Things to Do in Columbus, Georgia

National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center

• Walk through the jungles of Vietnam or a World War I trench at the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center. The museum, located just outside Fort Benning, features exhibits highlighting the role of American soldiers through various eras, including World War I, World War II and the Cold War. The museum contains several pieces of military artifacts and art, as well as tributes to the families of soldiers. The Hall of Valor celebrates the heroic deeds of close to 1500 Medal of Honor recipients. The museum also features an IMAX theater and play area where kids can dress up in costumes. Admission is free. Call (706) 685-5800 for current hours of operation.

  National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center
  1775 Legacy Way
  Columbus, GA 31903
  (706) 685-5800
  http://www.nationalinfantrymuseum.com/

Heritage Corner Tours and Park

• Stroll through a log cabin, a Victorian cottage and an Italian villa-style townhouse all on the same block. The Historic Columbus Foundation offers guided tours of five 19th-century buildings located on Heritage Corner, including a farmhouse and the oldest house in the city. The buildings represent different architectural styles, ranging from the rustic log cabin with its earthen floor to the elegant townhouse with 14-foot ceilings and gaslight chandeliers. Tours of Heritage Park, which features granite pools, waterfalls and sculptures, can also be arranged. Call (706) 322-0756 for tour schedules and pricing information.

  Historic Columbus Foundation
  708 Broadway
  Columbus, GA 31902
  (706) 322-0756
  http://www.historiccolumbus.com/

Oxbow Meadows Environmental Park and Learning Center

• Watch for birds, turtles, dragonflies and bobcats in Oxbow Meadows Environmental Park. The 1600-acre wildlife sanctuary, located in southern Columbus, features two walking trails that offer glimpses of otters, deer, beavers, herons, songbirds and butterflies. The learning center contains mounted displays of local wildlife, as well as live fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects. Guided trail tours for visitors ages 8 and up are available for groups of 10 or more. Call (706) 687-4090 for more information or to book a group tour.

  Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center
  3535 S. Lumpkin Rd.
  Columbus, GA 31903
  (706) 687-4090
  http://oxbow.colstate.edu/

Columbus Museum

• View antique furniture, Civil War weapons and American works of art at the Columbus Museum, which houses more than 14,000 artifacts. The museum features exhibits that focus on the Chattahoochee River Valley history, including archaeological objects dating back to 10,000 BC and Confederate Army uniforms. Other exhibits include 18th and 19th century American drawings and paintings, cut glass, Federal furniture and contemporary American sculptures and paintings. Visit the website below for current hours of operation. Admission is free.

  Columbus Museum
  1251 Wynnton Rd.
  Columbus, GA 31901
  (706) 748-2562
  http://www.columbusmuseum.com/home.html