Location: Columbus
Top Things to do in Columbus
Top 10 Things to do in Columbus, United States
Columbus is a city in and the county seat of Lowndes County, Mississippi, United States, located primarily east, but also north and northeast of the Tombigbee River, which is also referred to as the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway [3]. It is approximately 146 miles (235 km) northeast of Jackson, 92 miles (148 km) north of Meridian, 63 miles (101 km) south of Tupelo, 60 miles (97 km) northwest of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and 120 miles (193 km) west of Birmingham, Alabama. The population was 25,944 at the 2000 census and 23,640 in 2010. The population in 2012 was estimated to be 23,452. Columbus is the principal city of the Columbus Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is part of the larger Columbus-West Point Combined Statistical Area. Columbus is also part of the area of Mississippi called The Golden Triangle, consisting of Columbus, West Point and Starkville, in the counties of Lowndes, Clay and Oktibbeha.
Restaurants in Columbus
1. Tennessee Williams Welcome Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 84 reviews
Reviewed By l7r123 - Mississippi
Free tour showing excellent historical items as well as a cute local gift shop and brochures. The staff will gladly explain any items as well as local questions. Great stop!
2. Waverley Mansion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
Waverley Mansion is one of the most outstanding antebellum plantation homes in the South. After having been vacant for over 50 years, the Snow family purchased it and slowly and lovingly restored it to its original glory. It is furnished with outstanding antiques and features original mirrors, chandeliers, books, trunks, and other items. It can be reached by boat on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway or by car via Highway 50 from either West Point or Columbus. The most amazing feature is the 65 foot high entrance hall crowned by an octagonal cupola. Listed on The National Register of Historic Buildings and A National Historic Landmark, the property was recently listed on the Civil War Trail.
Reviewed By Kokotraveler - NW Florida
I love old houses and their history, and I have wanted to visit Waverley for a long time. The house is remarkable, with a very nice collection of furnishings. The tour guide was knowledgeable and very entertaining. We have visited and toured many, many houses in the South, and the $10 admission is quite reasonable and well worth it! I agree with other reviewers that the home is in need of continued restoration. I only mention this in the hopes that some attention will be given to some of the repairs needed to preserve this piece of history, not to discourage your visit.
3. Friendship Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By Taylor B - Chicago, Illinois
If you have visited Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia, you'll really enjoy a visit to Friendship Cemetery in Columbus, Mississippi. Located at 4th Street South and 15th Avenue South, it is one of several cemeteries in the South that date to the Civil War era. Founded in 1849, Friendship Cemetery was expanded from its original five-acre parcel of land to its present 55 acres. It includes 15,000 graves and is noted for its many huge and ornate markers and old Magnolia trees that cover the landscape. Among the burials are four U.S. Congressmen, two Mississippi governors, five Confederate generals and 2,194 Confederate and Union soldiers from the Battle of Shiloh in 1862. Of historical interest, on April 25, 1866, the ladies of Columbus decided to decorate the graves of both Confederate and Union soldiers with garlands and bouquets of flowers. As a direct result of this kind gesture, Americans celebrate what has come to be called Memorial Day each year. Unlike Hollywood, which is the burial place of U.S. Presidents James Monroe and John Tyler and Confederate President Jefferson Davis, Friendship Cemetery doesn't claim any famous burials. But it is similar to Hollywood with its grace and charm and beauty and historical significance.
4. Columbus Arts Council - Rosenzweig Arts Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
The Columbus Arts Council was organized in 1965 and incorporated in 1971 with a mission to "present, promote and support the arts and arts education. Since 1997, our home has been the Rosenzweig Arts Center (RAC) in the heart of downtown Columbus. The RAC features a free and open to the public sales and exhibit gallery, classroom space, theater space and meeting rooms. Our programs include the Young People's Artist Series, Concert and Artist Series, monthly gallery shows, performances in the Omnova Theater, Art Underground classes and our Summer Art Camp.
Reviewed By J S - Dallas, Texas
I went there for a few events, story tellers from Japan and Cuba, and also the Conquistador film and I liked and truly enjoyed it immensely. Who would have thunk the culture that the little town of Columbus would bring in? Staff are really friendly and enjoyed the museum too and even made small contributions. I just know this place will grow by leaps and bounds keep up the good work and bring in your family fill them with our past, present and future..... Truly a surprising find in this little town with character.....
5. Stennis East Bank Recreation Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By DJDHJM - Topeka, Kansas
Nice place to visit anytime but especially true during times of high water flow. Tennessee - Tombigbee waterway is running with gates releasing maximum flow to keep up with the monsoon. Two river barges pulled away from their moorings and pinned themselves against the spillway - one on top of the other. A great picture not likely to happen again any time soon.
6. Lee Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By canadianquebecer - Morinville, Canada
Our young child really liked the fortress style play structure, which offers interesting activities with some added shade for hot summer days. She was more oblivious to the condition of the place than we were, but the place could use a good cleaning and some garbage clean up. Otherwise, I'm afraid the park will rapidly turn into lousy place.
7. Riverview
Overall Ratings
5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Taylor B - Chicago, Illinois
Riverview has a new owner and one of the most magnificent antebellum houses in Columbus, Mississippi, is returning to its original majesty. Built in 1847 at 514 Second Street South, the massive Greek Revival mansion is considered a Columbus treasure. Located near the Tennessee Williams Welcome Center and overlooking the Tombigbee River, Riverview also is known as the Burris House and the Charles McLaren House, in honor of two former owners. Designed by Philadelphia architect James Lull, Riverview is 60 feet in height, the equivalent of a modern six-story building. A separate kitchen and servants' quarters are located south of the main building. The property is so large that it once covered an entire city block between First and Second Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been designated a National Landmark. One of the most significant features of Riverview is that the front and back exteriors are almost identical, each with four massive columns. As originally planned, the back of the 2,300-square-foot house was designed to provide a scenic view of the Tombigbee River, hence the name of the house.
8. Princess Theater
Overall Ratings
4 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Andy H - Columbus, Mississippi
Lunch at the Princess Theater was good. The pizza was fresh and hot, but had an out of the box taste. The salad was fresh and good. Good value for the price!
9. Slip N Dip
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Kathy M - Alabama
Have spent many hours at slip N dip over the years with my children. Don't hesitate to take your family and friends out for a dip in the pool.
10. GT Lanes
Bowling center, Arcade games, Bouncers, Virtual Reality ride, Laser Tag, birthday parties, christmas parties, office parties, reunions, bowling leagues, school and day care Field trips,
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