Columbus, Georgia
Things to Do in Columbus
Columbus sits at the fall line of the Chattahoochee River, where Georgia meets Alabama, and it packs a surprising density of world-class attractions into a mid-sized Southern city. From free museums and a 19th-century opera house to outdoor adventures on the river, here are the best things to see and do when you visit.
National Infantry Museum & Soldier Center
Adjacent to Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning), the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center is one of the finest military museums in the United States — and admission is completely free. The museum is dedicated to the story of the American Infantryman, tracing that history from the Revolutionary War through present-day conflicts across nearly 200,000 square feet of immersive gallery space.
Highlights include a walk-through WWII Company Street that recreates barracks, a post exchange, and a chapel with remarkable period detail. The Giant Screen Theater shows military-themed documentaries on a massive digital screen, and interactive VR combat simulators let visitors experience the intensity of infantry training firsthand. Outside, the museum grounds include a parade field, memorial walk, and restored historic aircraft.
The museum is closed on Mondays. Plan at least two to three hours for a thorough visit — military history enthusiasts often spend an entire afternoon here. It consistently ranks as one of the top free attractions in the entire Southeast.
National Infantry Museum — Free Admission
The Columbus Museum — Midtown
The Columbus Museum
Nestled in the tree-lined Midtown neighborhood, The Columbus Museum is one of the largest museums in the Southeastern United States, and like the Infantry Museum, it charges no admission. The permanent collection spans American fine art from the colonial period through contemporary works, alongside a deep exploration of Chattahoochee Valley regional history stretching back thousands of years.
Families especially love the Transformations gallery — an interactive children's space that blends art, science, and regional ecology in hands-on installations that are genuinely engaging for kids and adults alike. Outside, the Bradley Olmsted Garden provides a quiet space for reflection, designed in the tradition of the famed Olmsted landscape architecture firm.
Rotating exhibitions bring nationally significant works through Columbus regularly, making repeat visits worthwhile. The museum also hosts lectures, workshops, and community events throughout the year. It is a cornerstone of the city's arts and culture scene.
Springer Opera House
Built in 1871 in the heart of what is now Uptown Columbus, the Springer Opera House holds the distinction of being the State Theatre of Georgia — a title bestowed by then-Governor Jimmy Carter in 1971. It is also a National Historic Landmark, one of a select few theatres in the country with that designation.
The Springer operates as a professional regional theatre, producing a full season of Broadway-caliber musicals, classic and contemporary plays, and special events year-round. The intimate Victorian-era auditorium seats around 600, ensuring that every seat offers an excellent view and a sense of connection to the performers. Over the decades, the stage has hosted legends from Oscar Wilde to Edwin Booth.
Beyond performances, the Springer offers docent-led tours of the historic building, educational programs for young performers, and is available as an event venue. It remains one of the most beloved cultural institutions in Columbus and a must-visit for anyone interested in the city's performing arts heritage.
Springer Opera House — Est. 1871
Coca-Cola Space Science Center — Columbus State University
Coca-Cola Space Science Center
Operated by Columbus State University on the banks of the Chattahoochee, the Coca-Cola Space Science Center is part science museum, part planetarium, and part space exploration experience. The centerpiece is the Omnisphere Planetarium, a full-dome digital theater that presents shows on astronomy, space exploration, and natural phenomena with stunning visual fidelity.
The Challenger Learning Center is one of the most unique experiences available — teams participate in simulated space missions, taking on roles in mission control and aboard a virtual spacecraft. It is particularly popular with school groups and families, though the missions are engaging enough for adults. The center also houses authentic NASA artifacts, space memorabilia, and flight simulators where visitors can try their hand at piloting.
Friday night observatory sessions (weather permitting) offer public telescope viewing with knowledgeable guides. The center is compact enough to visit in a couple of hours but rich enough to warrant the trip, especially for families with curious kids.
Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center
For a quieter, nature-focused experience, Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center offers an immersive look at the ecology of the Chattahoochee Valley. The center maintains live animal exhibits featuring species native to the region — turtles, snakes, fish, birds of prey, and more — housed in naturalistic habitats that emphasize education and conservation.
The Discovery Forest is a particular hit with younger children, offering outdoor play structures integrated into natural landscapes and designed to encourage exploration and sensory engagement. The Walt and Frank Chambers Birding Trail winds through wetlands and forested areas, providing excellent opportunities for birdwatching and quiet walks through undeveloped green space just minutes from the city center.
Oxbow Meadows pairs well with a visit to the nearby Chattahoochee RiverWalk for a full day of outdoor activities. Seasonal programs include guided nature walks, summer camps, and community science events.
Oxbow Meadows — Chattahoochee Valley Ecology
Columbus Botanical Garden — Dawn to Dusk
Columbus Botanical Garden
Spanning approximately 36 to 40 acres, the Columbus Botanical Garden is a peaceful retreat that combines horticultural beauty with local history. The grounds include the historic Adams Farmhouse, dating to the 1890s, which has been preserved and serves as both a museum piece and event venue amidst the surrounding gardens and natural areas.
Walking trails wind through the property, passing through both cultivated garden beds and areas of natural woodland. The garden is open from dawn to dusk and is free to visit, making it an ideal spot for a morning walk, an afternoon reading session on a bench, or a casual stroll through seasonal plantings. Spring and fall are particularly rewarding seasons to visit, though the mild Georgia winters keep the grounds interesting year-round.
The garden sits in the southern part of the city and can be combined with a visit to nearby outdoor recreation areas for a leisurely day exploring Columbus's greener side.
Keep exploring Columbus
Columbus has far more to offer beyond the headline attractions. Explore the city's outdoor adventures on the Chattahoochee, its thriving arts scene, or the distinct neighborhoods that give the city its character.