Wednesday, January 15, 2020
12 Things to Do in Columbus, GA: Top Attractions, Arts & Outdoor Adventures
Where Is Columbus, Georgia?
Columbus, Georgia, Location on the Chattahoochee River
Wondering where Columbus, Georgia is? Columbus is located in west-central Georgia on the Chattahoochee River, directly across from Alabama and about 100 miles southwest of Atlanta. This scenic historic mill city is one of the South’s emerging cultural gems, with outdoor recreation, arts venues, museums, and distinctive Columbus, Georgia, attractions. It's home to the longest urban whitewater course in the world, year-round performances spanning seven theatres in six blocks, and an explosive culinary scene that's garnered recent attention from Garden & Gun, Forbes, and 365 Atlanta Traveler.
Columbus, Georgia, is a destination for adventurous culture buffs, with whitewater rafting, live music, gallery openings, Broadway performances, breweries, and museums offering new things to do throughout the year. On any given week, visitors can expect to encounter the city differently as festivals, concerts, gallery openings, Broadway shows, and brewery tours are constantly in rotation depending on the weekend.
Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or looking for local things to do in Columbus, Georgia, this list highlights 12 can’t-miss experiences, from river adventures and historic sites to performing arts and local dining.
☐ View the current exhibits and world class architecture at The Bo Bartlett Center
☐ Experience Whitewater Rafting on the Chattahoochee River
☐ See a new exhibit or take a class at The Columbus Museum
☐ Attend a show or a free concert at Columbus State University
☐ Meet some friends for Jazz at The Loft
☐ Dine at Epic
☐ Attend a concert by the Columbus Symphony Orchestra
☐ Visit the Columbus Botanical Garden
☐ See a RiverCenter Broadway show
☐ Bike the Chattahoochee Riverwalk to Fort Benning
☐ Visit the National Infantry Museum, a Top Columbus, Georgia, Attraction
☐ Purchase a piece of art from a local artist
1. View the current exhibits and world class architecture at The Bo Bartlett Center
This world renown gallery was desinged by Tom Kundig as a unique gallery for the work of living artist and Columbus native Bo Bartlett. In addition to a revolving exhibit of Bartlett's wall-sized paintings, The Bo Bartlett Center also hosts the work of international artists in their other galleries year-round. Check their schedule here to learn if there's an event happening while you're in Columbus. The Bo Bartlett Center hosts a variety of events throughout the year. Our favorites? Exhibit openings, yoga classes, and regular concerts performed in the main gallery on the Bartlett Steinway. Anything you can experience here is a win.
Local Tip: Don't miss the view from the two-story outdoor terrace behind the main gallery. It's one of the best views in town.
2. Experience Whitewater Rafting on the Chattahoochee River
One of the most memorable things to do in Columbus, Georgia, is rafting the Chattahoochee River on the world’s longest urban whitewater course, located minutes from Uptown Columbus. Beyond rafting, this Chattahoochee River attraction offers zip lining, fly fishing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboard yoga for visitors looking for outdoor Columbus, Georgia, attractions. Or spend an afternoon on Waveshaper Island watching a kayaking competion or two.
3. See a new exhibit at The Columbus Musuem
Any time is a good time to check out the current exhibits at the Columbus Museum, which is one of the largest museums in the Southeast and is unique for its dual concentration on American art and regional history, displayed in its permanent collection, temporary exhibitions, and educational programs. Click here for a closer look at exhibits currently on display.
4. Attend a show or free concert at Columbus State University
Support higher arts education by attending one of the many theatre performances and at least one concert at Columbus State University. Theatre productions are held at Riverside Theatre. As for concerts, we recommend seeing anything (and everything!) you can in Legacy Hall. Concerts through CSU's Schwob School of Music are free and open to the public. Just check their concert schedule before you go!
5. Meet some friends for Jazz at The Loft
This is our editor's favorite thing in town. Check the schedule and head to The Loft for some Jazz. The talent caliber is world-class, and they're right here in Columbus, GA. Don't miss it.
6. Dine at Epic
For visitors exploring things to do in Columbus, Georgia, after a day of sightseeing, Epic is a local dining destination with an upscale setting near Uptown Columbus attractions. If the Chef's Table experience isn't in your budget, consider meeting for drinks or dessert with some friends. There's something on the menu for everyone.
7. Go to the Symphony
Columbus is home to the second oldest symphony in the country, and though historic, the Columbus Symphony Orchestra is anything but an old-fashioned time. The symphony has made tremendous efforts to modernize its experiences — offering everything from a mobile app you can use during concerts to hip events and outreach programs for children. And here's a tip, check out Know the Score, a pre-concert discussion led by Maestro George Del Gobbo and offers really interesting insight into the music of upcoming concerts.
8. Visit the Columbus Botanical Garden
The Columbus Botanical Garden is free to visit any day of the year, and there's always something new in bloom. Headed that way soon? No matter the season, they have an annual calendar full of special events. As one of the most relaxing Columbus, Georgia, attractions, the Garden offers seasonal programs, concerts, plant sales, flower festivals, and holiday light displays throughout the year. From the Nankipooh Music Series to Lovely Luncheons, Plant Sales and Festivals celebrating Flowers to our the SHINE light show at Christmas in the Garden. Public programs at the Garden are a time of discovery, learning, enjoyment, transformation, and excitement.
9. See a RiverCenter Broadway Show
The RiverCenter for the Performing Arts brings some of the finest talent in the world to town with their Broadway Series. Check their calendar for upcoming shows.
10. Bike the Chattahoochee Riverwalk to Fort Benning
If you've done any research on Columbus, Georgia, you know that the Chattahoochee River is one of the main attractions that brings people to our city. What we'd bet you might not know is that the RiverWalk connects Uptown Columbus to Fort Benning. Rent bikes from our favorite local bike shop and explore the 34-mile trip through some of the most beautiful landscapes in our region. Not sure where to start? Just ask our friends at Ride on Bikes for a map or more information. They'll get you on the right track.
11. Visit the National Infantry Museum, a Top Columbus, Georgia, Attraction
It's a privilege to live in a military town, but have you taken the time to learn as much as possible about our country's brave soldiers? Just a few miles from Uptown Columbus, the National Infantry Museum is one of the area’s most significant Columbus, Georgia, attractions and a leading resource for learning about U.S. Army history. Spend a day at the National Infantry Museum immersed in the incredible and informative exhibits on display there. It's something everyone should do at least once.
12. Purchase a piece of art from a local artist
This one, we'll leave entirely up to you. Columbus is exploding with creative talent in a variety of mediums. Looking for something or someone in particular? Head to The Columusite's Art Directory for a listing of local artists and where to find them. Or, explore local galleries in Uptown Columbus, where visitors can discover original paintings, photography, sculpture, and other artwork by Columbus-area artists. Just don't forget to share a photo of what you find!
Enjoy anything on this list? Let us know! Tag us on social media @visitcolumbusga for a chance to be featured online! We'll pick our favorites and share them with our audience throughout the year.
Categories: Arts, Dining, Events, Family-friendly, Festivals, History, Itineraries, Military, Music, Outdoors, River Fun, Trip Ideas