For one day in Columbus, GA, start downtown, spend time along the Chattahoochee Riverwalk, then choose a museum for the afternoon. The National Civil War Naval Museum is closer to the downtown itinerary, while the National Infantry Museum recommends allowing at least three hours.
- Downtown: Make the city centre your starting point.
- Riverwalk: The path runs for 22 miles along the Chattahoochee River.
- Museum choice: The National Civil War Naval Museum charges admission; the National Infantry Museum is free, with a suggested donation.
- Timing: Museum hours vary by day, and the National Infantry Museum recommends at least three hours for a tour.
Start your day in downtown Columbus
Begin with a downtown walk, then head toward the Riverwalk when you are ready for time by the water. Downtown is a practical first stop. For streets, landmarks and neighborhood context, the guide to downtown Columbus, Georgia covers the area in more detail.
Keep the museum decision in mind as you plan the day: the National Civil War Naval Museum is a closer fit for a compact downtown route, while the National Infantry Museum calls for a longer visit. Check the relevant museum’s hours before setting out.
Walk the Chattahoochee Riverwalk
The Chattahoochee Riverwalk is a 22-mile walking path that follows the river from the Victory District through Oxbow Meadows, past South Commons Softball Complex and Uptown Columbus, and north to Lake Oliver. You do not need to cover the full route to make it part of a downtown day.
Access points include Bay Avenue and 11th Street, Front Avenue and 8th Street, Front Avenue and Sixth Street, Golden Park, and the Civic Center. Other entry points include Rotary Park, Rigdon Park, the 23rd Street sidewalk, Bibb Mill, Hemlock Park and Lake Oliver.
Parking is available near these access points. The path has benches and restrooms, is ADA accessible, and can be used on foot, by bicycle, rollerblades or scooter.
The Riverwalk began in 1987 as a local-government response to federally mandated sewage and water upgrades. For help choosing an access point and planning a section, the Columbus RiverWalk access and visit guide has more detail.
Choose a museum or cultural stop
For the museum portion of a one-day Columbus itinerary, choose between the National Civil War Naval Museum and the National Infantry Museum according to the time you want to spend and the admission you prefer.
National Civil War Naval Museum
The National Civil War Naval Museum is at 1002 Victory Drive. It is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00am to 4:30pm and Sunday from 12:30pm to 4:30pm; it closes on New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and military, $8 for students, free for members and free for children age 6 and under; sales tax is additional.
This museum can fit an afternoon visit without making the day revolve around a longer museum tour. The National Civil War Naval Museum visitor guide offers further planning detail.
National Infantry Museum
The National Infantry Museum is at 1775 Legacy Way, Columbus, Georgia 31903. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00am to 5:00pm and Sunday from 11:00am to 5:00pm.
It is closed Mondays except Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $5 per person; the Giant Screen Theater and Virtual Reality Simulators have separate charges.
Plan for at least three hours if you choose this museum; its collection contains more than 70,000 artifacts from the last 250 years of American military history. Free parking, handicap parking near the front, elevators, seating and manual wheelchairs at no charge are available.
Pause for lunch and an afternoon break
Use downtown as the natural pause between the riverfront and your museum visit. The Riverwalk passes Uptown Columbus, and the Coca-Cola Space Science Center is described as steps from the Riverwalk there. Its offerings include simulators, film screenings and observation events, so it can serve as an alternate cultural stop if you would rather stay near the riverfront.
Market Days on Broadway is a Saturday morning market in the warm months, with more than 100 vendors selling artwork, crafts, local produce and baked goods. If your day falls on a Saturday during that pattern, it can provide a morning stop before the Riverwalk.
Finish with an evening downtown
After the museum or riverfront, return to downtown for an unhurried end to the day. The National Civil War Naval Museum is about a 33-minute walk or 5-minute drive from a hotel close to the National Civil War Naval Museum.
Before you go, check the official site for the museum or attraction you plan to visit, since hours and admission details can change.
FAQs
How long is the Columbus Riverwalk?
The Chattahoochee Riverwalk is a 22-mile linear path, with access points from the Victory District area to Lake Oliver.
Is admission free at the National Infantry Museum?
Yes. Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $5 per person. The Giant Screen Theater and Virtual Reality Simulators have separate charges.
When is the National Civil War Naval Museum open?
It is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00am to 4:30pm and Sunday from 12:30pm to 4:30pm, with holiday closures.
Can you use the Riverwalk by bike?
Yes. The Riverwalk can be used on foot, by bicycle, rollerblades or scooter.