:00 am – 5:00 pm on Saturday; closed Sunday.
Visit Coca-Cola Space Science Center
The Coca-Cola Space Science Center is a great place to visit if you’re interested in space or science! The center has a variety of exhibits that are fun for kids and adults alike. You can check out the Omnisphere Theater, which shows educational movies about both space and Earth, or the mezzanine planetarium. You can also visit the museum’s three levels of exhibits, which contain telescopes and various objects from outer space! The center offers many other activities for visitors to enjoy, including a gift shop, summer camps for kids, and more. Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 am – 5:00 pm; Sat 10:00 am – 5:00 pm; Sun 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm.
A trip to Columbus, GA would not be complete without seeing the National Civil War Naval Museum. This museum is dedicated to preserving the civil war’s naval history, with many exhibits and artifacts for visitors to see. The museum has several permanent exhibits that showcase artifacts related to the naval history of the civil war, along with a few special displays. A notable exhibit is called “The Battle For Georgia”, which has a life-size diorama of two ironclad ships in battle.
Whitewater Express
Whitewater Express is a local business that has been operating since 1983. The company has been offering guided whitewater rafting river trips since 1988, when they first began leading business partners through the rapids of the Chattahoochee River between Columbus and Roswell. For $99 per person ($129 if you’re not going with someone else), you get all fun and games: six hours paddling through Class III–IV rapids with life jackets and safety equipment provided; snack bar quality food included; kayak or canoe transport from your hotel to your hotel; and transportation back from your hotel after your tour ends.
Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center
Grab your kids and head to the Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center. This outdoor education center provides a fun space where students can learn about nature. They can see wildlife including alligators and snakes, explore an amphitheater, and enjoy the playground outside. The center also offers different programs for children of all ages, including summer camps and guided hikes into the wetlands surrounding the learning center. Oxbow Meadows is located on the campus of Columbus State University, and the admission costs $3 per person or $10 for a family of up to five people.
Illges Gallery
There are so many things to do in Columbus, GA! Here’s another if you’re looking for something different; one that is definitely off the beaten path. The Illges Gallery is located in a historic building in Downtown Columbus, Georgia and is home to the largest collection of African American art in the Southeast. The gallery holds a wide array of contemporary art and regularly hosts workshops, classes, and events. There’s no admission fee, though donations are encouraged. The gallery is open Tuesday 11.00-8.00. Wednesday to Saturday from 11.00-5.00.
Things to Do in Columbus: a Wrap-Up
If you’re considering traveling to Columbus, GA and wondering what this quaint Southern city has to offer, the answer is quite a lot. The major cities in Georgia have a lot of charm and interesting things to do, but Columbus is often overlooked by visitors to the state. From its rich history to it’s vibrant night life and everything in between, there are things to do in Columbus, GA for everyone. It’s worth a trip to explore the beautiful city of Columbus, GA, even if you think you’ve seen it all before!
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