Get in on the Army’s battlefield action, set for sea with Confederate sailors aboard the CSS Jackson and explore early American culture in Columbus, Georgia
COLUMBUS, GEORGIA–FEBRUARY 2026–Patriotism and possibility meet along the banks of the Chattahoochee River in Columbus, Georgia. Just 90 minutes south of Atlanta via I-85 and I-185, Georgia’s second-largest city blends authentic military heritage, immersive museums, outdoor adventure and a revitalized Uptown district into one unforgettable destination.
With Fort Benning anchoring the community, Columbus proudly honors America’s service members while inviting visitors to explore more than 200 years of American history in dynamic, hands-on ways.
Walk Through 250 Years of Army History
At the National Infantry Museum, one of the nation’s premier military history destinations, guests journey from the Revolutionary War to present-day conflicts through immersive exhibits, artifacts and interactive simulations. The museum’s signature storytelling – centered on the Infantry’s role in “The Last 100 Yards” – places visitors in the boots of the American soldier.
Spanning 190,000 square feet, the museum features realistic combat simulators, large-format films in the Giant Screen Theater and detailed galleries that honor valor, sacrifice and service. It is both moving and memorable, offering an experience that resonates across generations.
Set Sail on Civil War Waters
The National Civil War Naval Museum remains the only museum in the world dedicated exclusively to the naval history of the American Civil War. Here, visitors encounter the story of maritime conflict through rare artifacts, immersive exhibits and historic vessels–including the ironclad CSS Jackson and the remains of the CSS Chattahoochee.
Guests can step aboard full-scale ship replicas and explore exhibits that examine the lives of sailors, soldiers and civilians–free and enslaved–who shaped the wartime experience along the Chattahoochee. The museum’s expansive collection of naval flags and personal artifacts offers rare insight into a pivotal chapter of American history.
Discover Art, Culture and Regional Storytelling
Reimagined for a new generation, The Columbus Museum continues to present American art and regional history in engaging, contemporary ways. Its collections trace the artistic and cultural evolution of the United States while highlighting the 10,000-year story of the Chattahoochee Valley.
From Colonial-era decorative arts to thought-provoking modern exhibitions, the museum connects visitors to the people, industries and landscapes that shaped Columbus and the Southeast. Educational programs, rotating exhibitions and community events make each visit fresh and inspiring.
Adventure for Every Group
Columbus is also home to one of the most exciting outdoor attractions in the country. Whitewater Express operates the world’s longest urban whitewater course on the Chattahoochee River—an internationally recognized destination that has earned designation as a Center of Excellence and will host the 2028 ICF Canoe Freestyle World Championships.
From guided rafting trips to stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking, adventures are available year-round. For those who prefer to soar, Blue Heron Adventure Park offers the only zip line in the United States that connects two states, sending riders across the Chattahoochee River from Georgia into Alabama.
Groups can also enjoy a Broadway-caliber performance at the historic Springer Opera House, Georgia’s State Theatre and one of the most celebrated cultural venues in the Southeast. Located in Uptown Columbus, the Springer presents a robust season of musicals, dramas and special performances, with group rates available.
From battlefield stories and naval legends to world-class adventure and award-winning arts, Columbus, Georgia, offers an experience as bold and enduring as the nation it celebrates. Visitors leave with a deeper appreciation for American history–and plenty of reasons to return.