Columbia is a city in Middle Tennessee. It is the county seat of Maury County and is located only about 30 miles south of Nashville. Columbia was originally laid out in 1808, just one year after the birth of Maury County. This new town, which was established on the banks of the Duck River, featured just four blocks and was officially incorporated in 1817. Jackson College was built in the community in 1837, but it would later be destroyed by Union soldiers during the Civil War. The Columbia area saw significant growth during World War II due to the rise of phosphate mining and the chemical industry in the city. By 1940, there were roughly 10,500 people living in Columbia. These days, the city has a population of about 43,300.
One thing Columbia is known for is its large collection of preserved antebellum homes. In fact, Columbia is often referred to as the "Antebellum Homes Capital of Tennessee." Columbia also has the President James K. Polk Home and Museum, which is one of the city's most well-known landmarks. A few other landmarks worth checking out in the area are Elm Springs, St. John's Episcopal Church, and the Athenaeum Rectory.
If you feel like shopping while visiting Columbia, you'll find several good options. For one, you could pick up some delicious fresh produce at the Columbia Farmers Fresh Market. There's also the Bleu 32 Vintage Marketplace which offers a great selection of unique vendors. When you want to have some outdoor fun, consider spending an exciting day of mountain biking at Chickasaw Trace Park. Alternatively, you could head to Maury County Park to enjoy a picnic or make use of the sports fields.
The Columbia area also features several destinations that art enthusiasts won't want to miss. During your visit, consider browsing the impressive artwork at the Pryor Art Gallery or the unique collection at the W7thCo Vintage Photo Gallery. When you're ready for some food, places like the Dotted Lime and Stan's Restaurant are great options for a tasty lunch or dinner.
Campgrounds Near Columbia, Tennessee
One of the many quality camping options around Columbia is the Chapman Creek RV Park. This park has 24 available full-hookup RV campsites. While the park is pretty small, it does offer a peaceful atmosphere and a large clubhouse. There are also ADA-accessible showers, a large dog park, and free Wi-Fi.
You could also stay at Fall Creek Falls State Park, which has RV campsites available for as little as $13.75 per night. There are sites available with full RV hookups, and guests have plenty of great nearby opportunities for outdoor recreation. Other wonderful features of the park include an educational nature center, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and an 18-hole golf course.
Pine Mountain RV Park is another great place to camp in the area. There, you can rent one of the 60 full-hookup RV campsites for $35 per night. During your stay, you'll be able to enjoy breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains and beautiful scenery. Plus, the campground offers a variety of amenities, including Wi-Fi, cable television, laundry facilities, a large pool, and a snack bar.
State Parks Near Columbia, Tennessee
If you're looking for a peaceful nature retreat within a short drive of Columbia, Henry Horton State Park is a perfect option. Originally established in the 1960s, the park offers beautiful riverside views and a unique collection of flora and fauna. The area is also home to an inn, cabins, a swimming pool, a golf course, and other man-made features. Plus, visitors can partake in hiking, biking, swimming, and fishing around the scenic park.
At David Crockett State Park, you can learn all about the fascinating life and work of frontiersman Davy Crockett. In addition to teaching visitors about the amazing man, the park features beautiful hiking and biking trails, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and boat rentals for the nearby Lindsey Lake. During your visit, it's definitely worth spending a couple of hours in the on-site museum and checking out the replica grist mill.
If you're looking to host a large event in a lovely setting, Montgomery Bell State Park might just be an excellent choice. The 3,700-acre nature area boasts a conference center large enough for up to 500 people and an on-site restaurant that's available for catering. The park regularly hosts night sky viewings, golf cart safaris, and various other events for guests to enjoy. Plus, there are top-notch opportunities for many recreational activities, including hiking, biking, birdwatching, paddling, swimming, fishing, and golfing.
National Sites Near Columbia, Tennessee
At Russell Cave National Monument, visitors can learn about the people and cultures of prehistoric times in Northeastern Alabama. The fascinating archaeological site is home to an ancient cave that was used between 10,000 B.C. and 1650 A.D. by Native Americans. During your visit, you can tour the cave and observe its many interesting artifacts and displays. You can also explore some of the nearby nature trails, which offer excellent opportunities for birdwatching.
Another unique national site in Northeastern Alabama is the Little River Canyon National Preserve which covers just over 15,000 acres. The picturesque preserve is home to the lengthy Little River. This river carves out a number of canyons, valleys, and caverns, giving the park a breathtaking landscape. The preserve contains mighty waterfalls, lovely swimming holes, and some great fishing destinations. Visitors to the area also partake in activities like rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and hiking.
If you're interested in learning about the history of the fight for civil rights in the United States, Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument is worth checking out. The monument, which covers four city blocks in Birmingham, AL, features unique historic sites, impressive sculptures, and educational plaques.
National Forests Near Columbia, Tennessee
Comprising 181,230 acres in Northwestern Alabama, William B. Bankhead National Forest is known as "The Land of a Thousand Waterfalls." In addition to its numerous beautiful waterfalls, the forest is home to the Sipsey Fork, scenic hiking and equestrian trails, and many unique wildlife species. If you're lucky, you may get a glimpse of an endangered Black Warrior Waterdog while exploring the area. If you intend to go hiking, consider visiting routes like the Thompson Creek Trail and the Randolph Wild Hiking Trail.
The Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area is a 171,280-acre natural haven that was formed by two dams on two different rivers. This area, which is the largest landlocked peninsula in the United States, is an excellent destination for fishing, geocaching, stargazing, and observing cool wildlife, such as buffalo, otters, elk, and beavers. The sizable nature area is also home to serene hiking trails like the Hematite Lake Trail and the Fort Henry National Recreation Trail.
Holly Springs National Forest is located in Northern Mississippi, only a short distance southeast of Memphis, TN. The unique forest is home to several small communities as well as a variety of private farmlands. In addition to its dense wooded areas, the national forest features gentle streams and crystal-clear lakes that offer plenty of top-notch angling opportunities. Hunting, stargazing, and geocaching are all popular activities for visitors as well. If you're a hiking enthusiast, you'll have many scenic trails to choose from, including the Chewalla Lake Recreation Area Trail, the Baker’s Pond Trail, and the Tanglefoot Trail.
