Things To Do in Columbus

Columbus, Texas, might look like a quiet little town at first, but don’t let the century-old oak trees and charming historic buildings fool you. This place is loaded with surprises. Start with the beautifully preserved Stafford Opera House, the Colorado County Courthouse, and a water tower that doubles as a museum. For outdoorsy types, the Colorado River snakes right through Columbus, offering kayaking, tubing and paddling opportunities. You’ll think you’re starring in your own Huck Finn remake.

Time Travel with a Historic Tour or Museum Visit

Columbus might be small, but it’s packed with dozens of beautifully preserved structures and historic landmarks. History buffs will be blown away by the character of buildings like the Stafford Opera House, the Colorado County Courthouse and the Water Tower, not to mention the town’s many century-old live oaks. In fact, Columbus is home to Grandma’s Oak, a stately tree on Walnut Street listed on the Registry of Big Trees as the largest live oak in Texas.

Embark on your own self-guided walked tour and spot dozens of historic markers throughout the town. For a deeper dive, take the Discover Columbus Audio Tour and learn about the past lives of iconic structures like the Brunson Building, the Townsend-West Home, and the Alley Log Cabin. Pop into quaint local museums for more glimpses of the pioneering past. For example, the Dilue Rose Harris House Museum features furniture and decorative arts dating back to the 1850’s. The Alley Log Cabin and Antique Tool Museum, preserved since the 1835 Texas Revolution, has collections of tools, furnishings, and artifacts in an original log cabin. And the War Memorial Museum in the old Water Tower showcases exhibits honoring Colorado County’s veterans of all wars.

Paddle Through Town Along the Colorado River

Nature lovers have plenty to enjoy in Columbus, a bucolic spot with a variety of outdoor adventures. The Colorado River runs through town and offers kayaking, fishing and tubing. One of the best ways to explore it is on the 6.5-mile, horseshoe-shaped Columbus Paddling Trail. Put your boat in at the North River Bridge and spend the next few hours paddling the river past wildflowers, birds, turtles, and more! Enjoy tranquil waters and calm rapids as you head for the take-out spot at Beason's Park, where shaded picnic tables invite a picnic lunch. The park is just one block from downtown Columbus and features free parking, restrooms, and a pavilion.

Howell’s Riverfront is also a winning spot for exploring the river in your own craft. Enjoy a few hours paddling as you listen to birdsong and feel the warmth of the sun. Fans of tubing will love Waldo’s Camp, which offers float excursions through a local outfitter. This wild retreat also includes overnight accommodations, with RV sites, campsites, and cabins amid the area’s unmatched natural beauty.

Hit the Links on a Local Golf Course

Golfers have plenty to get excited about in Columbus. Hit the links at The Covey, the 18-hole, par-3 championship course located just outside the city limits at Big Easy Ranch. The Covey’s highly rated course, designed by renowned golf course architect, Chet Williams, features undulating hills and approaches, strategically placed lakes and traps and beautifully maintained greens designed in the tradition of classic courses such as Augusta National, Cypress Point, and Pebble Beach. Big Easy Ranch also features The Antler, a 9-hole course also designed by Williams, along with The Golf Academy and extensive golf practice facilities.

Located in the heart of town, the Columbus Municipal Golf Course is a lovely and convenient 9-hole course set against a beautiful backdrop. The course features tree-lined fairways and water on seven holes, as well as the chance to spot the white-tail deer that frequently roam the course. The duck pond near the 8th hole offers the additional challenge of resident ducks, which love to sneak up on visiting golfers!

Shop ‘Til You Drop  

With numerous unique boutiques and vintage stores, Columbus is a shopping destination beloved by retail enthusiasts. Picturesque downtown Columbus is filled with eclectic stores and antique outlets, including the wildly popular Southern Flair on the Square, a lively marketplace in the iconic historic building marked “Lawyer.” Inside, explore 19 different vendors selling one-of-a-kind gifts, on trend home décor, fashion-forward looks and more. For Western wear, don’t miss Potter’s Western Store, a Columbus original since 1965. Pick up clothing and accessories for men, women, children and infants, including dress boots, clothing, shoes, belts, buckles, hats, and more. It’s a great place to find leather goods, too. Into antiques? A must see is Grand Oaks Antiques & Gifts, a collection of more than 20 dealers, each of whom source quality furniture, home décor, fashion, baby apparel, guitars and music accessories, and more.