Recreation Information

• Congaree National Park: This 22,000-acre park is a sanctuary for wildlife, plants, and birds, as well as people. The trees provide a towering cover over the woodlands, ponds and swamplands. Camping, fishing, and canoeing are available. Guided tours also available.
• Fort Jackson Museum: The US Army-Fort Jackson Museum focuses on the 200 yrs of South Carolina's military history. With more than 4,000 historic items, including weapons, uniforms, and even vehicles, this is a fascinating glimpse at military life and development.
• EdVenture Children's Museum: The Largest Children's Museum in the Southeastern US. Through a series of tunnels and slides, kids can explore inside Eddie and discover just how amazing the human body is.
• Colonial Center: With 18,000 seats the Colonial Center is the largest Arena in South Carolina. It serves as home to the USC men's and women's basketball team and has hosted man major concert acts since opening in 2003.
• Columbia Museum of Art: The permanent collection features European fine and decorative arts, some of which feature contemporary works. Also offers art classes for children and adults, classical music concerts, lectures and more.
• Koger Center: The Koger Center is operated by USC and has served as Columbia's primary facility for the performing arts since 1989. The London Philharmonic Orchestra was the first to perform in the 2,000 seat performance center.
• Township Center: The 3,200-seat Township Auditorium hosts rock shows, comedians, wrestling, gospel plays and more. The facility recently celebrated its 75th anniversary and has ongoing plans for major renovations.
• Town Theatre: Built in 1924, the building housing the Town Theatre is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is the oldest continuously operating community theatre building in the United States. Offers family-oriented productions.
• Capitol City Stadium: The Columbia Blowfish is part of the Coastal Plain League. Featuring 15 teams playing in N. Carolina, S. Carolina and Virginia, the CPL gives players the chance to refine their skills during the summer.
• Farmer's Market: Located across from Williams Bryce Stadium, the home of the South Carolina Gamecocks. This is the largest produce market in the Southeast. Regulars show up early to browse the far-reaching selections.
• Riverbanks Zoo & Botanical Garden: Riverbanks Zoo is by far Columbia's biggest tourism draw and won the 2002 Governor's Cup for Most Outstanding Tourist Attraction. The zoo is home to more than 2,000 animals, a 70-acre botanical garden, and a 3-D theatre.
• South Carolina State Museum: Housed in the historic Columbia Mill building (built in 1893), the S.C. State Museum has permanent and rotating exhibitions covering South Carolina's cultural history, natural history, science, technology and art.
• State Capitol: No visit to Columbia is complete without a stop by this 1855 structure, which withstood and survived General Sherman's attack in 1865. Bronze stars now mark the places where Union cannonballs hit. A total restoration was completed in 1998.
• State Fair Grounds: The fair is in October, but there are various and sundry events on these grounds throughout the year.
• USC Football- Williams-Brice Stadium: Williams-Brice Stadium is home of the South Carolina Gamecocks. The staium currently seats over 80,000 fans.