Area Attractions Descriptions Andersonville Visit the Andersonville Web site Contact Info Route 1, Box 800, Andersonville, GA 31711 Phone: 229.924.2558 Hours Andersonville National Historic Site is open seven days a week, 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. For More Information Phone: 229.924.0343 The Historic Site Andersonville National Historic Site is unique in the National Park System as the only park to serve as a memorial to all Americans ever held as prisoners of war. Congress stated the purpose of the park in the authorizing legislation: ...to provide an understanding of the overall prisoner of war story of the Civil War, to interpret the role of prisoner of war camps in history, to commemorate the sacrifice of Americans who lost their lives in such camps and to preserve the monuments located within the site. Camp Sumter Andersonville, or Camp Sumter as it was known officially, was the largest of many Confederate military prisons established during the Civil War. It was built in early 1864 after Confederate officials decided to move the large number of Federal prisoners in and around Richmond to a place of greater security and more abundant food. During the 14 months it existed, more than 45,000 Union soldiers were confined here. Of these, almost 13,000 died from disease, poor sanitation, malnutrition, overcrowding, or exposure to the elements. Andersonville National Historic Site is part of the National Park System, one of more than 380 areas that are important examples of the nation's natural and cultural heritage. Black Heritage Contact Info 1000 Bay Avenue On The Riverwalk P.O. Box 2768 Columbus, GA 31902 1.800.999.1613 Need Directions to our office? Click HERE Hours This is a self guided driving tour. The Columbus Convention & Visitors Bureau operating hours are 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (eastern). 24-Hour Information Hotline 1.706.322.3181   Homes of Famous Personalities, Historic Landmarks, Schools, Black Businesses, Churches: From Corporal Eugene Bullard, the world's first black combat aviator, Horace King, a former slave and master bridge builder, Ma Rainey, Mother of the blues, to the Liberty Theatre, black heritage is an important part of the Heritage of Columbus, Georgia. Our Black Heritage Visitors Guides will lead you to 26 sites of Columbus' African American historical and social importance.   Callaway Gardens Visit Callaway Gardens Web site Contact Info Georgia Highways 354 & 18 P.O. Box 2000 Pine Mountain, GA 31822 Phone: 800.CALLAWAY For reservations and more information, Phone: Phone: 800.CALLAWAY. Discover A Special Place It's the incredible beauty you notice first that tells you this is a special place. It's the genuinely warm southern hospitality that assures you this is exactly where you want to be. It's the overflowing selection of activities that lets you know it's going to be a great day. For almost 50 years, guests have enjoyed the unique Gardens experience. From the stunning floral displays to the lovely 14,000 acres of natural woodlands, this is the place to do absolutely nothing but revel in the gentle nature around you as it refreshes your soul. Then again, you'll find it's the perfect place to enjoy hiking, educational discovery programs, recreation, special events, and more from dawn until sundown. Discover More To all of this add championship golf, tennis, fly fishing, gift shops, restaurants, and an outstanding choice of accommodations. Visit us to experience Callaway Gardens and you'll discover that this is your special place. Chattahoochee Riverwalk Contact Info The RiverWalk is a 15-mile linear park that hugs the banks of the Chattahoochee River Phone: 800.999.1613 or local 706.322.1613 For centuries, the Chattahoochee River has flowed from the mountains of North Georgia to the oyster beds of the Florida Panhandle. Sometimes a trickle. Sometimes angrily slapping against rocks. Always telling a story that is the history of Georgia and of Columbus. The relationship between Columbus and the Chattahoochee predates written history. Spanish explorers told about the falls nearby. The Indians nation's most extensive trading center was here. Then, in 1828, state legislation set aside 1,200 acres for the town that became Columbus. Steam boats soon were unloading cotton and other products at her busy pier. Romantic ballads were written by passengers who sailed on her lazy paddle-wheelers. Commerce depended on the river with the arrival of the railroad and other means of transportation. More recently, the Chattahoochee became a Mecca for recreation. Lakes created from its lineup of dams attract fishermen from around the world and on weekends the water is filled with boats and skiers. So it was natural for Columbus to come back to the river in 1992. Four years later, that first stretch of riverfront trail was extended to the main post of Fort Benning, giving those who travel on two feet or two wheels a blend of cityscapes and untouched wildlife. The RiverWalk extends through the campus of Total System Services, Inc. into the cotton mill town of Bibb City. Join us now on a trip down the Columbus RiverWalk. Take a leisurely stroll through a city's heritage, a walk that reminds all who come of what was, what is, and what will be. Coca-Cola Space Center Coca-Cola Space Science Center Web site Contact Info 701 Front Avenue Columbus, GA 31901 Phone: 706.649.1470 Groups of 20-30 can experience a simulated mission in the Challenger Learning Center on an appointment basis. The Mead Observatory is open to the public once a month for astronomical viewing. Admission to the Center is free. Admission is charged for planetarium shows and Challenger Learning Center missions. While visiting the Space Science Center, step across the street and visit Heritage Park, an interactive tribute to Columbus' industrial past. Columbus Museum Visit the Columbus Museum Web site Contact Info 1251 Wynnton Road Columbus, GA 31906 Phone: 706.649.0713. Hours Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Closed Mondays and Legal Holidays. The museum is completely accessible to the handicapped The museum's rich collection of regional history artifacts and American art features outstanding examples of everything from Native American crafts made right here on the Chattahoochee River to American Impressionists paintings and contemporary mixed-media pieces. While our professional staff pull from this varied collection to organize our own exhibitions every year, they also book some of the finest traveling shows available. With all that's happening here, there's always something new to enjoy. What to expect from this museum? Expect to try new things ...experience new ideas...and expand your horizons. In short, expect to have a great time! F.D. Roosevelt State Park Visit F.D. R. State Park Web site Contact Info 2970 Georgia Highway 190 Pine Mountain, GA 31822 Phone: 706.663.4658 Hours 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Park Office: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Friday (subject to change) Annual Events '50s Dance 46-mile Ultra Run Environmental Education Activities Civilian Conservation Corps Reunion Ranger-led Backpacking Trip Facilities 10,000-acres 140 Tent, Trailer, RV Sites 21 Cottages 23-Mile Pine Mountain Trail 2 Lakes Scenic Picnic Area Swimming Pool Family/Group Picnic Shelter Activities Hiking and Backpacking Fishing and Boating Trading Post Horseback Riding Swimming Nearby Attractions Little White House State Scenic Site Warm Springs Village Roosevelt-Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation Historic Dowdell's Knob Pine Mountain Wild Animal Park Columbus, GA West Point Lake Heritage Corner Visit the Heritage Corner Web site Contact Info Historic Columbus Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 5312 Columbus, GA 31906 Phone: 706.323.7979 Special group tours of these and other historic sites may be arranged by appointment. Heritage Corner Tours are offered: Daily at 2:00 p.m. (Closed on major holidays) Admission $5 per person guide fee (2-person minimum)   Jimmy Carter Historic Site Visit the Carter Historic Site online Contact Info The American-Sumter Tourism Council Americus, GA 31709 Phone: 888.C.SUMTER The rural southern culture of Plains that revolves around farming, faith, and school had a large influence in molding Jimmy Carter's character and in shaping his political policies. His mother was a nurse who dedicated her time to the poor and his father ran a farm and a small country store. He walked along the railroad tracks to town to sell peanuts, and when he said he'd grow up to be President, he meant it. The 39th U.S. President and his First lady Rosalynn still call Plains home. Today, Plains is part of the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site overseen by the National Park Service. The Jimmy Carter National Historic Site includes the Plains Depot, a museum to the 1976 campaign, Carter's boyhood home in nearby Archery, Georgia, and the Plains High School Museum and Visitor's Center with Carter memorabilia.   Little Whitehouse Visit the Little White House Web site Contact Info 401 Little White House Road Georgia Highway 85 Alt. Warm Springs, GA 31830 Phone: 706.655.5870 Hours 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. est/edt Last full tour at 4:00 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day Group rates available for 15 or more with advance notice Bus parking available Primary buildings are wheelchair assessable. Secondary buildings have entry steps. All walkways are hard surfaced Admission Group rates available for 15 or more with advance notice. Bus parking available Primary buildings are wheelchair assessable. Secondary buildings have entry steps. All walkways are hard surfaced.   On April 12, 1945, during his 41st visit to the rural community of 500, he suffered a massive stroke and died while his portrait was being painted. Today, the "Unfinished Portrait" is a focal point of the Little White House tour. The house and furnishings have been carefully preserved very much as Roosevelt left them in 1945. The adjacent museum displays memorabilia collected in honor of the statesman and presents a brief film containing historic footage of Roosevelt and his contemporaries. Visitors also can see the guest house, servants' quarters and garage where Roosevelt's 1938 Ford roadster is displayed. Annual Events FDR's Birthday Franklin an Eleanor's Wedding Anniversary Annual Commemorative Ceremony "I Remember FDR" Program Fala Day A Warm Springs Thanksgiving Nearby Attractions Restored Therapeutic Pools and Springs Complex Roosevelt-Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation Warm Springs Village Callaway Gardens F.D. Roosevelt State Park Dowdell's Knob U.S.D.I. Fish Hatchery and Visitor Center Sprewell Bluff State Park National Infantry Museum Visit the National Infantry Museum Website Contact Info Ft. Benning, GA 31905 Phone: 706.545.2958 Hours Monday-Friday 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 12:30 - 4:30 p.m. The idea for a museum devoted to the history and tradition of the Infantry was formulated in l957, and the Museum opened two years later. Fort Benning, the world's largest and most modern military training center, was chosen as its logical site. Since l959, tens of thousands of visitors from every state and numerous foreign countries have visited the museum. Hall of Flags The main floor of the museum, known as the Hall of Flags, contains a gallery of military art, a display of military documents containing the signatures of all of the U.S. Presidents, a collection of military band instruments, and an array of sterling silver presentation pieces honoring distinguished servicemen. A weapons collection depicts the evolution of the Infantryman's rifle, and an exceptional exhibit honors the distinguished infantryman, General of the Army, Omar Nelson Bradley. Hall of U.S. Infantry A march across time with the American Infantryman, from the 1750's to the present, forms a framework for the second floor exhibits. The evolution of the foot soldier's uniform is portrayed by examples of uniforms worn in various armed conflicts, along with memorabilia from each of America's military involvements. Axis Power Exhibit Captured military paraphernalia, including uniforms, medals, flags and weapons from Nazi, Germany, Imperial Japan and Fascist Italy, are featured on the third floor. A multinational collection of military hardware from 1600 to the present is also displayed on this level. One-of-a-kind swords, like the Scottish claymores, body armor and helmets, early firearms, uniforms, head dresses and personal items focus attention on the impact of military force throughout modern history. Perhaps the most significant feature of the Museum is its ability to arouse the interest of all visitors, male and female, young and old. Tours may be arranged by calling the Museum.     Oxbow Meadows Visit the Oxbow Meadow Web site Contact Info 3535 South Lumpkin Road Columbus, GA 31901 Phone: 706.687.4090 . Hours Tuesday - Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sunday, Noon - 5:00 p.m. Closed Monday Oxbow Meadows is a place where nature can be itself. Two walking trails wind between ponds talking hikers into the realm of native flora and fauna. For the nature lover, butterflies, birds, turtles, and dragonflies can be found in abundance. The Environmental Learning Center is a hands-on interpretative facility focusing on the natural history of the region. Displays include mounted specimens of mammals, birds, reptiles, and a small live animal collection of regional reptiles, insects, amphibians, and fish. Wild Animal Safari Visit the Wild Animal Safari Web site Contact Info Phone: 800.367.2751 Hours 10:00 a.m. daily except Christmas Closing time and rates vary with season Season passes are available Last ticket sold one hour before closing Sorry, no pets allowed, but if you are traveling with your pet, we can furnish a place for it during your visit Take a Drive on the Wild Side Whether you choose to drive through the 500-acre park or take a guided bus tour (seasonal), you'll experience an unforgettable adventure at Wild Animal Safari. You'll see hundreds of exotic animals roaming in their natural habitat and will be closer than you ever imagined to some our world's amazing animals. Hands-on Adventure As you take a leisurely drive through our safari, most of our curious animals will approach your car. You can actually touch and feed Giraffes, Camels, Zebra, Buffalo, Llama, Elk, Deer, Antelope, and many more, so be prepared with our packages of feed and make contact with another world. If you've never had a Gaur or even a Camel walk right up to your car, you're in for a wild time. World-wide Photo Safari Prepare to be astonished and have your camera ready because once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities are around the corner. Your photo album will look like you've been to several continents, but our land of excitement is actually carved out of a safe, country setting just outside of beautiful Pine Mountain, Georgia. Combine Fun and Excitement with Education We believe that increased environmental awareness and concern for the conservation of wildlife is vital. That's why at Wild Animal Safari you'll see our animals in their natural habitat. The opportunities for fun and education are endless at Wild Animal Safari.   Port Columbus Civil War Museum Visit Port Columbus Web site Contact Info 1002 Victory Drive Columbus, GA 31901 Phone: 706.327.9798 Hours Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed Christmas Day Admission $4.50 for Adults $3.00 for Students $3.50 for Active Military $3.50 for Seniors (65 and older) Free -- Six and Under Port Columbus National Civil War Naval Museum –This new 40,000 square foot facility features two original Civil War military vessels, uniforms, equip.m.ent and weapons used by the Union and Confederate navies. Interactive exhibits, including a Confederate ironclad ship simulator, offer the visitor an opportunity to experience 19th century naval combat first hand. Located in South Commons near the Civic Center.   Providence Canyon Visit the Providence Canyon Web site Contact Info Route 1, Box 158 Lumpkin, GA 31815 Phone: 912.838.6202 . Hours September 15 - April 14, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. April 15 - September 14, 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Park Office Hours 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. year round Annual Events Wildflower Day Kudzu Takeover Day  Photography Day Facilities 1,109 acres 2 Picnic Shelters Family/Group Shelter Pioneer Camping Interpretive Center Activities Hiking -- 3-miles of trails Backpacking -- 7-mile back country trail Amateur Photography Contest Nearby Attractions Florence Marina State Park Kolomoki Mounds State Historic Park Bedingfield Inn Westville Historic Village   Springer Opera House Visit the Springer Opera House Web site Contact Info Box Office for Tickets 706.327.3688 Production Office ...to volunteer and for tours 706.324.5714 Business Office ...administration and rentals 706.324.5714 Springer Theatre Academy ...information and schedules 706.324.1100 Fax Number 706.324.4681 Tours of the building held Mondays and Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m. History This spectacular, red plush-and-gilt theatre was built by Francis Joseph Springer, an immigrant from Alsace who moved to Columbus before the War Between the States. It opened February 21, 1871, and soon became known as the finest house between Washington and New Orleans. As you look around the main hall with its curving double balconies, delicate tulip lights and high proscenium arch, imagine sitting beneath the glow of limelight watching Ma Rainey, Ruth Gordon, Agnes DeMille, Lillie Langtry, James O'Neill, or the legendary Shakespearean Edwin Booth perform on the deep Springer Stage. Or perhaps you've come to hear a lecture by William Jennings Bryan, Will Rogers, or Franklin D. Roosevelt. No matter. Like so many before you have found, a visit to the Springer Opera House is a very special experience. The Springer continued as a major regional theatre center until the Great Depression ended the vast network of road companies which provided the lifeblood of American Theatre. When the touring circuits collapsed, the Springer became a movie house and began a steady decline into near-oblivion. Today The Springer Opera House was rated the number one Major Theatre in the State of Georgia for 1994 by the Georgia Council for the Arts. It was designated the official State Theatre of Georgia in 1971 by then-Governor Jimmy Carter. A National Historic Landmark since 1975, the Springer Opera House operates today as a working theatre, presenting year-round entertainment on two stages, as well as offering formal theatre training and educational programming. In addition, The Springer produces Springer Theatre on Tour, one of the fastest growing regional touring companies in the Southeast. With a full Main stage Season of popular plays, a colorful Children's Series and a spicy schedule in the alternative Studio Series, the Springer is once again a major voice for the performing arts in the Southeast. The Museum Museum areas on the first and second floors display artifacts and furnishings which reflect the times and talents of the Springer's most celebrated personalities. The Mary Margaret Byrne Museum on the second floor is named for a distinguished local journalist who was an early Springer advocate and original trustee. This room and the larger lobby museum contain 19th Century theatre seats, vintage photographs, portraits, programs, posters, and other theatre memorabilia. Springer Theatre On Tour Springer Theatre On Tour is one of the fastest growing touring companies in the Southeast. Making annual stops in Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, Tennessee and Georgia, Springer Theatre on Tour commits itself to keeping the arts alive in the Southeast by providing quality programming to both major cities and outlying rural areas. For information and dates call 706.324.5714. Warm Springs Village Visit the Warm Spring's Web site Contact Info P.O. Box 578 Warm Springs, GA 31830 Phone: 706.655.3322 800.FDR.1927 or 800.337.1927 Hours Open Daily - year round 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tours welcome - 800.FDR.1927 or 706.655.3322   Area Festivals Roosevelt Days -- 2nd weekend in April Mountain Magic Festival -- 3rd weekend in May Watermelon Festival -- 3rd weekend in June Cotton Pickin' Fair -- 1st weekend in May & October Candlelight Tour -- weekend before Thanksgiving Area Attractions Roosevelt's Little White House Pine Mountain Wild Animal Safari Roosevelt State Park Historic Dowdell's Knob Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation Area Lodging Historic Hotel Warm Springs - 800.366.7616 Western Motel - 706.846.4410 Ramsey RV Park - 706.655.2480 Mountain Top Inn and Resort - 800.533.6376 Inn Scarlet's Footsteps - 800.886.7355 Pine Mountain Campground - 706.663.4329 Westville Visit the Westville Web site Contact Info S. Mulberry Street Lumpkin, GA 31815 Phone: 912.838.6310 Hours Open Daily 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Except New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Admission Phone: 912.838.6310 for latest pricing Watch Craftsmen Work Stroll down the streets and watch craftsmen at work producing items for their neighbors in the Village. Hear the "clang" of the blacksmith's hammer and anvil, and smell the gingerbread and biscuits cooking on the stove and fireplace. Try your hand at making seasonal crafts, such as candles, syrup, and soap. Visit a Page of History Here, your family will "glimpse the forgotten dreams" of 135-years past. It's the perfect way to inspire your children to learn more about history.