Historic Columbus is the site of more than 600 structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Numerous Antebellum mansions grace the area, and are open for daily tours. The annual award-winning Columbus Pilgrimage is renowned as one of the best and most authentic historic home tours in the South. Columbus is also proud to be the home of Columbus Air Force Base and the Mississippi University for Women, as well as the first home of the world famous and Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Tennessee Williams. For outdoor enthusiasts, Columbus' moderate climate and location on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway provide ample opportunity for outdoor recreation, especially fishing and hunting. A variety of special events are hosted in Columbus throughout the year, including the annual Market Street Festival, one of the South's most diverse and popular festivals. Best Western Columbus Mississippi.
Things to do in Columbus
Columbus Air Force Base
Columbus Air Force Base is one of only four Air Force pilot training facilities in the United States. Once the home of the B52 Bomber, the base trains hundreds of pilots and also participates in testing and developing air defense technology. The base is a vital part of the community. It is also the home of Thunderbirds Air Show. Located off Highway 45 North. Call 662-434-7068 for more information.
Columbus Lake
Located along the banks of the Tenn-Tom Waterway, Columbus Lake is an ideal location for outdoor recreation. The lake is a popular fishing destination, and hosts a number of national fishing tournaments. Deer and waterfowl hunting are also allowed in certain areas along the banks of the Tenn-Tom Waterway. Call 662-327-2142 for more information.
Columbus Marina
The Columbus Marina is modern facility offering boaters a convenient place to stop during a boating trip down the Tenn-Tom waterway. The marina offers a number of services for the waterway traveler, including wet slips, a restaurant, laundry, restroom and shower, fuel dock, and gas and diesel. Located just above the Stennis Lock. Call 662-327-8450 for more information.
Columbus Speedway
One of the premier short track racing facilities in the South, Columbus Speedway offers racing excitement with weekly auto racing events year round. The track 3/10th mile red clay oval track is known for its intense action. Located at 2616 Tabernacle Road. Call 662-241-5004 for more information.
Dewayne Hayes Recreation Area / Town Creek Campground
Located on Columbus Lake on the Tenn-Tom Waterway, the DeWayne Hayes Recreation Area and Town Creek Campground both offer opportunities for a variety of outdoor recreation activities including fishing, hunting, picnicking, nature study and more. Class-A campground facilities include sites with concrete pads, picnic tables, grills, lantern post, fire rings, electrical and water hook-ups. Other amenities include primitive camping sites, laundry, restrooms, hot showers, picnic areas, playgrounds, recreation spray ground at the beach, fish cleaning station, hiking trails, game courts and public phones. From Columbus take US 45 north to the junction of US 373/50W. Turn left and follow US 373 for 1.5 miles to the junction of Stenson Creek Road. Travel 2 miles to Barton's Ferry Road and turn left, then go about ½ mile to the park entrance. Call 662-327-2142 for more information.
Elm Lake Golf Club
Elm Lake is a public course offering a 7,000 yard, 18-hole, par 72 championship course with all season fairway turfs and challenging holes designed by Kevin Tucker. Located at 1609 Taylor-Thurston Road. Call 662-329-8964 for more information.
Friendship Cemetery
Founded in May, 1849, the Friendship Cemetery was founded in 1849 and is the resting place for four Confederate generals and 2,000 soldiers. It also was the site of the first Memorial Day Celebration in 1866. During the annual Columbus Pilgrimage the cemetery plays host to "Tales from the Crypt." Daily tours are available. Located on Fourth Street South. Call 800-327-2686 for more information.
Green Oaks Golf Club
Green Oaks is a 6,500 yard, 18-hole PGA facility designed by Bill Smith. The semi-private club is located at 326 Green Oaks Drive. Call 662-328-3879 for more information.
Historic Downtown District
Columbus' historic downtown district provides an array of antique and specialty shops, restaurants and historic buildings. A walking tour brochure of the district is available at the Columbus Welcome Center at 300 Main Street. The district is also the home of the one of the South's top events, the annual Columbus Market Street Festival with arts and crafts, music and delicious food. Call 662-328-6305 for more information.
Historic Home Tours / Columbus Pilgrimage
The city of Columbus is graced with many beautiful and impeccably maintained antebellum Southern mansions and gardens. Many contain the original furnishings and are decorated in the style appropriate to their age. The annual award-winning Columbus Pilgrimage is renowned as one of the best and most authentic historic home tours in the South. Daily tours are also available; driving and walking tour can be obtained at the Welcome Center located downtown at 300 Main Street. Call 662-329-3533 for more information.
Lake Lowndes State Park
Located on a beautiful 150-acre lake, Lake Lowndes State Park offers an abundance of outdoor recreation, including fishing, boating, water skiing, camping, horseback riding, and bike riding. The lake is popular for freshwater fishing and water sports. Water skiing is permitted on weekends and holidays. Fishing boats and canoes are available for rental year round; paddle boats can be rented in summer. Lakeside RV campsites feature water and electrical hook-ups, picnic tables, and grills; some with sewage hook-ups. Hot showers, laundry facilities, and a central dump station are available. A primitive campground is situated in a scenic wooded area for tent camping, with water and restrooms located nearby. Seven miles of equestrian trails cover creek crossings and hilly terrain. A separate 5-mile biking trail takes bikers over hills, flats and creeks, while those who prefer walking can stroll along a 3.5 mile nature trail. An 18-hole disc golf course winds through the pines. The park also has complete facilities for football, tennis, softball, and other organized sports. Located eight miles southeast of Columbus off Mississippi 69. Call 662-328-2110 for more information.
Lee Home Museum
The 1847 Lee Home was the residence of General Stephen D. Lee, who gave the order to fire the first shot of the Civil War upon Fort Sumter and was later the first president of Mississippi State University. The Italiante style home displays many of his personal effects as well as Civil War memorabilia. Located at 316 7th Street North. Call 662-327-8888 for more information.
Magnolia Motor Speedway
Magnolia Motor Speedway offers the excitement of auto racing on a 3/8-mile dirt oval track. Located off Highway 82. Take the Macon/Meridian exit off Highway 45 South. Call 662-386-7223 for more information.
Mississippi University for Women
Founded in 1884, MUW (affectionately known as the "W") was the first public college for women in America. Today the public university instructs over 2,100 women and men from more than 40 states and countries in over 50 academic majors. The university has been named one of the 100 best public colleges in America by Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine. The 114-acre campus features 23 buildings that are listed on the "National Register of Historic Places". Located at 1100 College Street. Call 662-329-4750 for more information.
Rosedale Plantation
Dating to 1856, Rosedale Plantation is considered one of the finest examples of Italianate architecture in Mississippi. Located at 1523 9th Street S. Call 662-329-3533 for more information.
Rosewood Manor
Built in 1835, Rosewood Manor is an exquisite Greek Revival Antebellum mansion that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been featured in many major magazines and videos. The elegant home, gardens, gazebo and authentic plantation chapel are available for touring year round by appointment. Call 662-328-7313 for more information.
Tenn-Tom Waterway
The Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway is a 234-mile link that connects the Tennessee and Tombigbee Rivers to provide an alternate route to the Gulf of Mexico. Navigating the Tenn-Tom as opposed to taking the Mississippi River saves companies over 800 miles to the Coast and about $130,000,000 annually. After 12 years of construction and a cost of nearly $2 billion, the waterway was completed on December 12, 1984. Known as the "Tenn-Tom", the waterway offers unique opportunities for outdoor recreation and adventure. The high water quality plus a variety of game fish make it one of the premier sports fishing spots in the nation. Camping, boating, swimming and hunting are also popular activities. Call 662-328-3286 for more information.
Tennessee Williams Home
The first home of Tennessee Williams, the Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, is an elegant Victorian mansion that now serves as the Welcome Center for Columbus and Lowndes County. Information about local attractions and a number of walking and driving tours can be obtained at the center. Located at 300 Main Street. Call 662-328-0222 for more information.
Waverly Plantation Mansion
Completed in 1852, the Waverly Plantation Mansion is a National Historic Landmark, a National Restoration Award winner and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A beautiful Greek Revival home, its octagonal cupola and unique self-supporting curved stairways make it a popular subject for photographers. Located off Highway 50 between Columbus and West Point. Call 662-494-1399 for more information.
Whispering Pines Golf Club
Located on Columbus Air Force Base, Whispering Pines is a 5,275 yard, 9-hole PGA facility. Civilians must have a military escort. Call 662-434-7932 for more information.