Tourism

1. Lake Columbia And Bill Waller

Lake Bill Waller and Lake Columbia are located 12 miles Southeast of Columbia on Hwy 13. Lake Bill Waller is a renowned fishing spot while Lake Columbia offers pavilions, full camper hookups, picnic areas, and skiing (Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday from noon to sunset, May 15 to September 10) for more varied recreational activity. For more information,

contact the lake manager at 601-7360-1861.

2. WHITE SQUIRRELS

The white squirrels seen in Columbia, especially in the Friendship Park area, are not albino, but rather a unique species that was introduced into Columbia by Governor Hugh White.

3. HILL HARDWARE

Opened in 1901 by the Hill brothers, Hill Hardware is the oldest business in downtown Columbia. Its architecture and atmosphere present a glimpse into yesteryear, while offering modern amenities and inventory… and free popcorn!

4. MARION COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM

The Marion County Historical Museum and Archives contains many historical relics, information about the settlement, development and background of Columbia and Marion County and a wealth of family genealogical information from Columbia and the surrounding communities in Marion County. Located in a renovated train depot, at 200 Second Street in Downtown Columbia it is open Wed-Fri 09-12:30 & Saturdays 09-5:30. For more information call 601.731.3999.

5. FRIENDSHIP PARK

Friendship park, located in the City of Columbia, is an incredible playground for the children of Columbia and Marion County. Friendship Park was designed to stimulate imagination and muscle development. It includes handicap accessible activities and a toddler area. Volunteers constructed the playground in five days. All funds, tools, materials, labor, and supplies were donated. There is also a half– mile long walking track that circles the park.

6. WALTER PAYTON SCULPTURE:

Columbia is proud to be the home of National Football League Legend and Hall of Famer Walter Payton. A memorial sculpture of the famous running back overlooks the football field of his alma mater, Columbia High School. The sculpture is titled “Sweetness,” the name by which Payton was known to his teammates. During his career, Payton racked up 16,726 yards and scored 110 rushing touchdowns for the Chicago Bears who drafted him in the first round of NFL selections in 1975. He led the Bears to a 1985 Super Bowl win, 46-10 over the New England Patriots.

7. HUGH WHITE MANSION

Designed by C.H. Lindsley and furnished by Marshall Field of Chicago, the Governor Hugh L. White mansion has been referred to as Mississippi’s finest residential example of the Spanish Revival Style. Circa 1925. Tours must be booked through private owners. Call Ann Simmons at 601-736-1736.

8. PIONEER AEROSPACE

Pioneer Aerospace began operation in Columbia in 1933 and has designed and manufactured recovery systems for NASA’s Jupiter Galileo Probe, the Space Shuttle, the Mars Pathfinder missions, the Genesis Solar Particle Return Capsule, the Stardust Comet Intercept Probe and Mars Exploration Rovers projects. Additionally, in 1999 Pioneer built the world’s largest Para foil at 7,500 sqft for NASA’s x-38 Crew Return Vehicle—and emergency escape system for the internal Space Station.

9. JOHN FORD HOME

Older than the state of Mississippi, the John Ford Home is a classic study in frontier architecture built in 1809 by the Rev. John Ford and visited by men such as Andrew Jackson. The Ford Home can be toured by scheduling through the Marion County Historical Society. Rates are $4 for children and $8 for adults. For appointments for tours and other information call 601-731-3999.

10. PEARL RIVER PLAZA:

The Pearl River Interpretive Plaza is a scale model of the entire Pearl River Basin from Choctaw County to the Gulf of Mexico. The model uses flowing water from an artesian well which was both the first source of water and of electricity for the City of Columbia. First known as Lott’s Bluff, Columbia was settled as a river town when steamboats navigated along the river. The plaza’s design shows the counties through which the river flows, as well as significant landmarks along the way. In the Gulf of Mexico, a portion of the water is collected and used for irrigation of the plaza and the surrounding parking lot. Bronze plaques placed in the parking lot provide more information about the history of the site.

11. MARION COUNTY RECREATIONAL RAILROAD:

The Marion County Railroad provides recreational train rides, offering passengers a glimpse into the excitement which riders of years-gone-by experienced as they watched the landscape pass by a train window. The train operates on the first Saturday of each month, with the first ride departing at 10:00 a.m. The rides are $5 per person. The train can be reserved for special trips for parties, groups or special events. For more information call 601.408.7544.

12. ARTWISTIC REVOLUTION ART GALLERY

A cooperative gallery of accomplished local artist, at 319 Second Street, with work ranging from block prints and pottery to oil painting, acrylics, water color, and bronze sculpture. Most days visitors will discover one of the artists creating work in the back studio. The gallery showcases the creative culture of the area and offers shoppers the chance to purchase original art with a local connection. Monday-Friday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

13. Bluff Park

This quaint park around the corner from Downtown Columbia offers the most beautiful view of the Pearl River anywhere. It makes a great spot for a picnic or to watch a sunset. A pedestrian bridge connecting it to the Marion County Recreational Railroad is under construction with an opening date projection of October 2019.

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412 Courthouse Square  |  P. O. Box 272  |  Columbia, MS 39429  |  P: 601.736.6385  |  F: 601.736.6392

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