Why Columbus, Georgia?

1.

Columbus sits along the Chattahoochee River, boasting the longest urban whitewater rafting course in the world! Described as “wild as Colorado and warm as Costa Rica”, USA Today chose the class II-V whitewater park as one of the top 12 man-made adventures in the world. In addition to rafting, you can zipline across the river, try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding, or enjoy kayaking or fishing on the Chattahoochee.

Visit rushsouth.com for more information.

2.

Follow the Chattahoochee River bank along the 22-mile Riverwalk and wander through 12 miles of paved trail along the Fall Line Trace—great for walking, running, cycling or nature watching. Columbus offers several bike rental programs as well, so no need to bring your own.

Visit visitcolumbusga.com for more information and visitcolumbusga.com/events for Community Events.

3.

Reach for the stars at the Coca-Cola Space Science Center with hands-on exhibits, shows in the Omnisphere Theatre and Challenger Learning Center missions. The Mead Observatory is open to the public once a month for astronomical viewing.

Visit ccssc.org for more information.

4.

What better way to cool down than at the Columbus Aquatic Center? The state of the art facility offers an Olympic size swimming pool for lap swimming, a smaller warm-up pool for open swim, and you can dive from one of the center’s three diving boards.

Visit https://parks.columbusga.gov/Pools/Columbus-Aquatics-Center for more information.

5.

The Columbus Botanical Garden is located in a historic home on 36 acres of greenspace in north Columbus with four developed acres of gardens. Enjoy free daily admission to view this naturally colorful setting. Check the website for special events, horticultural seminars and community learning opportunities.

Visit columbusbotanicalgaraden.com for more information.

6.

Always changing, always free, the Columbus Museum is the second largest art museum in Georgia. The fine art collection includes paintings, sculptures and decorative arts from a host of renowned American artists, and the Museum offers regional history exhibits, housing over 14,000 artifacts and objects from the Chattahoochee River Valley. A range of educational programs and art activities for visitors of all ages, including a hands-on gallery for children, makes the Columbus Museum a must-see for your trip.

Visit https://columbusmuseum.com/ for more information.

7.

People travel from all over the world to visit the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center . With interactive galleries and immersive attractions, visitors of all ages can experience firsthand the American Infantryman’s journey to defeat tyranny around the globe. The National Civil War Naval Museum at Port Columbus houses the largest surviving Confederate warship and a variety of naval replicas and exhibits. The museum also hosts living history events, tours, cannon firings, weapons demonstrations, local history projects and more.

Visit their websites for more information.

8.

Columbus has become a major hub for the performing arts, attracting international solo artists and touring companies. Take in a live show at RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, Springer Opera House or Columbus State’s Riverside Theatre to enjoy music acts from classical to country, drama, dance, musicals, children’s shows and much more. With multiple stages across several venues, there is always something exciting to see.

Visit their websites for more information.

9.

Nestled in a bend of the Chattahoochee River in a hardwood wetland, Oxbow Meadows offers two walking trails between ponds, taking hikers into the realm of native flora and fauna. The Environmental Learning Center is a hands-on interpretive facility focusing on the natural history of the region. See butterflies, birds, turtles, dragonflies, reptiles, insects and fish and see the world from a bird’s eye view on the Tree Top Trail.

Visit oxbow.columbusstate.edu for more information.

10.

The Black Heritage Tour highlights points of interest and historic monuments that outline the legacy of contributions made by black citizens to Columbus’ rich heritage. Learn about Horace King, a renowned bridge builder, Mother of the Blues “Ma” Rainey, famous painter Alma Thomas, and many others who made a difference, not only in Columbus but far beyond.

Visit https://www.exploregeorgia.org/things-to-do/article/ follow-the-black-heritage-trail-in-columbus for more information.