Columbus

Follow currents of history and adventure

Columbus is one of Georgia’s most exciting cities, catering to tourists of all tastes and never failing to disappoint. Basking in its rich history, Columbus is wild yet peaceful, busy yet quaint. It’s an idyllic getaway and an exciting city break all rolled into one.

Back to Nature

Columbus is home to the longest urban stretch of whitewater rafting in the world, a 2.5-mile segment of the Chattahoochee River that froths with adventure. If you don’t mind getting wet, then book a ride to remember with WhiteWater Express, which caters to rafters of all skill levels. Confident guides will help you navigate the turbulent waterway safely, and you can even bring the kids along, although the white-knuckle trip is better suited for older children. For something a little less hair-raising, Columbus is home to the Maple Ridge Golf Club, a great amateur course and one that all newcomers are welcome to play on.

Although Columbus is the second-largest city in the state of Georgia, the town is still rural enough for you to take a break from the hustle and bustle of a modern metropolis and get back to the serenity of nature. Columbus has a number of rustic walking trails to explore, including the Columbus Riverwalk, which follows the course of the Chattahoochee. Great for a relaxing walk or a romantic stroll, there are also plenty of locations to sit for a picnic. The Columbus Riverwalk is popular with joggers looking to take the scenic route, and you’ll see plenty of cyclists along the river as well. If you want to join them but don’t have a bike with you, then Ride on Bikes can help. The company has stacks of modern bicycles and cycling equipment, and friendly staffers will happily point you toward the best riding spots by and away from the river.

Museums and More

The Columbus Riverwalk extends into Fort Benning, a U.S. Army base that’s the biggest employer in Columbus. Nearby is the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center, which encompasses close to 200,000 square feet of in-depth exhibits on military history.

Columbus, GA CVB

Closer to town, the National Civil War Naval Museum takes a much narrower historic focus, but this cavernous building is no less fascinating. This array of exhibits includes detailed models, restored hulls and life-size replicas of historic ships involved in the 1861-1865 conflict between the states. Marvel at the CSS Jackson, the largest surviving Confederate warship, whose deck and hull remain largely intact. A replica of the CSS Albemarle showcases ironclad design.

Art and history buffs should march over to the Columbus Museum for a more generalized look at the region’s past. The eclectic range of exhibits—from the history of tattoos to displays dedicated to Chattahoochee Valley outlaws—will fascinate visitors. Need a shopping fix? Browse open-air vendors during Market Days on Broadway, which features farm-fresh produce, crafts and jewelry.

For More Information

Columbus Convention and Visitors Bureau

800-999-1613

www.visitcolumbusga.com

Georgia Department of Economic Development

800-847-4842

www.exploregeorgia.org