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Columbus is the second-largest city in Georgia, set on the Chattahoochee River across from Phenix City, Alabama. Founded in 1828 at the falls of the river, it grew into a major textile town powered by the rapids, and its riverfront mills and brick warehouses still line the water. Dr. John Pemberton, who invented Coca-Cola, lived and worked in Columbus before moving to Atlanta.
Today Columbus has about 205,000 residents and is closely tied to Fort Moore, formerly Fort Benning, the large army post just south of the city. The National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center, near the post's gate, is one of the most visited military museums in the country.
The river is the city's greatest attraction. A 2.5-mile urban whitewater course, created by removing old mill dams, is one of the longest in the world and runs right past downtown, and the Chattahoochee RiverWalk follows the river for miles. The historic district has the 1871 Springer Opera House, the State Theatre of Georgia, plus the National Civil War Naval Museum and the Ma Rainey House, home of the Mother of the Blues.
A paved riverside trail running about 15 miles along the Chattahoochee River from Fort Benning to north Columbus, passing Uptown, historic mills and the whitewater course. It is popular for walking, running and cycling. Start in Uptown for the most scenic section by the river.
A nature center run by Columbus State University on a former oxbow of the Chattahoochee River, with trails, ponds, live animal exhibits and educational programs. It is a quiet place to see turtles, birds and other wildlife. It is great for kids; check the opening hours.
One of the longest urban whitewater courses in the world, created by breaching old dams on the Chattahoochee River between Columbus and Phenix City. Outfitters offer guided raft trips and ziplines across the river. Book rafting ahead and expect rapids up to Class IV when water is released.
A large museum outside the gates of Fort Benning tracing the history of the US Army infantry from the Revolution to today, with immersive exhibits, a giant-screen theater and a recreated World War II company street. Admission is free. Allow several hours, and watch a graduation if you can.
A museum telling the story of the navies in the Civil War, featuring the remains of the ironclad CSS Jackson and the gunboat CSS Chattahoochee, ship models and a recreated ship deck. It also has simulators. It is a short drive from Uptown; allow about two hours.
A large museum with American art and regional history, featuring paintings, decorative arts and exhibits on the Chattahoochee Valley. It has a sculpture garden and family galleries. Admission is free. It is a good place to learn about the region's people and landscape.
A science center by the riverfront with a planetarium, an observatory, a replica space shuttle and a Challenger Learning Center for simulated space missions. It is run by Columbus State University. Check the schedule for planetarium shows and public observing nights.
A historic theater opened in 1871 and designated the State Theatre of Georgia, still staging musicals, plays and children's shows in its restored Victorian auditorium. Famous performers such as Edwin Booth and Oscar Wilde appeared here. Take a guided tour or catch a performance.
A modern performing arts center in Uptown Columbus with several halls hosting the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, touring Broadway shows, opera and concerts by the Schwob School of Music. Its acoustics are highly regarded. Check the event calendar and book seats ahead.
A historic neighborhood near Uptown with tree-lined streets of 19th-century homes, churches and buildings in Greek Revival and Victorian styles. Several house museums are run by Historic Columbus. Walk the area on a self-guided tour and admire the architecture.
The revitalized downtown along Broadway with restaurants, bars, shops and theaters in historic buildings, plus the riverfront and the whitewater course nearby. It hosts events such as Market Days on Broadway. It is easy to explore on foot; visit in the evening for dining.
The restored home of blues pioneer Gertrude Ma Rainey, known as the Mother of the Blues, who lived here in her final years. It now operates as a small museum with exhibits on her life and music. Tours are offered on certain days, so check ahead.
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