Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Columbus, GA

  • Published 2022/05/03

The vibrant city of Columbus in Georgia makes it hard for its tourists to leave.

Be it history, nature, or arts, whatever you are looking for, the city has it all.

There are many activities to do and places to check out in Columbus.

From breathtaking natural wonders to fascinating museums, there’s something for everyone at this travel destination.

Here are the best things to do in Columbus, Georgia:

Visit the Columbus Museum

The Columbus Museum is one of the top sights to enjoy in Columbus.

A perfect mixture of art and history, the museum knows how to draw people from everywhere.

It’s one of the biggest and most popular ones in the entire region.

In this museum, you’ll see real American art and the best of Chattahoochee Valley history.

The museum is situated in a Mediterranean Revival house that doubles as a stunning work of architecture.

They host several events throughout the year.

There is also an auditorium inside, and you can attend several interactive sessions here.

When you look outside, you’ll find yourself walking amid the Bradley Olmsted Garden, which is another one of the lovely things to see in this great museum.

Look around the Columbus Botanical Garden

Are you looking for some quiet time amid nature?

The Columbus Botanical Garden is the perfect spot to enjoy just that.

It’s also a good place for photographers.

A lot of educational events, such as horticultural seminars, are held here.

You can visit the garden and learn more about its plant life.

Check Out the Coca-Cola Space Science Center

Are you interested in outer space?

Columbia State University’s Coca-Cola Space Center is one of Columbus’ hidden gems.

It’s a center for STEM education.

Have you ever wanted to be an astronaut?

In the center, you can have a chance to experience a bit of the astronaut lifestyle.

A slice of paradise for all kinds of people who are passionate about space, this center truly deserves your attention.

Go Hiking at the Columbus Fall Line Trace

The city of Columbus is working on a wonderful project known as Rails to Trails, and the Columbus Fall Line Trace is part of it.

In this project, they make use of unused railway tracks and turn them into some of the best tracks that people can use.

The Columbus Fall Line Trace is 12 feet wide and almost 11 miles long.

It attracts runners, hikers, cyclists, and anyone who is looking for some activity.

The track leads to the famous Chattahoochee Riverwalk.

Take a Stroll along the Chattahoochee RiverWalk

View from Chattahoochee RiverWalk

ifoodijourney / Shutterstock.com

The Chattahoochee RiverWalk is one of the most scenic and peaceful places in Columbus.

If you are overwhelmed after a full day of sightseeing, take a quick stroll around Chattahoochee RiverWalk.

Providing some of the best views of the iconic Chattahoochee River, it extends around for almost 15 miles.

Scenic sunset at the Chattahoochee RiverWalk

Stan Reese / Shutterstock.com

When you walk along this path, you shall find yourself among the city’s best sights.

Even the stunning forts are along this path.

The paths are well-maintained and covered with wildflowers, and you can even go biking here if you want.

Go on a Food Tour and Sample the Best Local Dishes

Columbus has some of the best food scenes in the region.

That said, you need to spare a day and solely dedicate it to exploring and tasting the local delicacies.

There are a lot of companies that organize trips that lead you across famous food chains and allow you to taste their best dishes.

Columbus Eats is the best choice for this sort of venture.

The whole affair takes almost three hours, and you’ll be sampling the best flavors of Columbus. during this time

Learn about the Environment at the Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center

Exterior of Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center

Deutschlandreform, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Want to learn a bit about the regional ecology?

Head over to the Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center to get answers to all of your queries.

It’s one of the best places to zero in on Columbus’ amazing flora and fauna.

Moreover, the place is truly beautiful.

There are paved paths among wetlands and beautiful ponds covered in stunning shades of green.

You can learn more about the ecosystem as you take your time appreciating the peaceful environment.

Some environmental experts from Columbus State University offer certain programs that will tell you all about it in detail.

Admire the Architecture at the Gorgeous Heritage Corner

If you are looking forward to seeing some of the old styles of architecture, Heritage Corner is the right place to check out.

Every city is blessed with a spot that respects its history and works its best to preserve and take care of it, so the young generation can come and gaze at the glorious past.

In the case of Columbus, Heritage Center is the one that plays that part.

When you look at the houses present in the corners of Heritage Center, you’ll realize that they are from different periods as their architectural styles vary from one another.

Coca-Cola’s inventor, Dr. John Pemberton, has a house here.

Go Whitewater Rafting along the Chattahoochee River

The rapids of Chattahoochee River perfect for whitewater rafting

JNix / Shutterstock.com

When you are in Columbus, there are many options for having some water-related fun.

If you are someone who loves the water, Columbus is sure to quench all your cravings.

At the amazing Chattahoochee River, there are some of the best whitewater rafting possibilities.

You can find yourself battling midway with many Class 4 rapids.

Beautiful sunset over Chattahoochee River

ifoodijourney / Shutterstock.com

This happens to be the longest experience when it comes to white water rafting.

There aren’t many rides in the USA that are as wild and adventurous as this one.

Apart from the Class 4 rapids, you can get across a lot of smaller ones, too.

Be cautious and enjoy this activity to your fullest.

The rapids of Chattahoochee River

LiliePhoto / Shutterstock.com

Check Out the National Civil War Naval Museum

Exterior of National Civil War Naval Museum

Gabby Brito, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The National Civil War Naval Museum is filled with some of the best artifacts from the Civil War period.

Do you know this is the only place where you can still find the iconic CSS Jackson intact?

You’ll even come across some of the remnants of the great CSS Chattahoochee.

Items such as photos, uniforms, and flags that were used during the Civil War period can be found in this museum.

Explore the Unique Lunchbox Museum

Shelves of vintage thermos at the Lunchbox Museum

David Whitemyer / Shutterstock.com

Metal lunchboxes used to be in high demand until the authorities banned them.

Thus, the Lunchbox Museum revives old traditions and tells unique stories.

This quirky museum is filled with historic metal lunchboxes.

You can’t imagine how stuffed this place is with lunchboxes—there are 3,500 of them!

They are even present with the thermoses they were sold with.

Pay Your Respects at the Ma Rainey House

Exterior of Ma Rainey House

Katyrw, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Ma Rainey House is entirely dedicated to well-renowned artist Gertrude “Ma” Rainey.

This memorial draws many people to the museum every day.

Bedroom in Ma Rainey House

Katyrw, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Did you know she was nicknamed “Mother of the Blues”?

It was in this house that she lived her last breath.

If you are a die-hard fan of jazz or blues, you’ll be nostalgic when you come to this place.

Make a Stop at Heritage Park

A unique fountain at Heritage Park

Deutschlandreform, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Heritage Park is well-known for portraying the architectural and industrial side of Columbus.

You can find a lot of commemorative statues in the corners of the park.

Statue of a farmer at Heritage Park

Deutschlandreform, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

It is quite good for educational sessions, too.

Get to know all about the city’s cultural side in these parts.

Learn the History of Warfare at the National Infantry Museum

The "follow me" statue in National Infantry Museum

The National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center from Columbus, GA, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The official name of the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center is the National Infantry Museum.

It is one of Columbus’ most popular tourist attractions, drawing in hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

The National Infantry Museum is a great place to begin your Columbus vacation.

Founded in 2009, this museum has a lot to offer.

The battle of soissons exhibit in National Infantry Museum

The National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center from Columbus, GA, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

It contains an on-site restaurant, a theater, battle simulations, a gift store, and many more amenities.

At the National Infantry Museum, you’ll be able to see more than two centuries of American history.

On display are artifacts from all of the world’s conflicts, military clothing, weaponry, and the brave men and women who fought and died in defense of their nation.

You may also participate in various enjoyable activities, such as viewing a movie on the theater’s gigantic screen, firing a gun at the range, participating in a simulated war experience, etc.

Catch a Play at the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts

In addition to seeing Broadway shows and concerts by well-known musicians, the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts also hosts concerts and symphony orchestra performances.

The RiverCenter in Columbus, Georgia, is a great place to experience the arts on a night out.

It’s close to downtown and the Chattahoochee River.

It features everything a visitor needs for a delightful, sophisticated evening, including its renowned “Dinner and a Show” events.

The RiverCenter’s Tickets for Tots program offers free and reduced-price tickets to events geared at children and their families.

Watch Musicals at the Springer Opera House

The Springer Opera House, a grand theater and a Columbus historical monument, was built in 1871.

Attending a spectacular performance at the Springer Opera House is ideal for spending a romantic evening with your special someone.

You and your companion may take in a variety of breathtaking live acts at this fantastic theater, which has a magnificent and enthralling structure.

Attending a show at the Springer Opera House is a romantic Columbus activity for couples.

Musicals, Broadway-style performances, theatrical dramas, and more await you in the form of engaging entertainment.

The Springer Outdoor Theater Festival is one of the activities it supports on a more regular basis.

Watching a live event beneath the stars may be a life-changing experience.

Buy Fresh Produce and Souvenirs at Market Days on Broadway

Farmers’ markets are a great place to discover great deals on various things.

Check out Market Days if you happen to be visiting on a weekend.

More than 200 merchants offer a wide variety of goods, including local food, at this weekly market.

Explore the many booths during Market Days with your friends or by yourself.

If you’re looking for anything specific, you may find everything from fresh fruits and veggies to jewelry, local handicrafts, and mouth-watering pastries.

Other Things to Do Nearby

See the Animals at Pine Mountain Wild Animal Safari

Animals at Pine Mountain Wild Animal Safari

Monster tp / Shutterstock.com

Have you ever been on a safari?

If not, then Pine Mountain Wild Animal Safari offers one of the most amazing first-time experiences you’ll ever have in your life.

Even if you’ve already experienced several before, you’ll still love this one for it is quite unique and one of the most popular ones.

A buck at the Pine Mountain Wild Animal Safari

WriterMJ / Shutterstock.com

You’ll be allocated a bus where you’ll be continuing the safari through the different areas of the jungle.

There are more than 500 species of different wild animals that reside here.

You’ll be given food pellets so you can interact with and feed the animals.

Zebras at Pine Mountain Wild Animal Safari

WriterMJ / Shutterstock.com

Take a Trip to Callaway Resort & Gardens

Bright flowers at Callaway Gardens

Durden Images / Shutterstock.com

The heavenly Callaway Resort & Gardens is situated within the Pine Mountain area.

Packed with relaxation, fun, and adventure, it’s an ideal vacation spot all year round.

Its facilities include a world-class golf course, water park, hiking paths, and biking trails.

A footbridge at Callaway Resort & Gardens

Cvandyke / Shutterstock.com

Looking to rest and rejuvenate?

Treat yourself to a pamper day at the spa.

Spend a fun, relaxing weekend with your family and friends at this activity hub.

Field of pretty tulips at Callaway Resort & Gardens

Hania Bisat / Shutterstock.com

Final Thoughts

You and your travel buddies will find many things to see and do in this attractive city, including a diverse selection of museums, beautiful parks, gardens, exciting theaters, arresting galleries, historically significant landmarks, and oddball shopping districts.

Make Columbus, Georgia, your next getaway destination for a trip of a lifetime!

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