Columbus Georgia USA Offers Plenty of Fun and Exciting Things to Do

 

Columbus Georgia USA is renowned for its vibrant arts scene and offers plenty of outdoor activities for visitors looking to get out and explore. Columbus is one of Georgia's three Fall Line Cities, situated where the hilly lands of the Piedmont plateau meet the flat terrain of the coastal plain. As rivers in this area descend rapidly toward sea level due to climate changes, cotton mills began popping up throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries.

1. Chattahoochee RiverWalk

Columbus Georgia USA is an exciting destination that offers visitors plenty of fun and exciting things to do. This charming red-brick town sits along the banks of the Chattahoochee River which crisscrosses between Georgia and Alabama, making Columbus one of the best cities for family vacations due to all its great attractions and activities. Tourists often enjoy walking or bicycling the Chattahoochee riverwalk, which extends 15 miles. This paved trail provides a great opportunity to discover Columbus' local history and culture, or simply enjoy taking in the picturesque waterway views. This walk begins in Bibb City, a cotton mill village situated in the heart of historic downtown Columbus. It then travels southward, connecting downtown to Fort Benning drill fields where visitors can discover historic sites, museums, and monuments that celebrate the city's legacy.

The path is an excellent way to explore the city's stunning parks and wetlands. Popular destinations include Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center, Rigdon Park, Rotary Park, and Woodruff Riverfront Park. For an exhilarating adventure, check out rafting on the world's longest urban Whitewater course. This popular attraction is situated near the riverfront and offers various rafting options suitable for both novice and advanced paddlers alike. If you're visiting the city on vacation, Hotel Indigo, situated downtown and overlooking Chattahoochee Bay, is a great option to stay. It boasts stylish decor, a spacious lobby, and guest rooms as well as valet parking. Plus it's within easy reach of many popular tourist attractions plus there's even a shuttle service to take you to the airport!

2. Springer Opera House

Springer Opera House is one of America's premier professional theatre companies, boasting an exciting Mainstage Series, Studio II second-space series, Theatre for Young Audience Series featuring some of the region's best student actors, Springer Theatricals national touring program, and Springer Theatre Academy training school for young actors. It also hosts one of America's finest professional theatre festivals annually. The historic opera house is situated at 103 Tenth Street in Downtown Columbus, Georgia USA, and was constructed in 1871 by Francis Joseph Springer - an immigrant from Alsace who brought both talent and business acumen to his theater venture. Since opening, the Springer has hosted some of America's greatest artists such as Buffalo Bill, Edwin Booth, Tom Thumb, Ma Rainey, John Philip Sousa, and Oscar Wilde. Exhibits in its lobby showcase mementos from these and other performers who have performed at the Springer. Today, The Springer Theatre Academy remains a popular destination for theatergoer’s in Columbus and throughout Georgia. With an enrollment of 800 students, this academy offers classes throughout the year. It boasts one of the finest architectural theater interiors in America, boasting ornate plaster moldings and marble floors that make it one of the most stunning theatrical spaces in South Carolina. In 1964, the opera house underwent a major restoration that stabilized and equipped its main auditorium and public areas as well as the stage house. Hecht Burdeshaw Architects led this restoration project from 1998-1999; they reclaimed both third-floor and second-floor areas that had lain vacant for more than 30 years.

3. Ma Rainey House and Museum

If you're a fan of blues music, Ma Rainey House and Museum should not be missed. Here, visitors can learn more about her legacy as well as Columbus' vibrant music scene. The museum is housed in a stunning Mediterranean-style home that was constructed in 1912 and opened its doors in 1953. Here you'll find an eclectic mix of contemporary, classic, and modern art as well as displays about local culture and history. This vibrant cultural center, situated along the banks of the Chattahoochee River, should not be missed when in Columbus. It provides a range of exhibitions, special events, and educational programs suitable for visitors of all ages. This is also an excellent location to learn about the city's vibrant industrial past. Interpretive panels and outdoor sculptures provide a vivid depiction of how this area developed from a trading depot to an impressive industrial hub.

Visitors to Oxbow Meadows can explore a nature center and educational facility that features serene trails through ponds, wetlands, and native wildlife. It also hosts exhibits about regional wildlife as well as hands-on learning opportunities for children. After spending a few days in Columbus Georgia USA, I discovered it to be an inspiring city with a positive attitude that strives to enhance its citizens' lives. From education initiatives and gourmet restaurants to outdoor recreation options, Columbus offers something fun for everyone - students or non-students alike! Plus, it's only a short drive away from other exciting destinations such as Chattahoochee Valley or Springer Opera House.

4. Sibley Horticultural Center

Columbus Georgia USA is an ideal destination for those who appreciate both history and nature. It boasts numerous museums that tell its tale, as well as exciting activities and attractions that will allow you to savor this part of America in a unique way. One of the best activities to do in Columbus is to visit Sibley Horticultural Center. Here, you can discover an impressive range of plants and flowers. Open seven days a week, the center offers various activities that will keep you entertained while teaching you more about the local flora. Another must-see attraction in Columbus is Oxbow Meadows, an environmental education center situated on the campus of Columbus State University. Here, visitors can engage in various activities that provide them with a deeper appreciation of this region's natural world.

You can head to the Springer Opera House for a variety of entertainment, from classical opera pieces to more modern recitals. There are tours available that take you behind the scenes of this historic theater and teach you more about its fascinating history as well as the amazing performances held here. Visit the Columbus Museum, one of the largest museums in Southeast Georgia with plenty of educational exhibits that will keep you engaged during your stay. It makes a great place for families as there are plenty of interactive galleries that get kids involved with the experience.

5. Port Columbus

Columbus, Georgia USA is a bustling metropolis boasting industry, world-class museums, and sunny Southern charm. Restored 19th-century homes and Civil War relics provide reminders of times past when Columbus was still part of the Confederacy; paddle wheelers hauled cotton up and down the Chattahoochee River while entrepreneurs built grand homes beneath moss-fringed oaks. Today, this vibrant city is the ideal getaway for families who want to take advantage of all its attractions and activities during their stay. From the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center to a Challenger Learning Center, there are plenty of options for everyone here.

The city also features several parks and public spaces, such as the Dragonfly Trail which was part of the Rails-to-Trails project. These open areas provide great opportunities for families to enjoy outdoor activities together! Children will love visiting the Columbus Museum, one of the largest museums in the southeast with a focus on American art and regional history. Entry to this free museum is included and there are plenty of activities for kids such as artful babies, parent/child workshops, and more!

Don't miss a tour of the National Civil War Naval Museum during your stay. This historic landmark will surely delight any Civil War enthusiast and features life-size combat dioramas as well as an exhibit featuring CSS Jackson - one of America's most renowned ironclad ships. Experience the splendor of nature while on vacation in Georgia by taking a cruise down the river with Chattahoochee River Adventures! They offer trips ranging from gentle Lazy Rivers to Class V rapids!