A handpicked mix of culture, flavor, and adventure—from whitewater thrills and historic theaters to intimate museums and beloved locals-only eats—so you can experience Columbus the way residents do.
Things to Do in Columbus GA (2025)
12 Places
A handpicked mix of culture, flavor, and adventure—from whitewater thrills and historic theaters to intimate museums and beloved locals-only eats—so you can experience Columbus the way residents do.
Whitewater Express
Raft trip outfitter
Run the world’s longest urban whitewater, then zipline state to state over the Chattahoochee. Consistently recommended by Southern Living and highlighted by USA Today for its man-made thrills, this homegrown outfitter anchors outdoor life downtown.
The National Infantry Museum
Army museum
A nationally respected, nonprofit museum telling 250 years of Infantry history with immersive galleries and community programs. Regularly cited by regional travel editors and active with new events in 2025, it’s a powerful lens on Columbus’s military heritage.
Springer Opera House
Performing arts theater
Georgia’s historic state theatre stages a lively calendar—from touring musicals to original productions—inside an 1871 landmark. Frequently recommended by state cultural guides and active with Mainstage shows throughout 2025, it’s Columbus’s grand performance hub.
Ma Rainey House
Historical place museum
Tour by appointment through the restored home of the Mother of the Blues, a site honored by music historians and highlighted by Explore Georgia. Intimate rooms and artifacts connect Columbus’s neighborhoods to American music history.
The Columbus Museum
Museum
Fresh from a major transformation, COMU blends American art with Chattahoochee Valley history in reimagined galleries and gardens. Praised by the local press for its 2024 overhaul, it remains free and community-driven in 2025.
The Bo Bartlett Center
Art center
Part gallery, part community lab, this Columbus State University space shows work by Bo Bartlett and rotating exhibitions with strong local ties. Noted by arts writers for inventive programming and accessible hours.
Coca-Cola Space Science Center
Science museum
A hands-on science museum and planetarium operated by Columbus State University, home to Georgia’s most extensive Space Shuttle artifacts. Frequently featured by state tourism outlets for family-friendly, STEM-forward fun.
National Civil War Naval Museum
History museum
Explore massive ironclad remnants, reconstructions, and thousands of artifacts that place Columbus in the national naval story. A reliable pick in respected travel guides and local coverage for history lovers of all ages.
Ride On Bikes
Bicycle Shop
Since 2003, this independent shop has fueled the city’s cycling culture with rentals, service, and welcoming group rides on the RiverWalk and Dragonfly Trails. Regularly spotlighted by local event calendars for community rides.
Dinglewood Pharmacy
Pharmacy
A 1918 neighborhood pharmacy with a vintage lunch counter famous for the Scramble Dog, recognized in Georgia’s 100 Plates Locals Love and celebrated by state and local media. It’s lunch with a side of Columbus lore.
The Loft
Southern restaurant (US)
A longtime Uptown hangout for live music and comedy, with touring acts and regional talent upstairs and a Southern menu downstairs. Frequently listed by local arts calendars as a dependable night-out venue.
Iron Bank Coffee Co.
Cafe
Sip espresso inside a 19th‑century bank—vault seating included. Locally owned and regularly mentioned in state trip guides, this all‑day cafe doubles as a community stage with rotating art and occasional live music.
