Columbus is a surprisingly lively town on the southwest border of Georgia. The area is dripping with military history, great food, outdoor activities, and beautiful scenery capturing the age-old buildings and rushing Chattahoochee River. While you’re exploring this top family-friendly town in Georgia, take a moment to enjoy some of the top things to do.
Stroll the RiverWalk
What Is It? This brick-paved walkway winds along the Chattahoochee, and it’s a great place to really capture the city.
Why Do It? A playground with a summertime splash pad and stairs that guide you right to the water’s edge are big draws for families. Rent bikes to travel quickly along the route and you’ll get to see everything the RiverWalk offers.
Good to Know: After dinner, many folks like to walk along the path to watch the sunset or hear live music.
Tour the National Historic District
What Is It? This quaint area is a full 28 blocks of Columbus history.
Why Do It? Restored Victorian homes, lush Southern gardens, and other structures from way back and take visitors back in time.
Good to Know: House museums in Heritage Corner can be toured, providing an even richer experience.
Blast Off at Coca-Cola Space Science Center
What Is It? Columbus State University’s Coca-Cola Space Science Center packs a big punch in such a small building, allowing you to be an astronaut for a day.
Why Do It? Interactive exhibits like the Challenger Learning Center, mission and launch simulators, and the IMAX-style theater bring visitors as close to the real experience as you can get without jetting into space in a rocket.
Good to Know: A space shuttle artifact collection valued at over $20 million allows kids and adults to reminisce about NASA’s awe-inspiring history.
Drop by the National Civil War Naval Museum
What Is It? Columbus is full of museums demonstrating its military and war history.
Why Do It? The National Civil War Naval Museum houses some of the most precious Civil War artifacts.
Good to Know: Demonstrations and events like cannon firings truly connect visitors to the era.
Dinner and a Show at the Springer Opera House
What Is It? Displaying the feel of traditional opera houses, The Springer Opera House is beautifully situated in historic downtown Columbus.
Why Do It? Visitors praise each of the two stages for not having a single bad seat. The gorgeous architecture is classic, giving attendees a true experience.
Good to Know: Since 1871, the theater has brought joy through a huge variety of shows, and was even named the State Theatre of Georgia by Gov. Jimmy Carter.
Zip Line Over the Chattahoochee
What Is It? Get a bird’s eye view of Columbus on the Blue Heron Adventure zip line via Whitewater Express.
Why Do It? Travel from Georgia to Alabama on its 1,200-foot-long stretches of cables that extend over the Chattahoochee River. In fact, it’s the only zip line in America that connects two states. From the large towers and sky-high lines, you’ll get the best views of the city available.
Good to Know: Fun obstacles like nets and wooden bridges also are incorporated into the adventure.
Shop Market Days on Broadway
What Is It? Shop with the locals at Market Days on Broadway in downtown Columbus.
Why Do It? You’ll find authentic goods from over 200 local vendors including crafts, jewelry, organic produce, baked treats, and other things for the home you’ll only be able to find at Market Days.
Good to Know: Local vendors are at your disposal every Saturday morning from April to November, from 9 a.m.- 12 p.m.
Delve into History at the National Infantry Museum
What Is It? The National Infantry Museum & Soldier Center near the Fort Benning military base boasts one of the best collections of military artifacts in the world.
Why Do It? This 190,000-square-foot history-laden attraction has seen millions of visitors since it opened in June 2009. The on-site theater is a certified Giant Screen Theater that plays documentaries and films in 3-D.
Good to Know: Visitors also can immerse themselves in combat simulators for a virtual reality experience that puts you in the boots of a soldier for an authentic experience of what service members do every day.
Say Hello to Kadie the Cow
What Is It? Kinnett Dairies produced ice cream and milk from the early 1900s and definitely left its mark on the city of Columbus before shutting down.
Why Do It? An enormous cow, known as Kadie, was mounted in front of the building to draw attention. It worked, and astonishingly became a big attraction as well as a part of Columbus’s history. Kadie was adorned with an enormous wreath with a thousand lights at Christmas and was a successful tourist draw.
Good to Know: She’s become so adored, that she still remains in what is now a Best Buy parking lot.
