Recreation

It’s easy to find places to get out and enjoy the beauty of our region. Our area suits each and every outdoor enthusiast – from golfers, to rafters, to spectators. You’ll enjoy a variety of parks, playgrounds, tennis courts, swimming pools, golf courses, lakes, and more throughout the year.

The Chattahoochee River

As the lifeblood of the region, it’s no surprise that the Chattahoochee River plays a major role in the area’s outdoor recreation. Activities include running, biking, fishing, kayaking, zip lining, and more! Scenic riverwalks stretch both the Alabama and Georgia side of the Chattahoochee River.

Whitewater Course

Whether you’re a rafter, floater, surfer, angler, or onlooker, you won’t want to miss the excitement that the Chattahoochee River hosts with the urban whitewater course that debuted in 2013. Try the gentler Class I-II rapids in the mornings, or test your skill in the high-water Class IV foam in the afternoons. Their adventure course also offers zip lining across the Chattahoochee, an aerial obstacle course, paddle board yoga, and more!

Culture

There is no need to travel to find art and culture! The region has plenty of performances and attractions that would make residents of larger cities envious.

Arts

  • RiverCenter for the Performing Arts – A 2,000-seat theater in Uptown that’s an asset to the cultural scene. The RiverCenter is home to the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, hosts numerous Broadway shows, and has had countless noteworthy artists grace the stage.
  • Springer Opera House – Opening in 1871, the Springer Opera House is full of history. Besides being a National Historic Landmark, it hosts three popular series of plays, as well as a national touring program.
  • Phenix City Amphitheater – The Amphitheater is situated along the banks of the beautiful Chattahoochee River and is host to a Summer Concert Series sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Department. It’s the perfect backdrop for special events, and can be rented out for such occasions.

Attractions

  • Coca-Cola Space Science Center – The center is a hands-on educational facility focusing on space science, physics, and astronomy.
  • National Infantry Museum – The museum, located just outside the gates of Fort Benning,  preserves one of the greatest collections of military artifacts in the world.
  • Fort Mitchell Historic Site – The site, located in Russell County, Alabama, played a significant role in the Creek War of 1813-14., and served as the starting point of the Creek Trail of Tears in the 1830s.
  • East Alabama Motor Speedway – See dirt racing at its finest in Phenix City, Alabama. The speedway is a 3/8-mile clay oval track, banked at 18-degrees.
  • Professional Sports – Join the thrill of watching the Columbus Cottonmouths (ice hockey) and the Columbus Lions (indoor football). Both teams play at the Columbus Civic Center.