THE VISTA

 

EdVenture - you'll meet the 40-foot tall Eddie, who lives in the atrium across from the entrance. Through a series of tunnels and slides, kids can explore inside Eddie and discover just how amazing the human body is. The fun doesn't stop with Eddie – there are more hands-on exhibits here than most youngsters could appreciate in one visit. The communication exhibit includes a pneumatic tube (just like at the bank drive-thru), and there's a wonderful art room as well. Outside is a fascinating water fixture – dam it up, create a maze for your boat, and see how high you can make the water spout go! It's all good, clean, (educational) fun!
Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-5pm; Sun Noon-5pm
Admission:
Adult $8.95;
Child $6.95;
Child (0-1) Free
211 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29201 · 803-779-3100
Website:Click here to visit the EdVenture website »

 

Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens
500 Wildlife Pkwy, Columbia, SC 29210 · 803-779-8717

Located near the Greystone Boulevard exit off I-26 and ranked as one of the most popular attractions in the Southeast, the zoo is home to a plethora of species. Monkeys, lions, birds, seals, koalas and much more are displayed in their natural habitats. The stunning botanical garden adjacent to the zoo features 70 acres of varied plant life, nature trails, and great views of the Saluda River. One of the more popular exhibits is the walk-through Lorikeet Aviary – for $1, you can hand-feed the colorful birds from small cups of fruit nectar.
Hours: October-February Daily 9am-5pm
March-September Monday-Friday 9am-5pm Saturday and Sunday 9am-6pm

Admission:

Adult $9.75;
Senior (62+) $8.25;
Child (3-12) $7.25;
Child (0-3) $8.25
Website: Click here to visit the Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens website

 

 

 

 

 

 

South Carolina State Museum
301 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29201 · 803-898-4921
.Inside a century-old textile mill, this museum presents a comprehensive collection of art, history and science exhibits depicting South Carolina's past, present and future. From natural history to technology to fine arts, this museum has informative permanent displays and temporary shows that delve into a broad range of cultural topics. Highlights of their collection include a giant white shark model, a Blue Sky mural, dinosaur fossils, and a gorgeous iron gate by Lowcountry artist Philip Simmons.
Hours: September-May – Tuesday – Saturday 10am-5pm; Sunday 1pm-5pm
June-September – Monday – Saturday 10am-5pm; Sunday 1pm-5pm
Admission: Adult $5;
Senior (62+) $4;
Military $4;
Child (3-12) $3;
Child (0-2) Free
Website: Click here to visit the South Carolina State Museum website »

 

Broad River Blue Way at Harbison State Forest
5600 Broad River Road
Columbia, SC 29212
Phone:(803) 896-8890
Website:View Website
Twenty miles of scenic paddling from Peak to the Richland County River Center near I-20. Scouts or youth-based organizations may camp at Harbison State Forest. Blue Way map and guide available.

Caughman Road Park & Tennis Center
2800 Trotter Road
Hopkins, SC 29061
Phone:(803) 783-0400
Website:View Website

Cayce Riverwalk Park
Axtell Drive at Naples Avenue
Cayce, SC 29033
Phone:(803) 796-9020
Website:View Website
Open daily from dawn till dusk, this river walk in its natural setting, provides beautiful views of the Congaree River, West Columbia and Columbia. The park is dog, bike and in-line skate friendly and  offers bridges, boardwalks, overlooks, bank fishing, 24-hour security, emergency call boxes, parking and restroom facilities. The lighted eight-foot-wide concrete paths and ADA requirements and can accommodate all levels of physical access including baby carriages and wheelchairs.

Columbia Parks and Recreation Department
1932 Calhoun Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone:803-545-3100
The City of Columbia’s park system offers a wide variety of activities. Finlay Park is one of the largest handicapped accessible parks in the United States. Granby Park is part of a 12-mile linear park that has access to the city’s three rivers. Memorial Park salutes our veterans. One of our largest parks, Owens field Park boasts a soccer field, walking trail and an in-line skating area. Activities for children, adults and seniors ranging from pottery making classes to volleyball and basketball can be found at our parks.

Crooked Creek Park
1098 Old Lexington Highway
Chapin, SC 29036
Phone:(803) 345-6181
Website:View Website
Community recreation center and athletic fields including gymnasiums, fitness center, aerobics room, meeting rooms, indoor walking track, racquetball courts, art studio, lighted tennis courts, soccer, 

.

Dreher Island State Recreation Area
Phone:(803) 364-4152
Website:View Website
Dreher Island State Recreation Area is located on Lake Murray, a 50,000-acre reservoir in the Midlands. The park consists of three islands linked to the mainland by a causeway and two bridges.
Its 348 acres and 12 miles of shoreline provide guests with a variety of outdoor water recreation opportunities. The park offers lakeside camping, picnicking, lakeside villas and a nature trail.
Park Accommodations: Camping and Villas
Park Hours: Mon.-Sun: 6 a.m.-6 p.m. (extended to 9 pm during Daylight Savings Time).
Office Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (extended to 8 p.m. in peak season)
Admissions: $2 adults; $1.25 SC seniors; age 15 & younger free
Driving Directions:
From I-26: Take exit 91 (Chapin exit- Hwy. 48) to Chapin. Turn right on Hwy 76 for 1/8 mile, then turn left onto St. Peter's Church Rd (Hwy. 29) for 4 mi. Turn left onto Dreher Island Rd (Hwy 231) for approximately 3 mi. Then turn onto State Park Rd for 2 mi. to the park entrance.

Earlewood Park
1111 Parkside Drive
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: (803) 733-8444
Located in the historic Earlewood neighborhood just north of downtown Columbia, this 48 acre park offers a walking trail, playground, water spray, tennis courts, ball fields, and a disc golf course. Smith Branch Creek runs through the park. Ample parking.

Finlay Park
930 Laurel Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone:803-545-3100
Website:View Website One of the best known parks in the state of South Carolina, Finlay has hosted just about everything from festivals and political rallies to road races and Easter Sunrise services.
This beautiful 18-acre park has had two lives; first dedicated in 1859 as Sidney Park, named in honor of Algernon Sidney Johnson, a Columbia City Councilman, the park experienced an illustrious but short tenure.
The park fell into disrepair after the Civil War and served as a site for commercial ventures until the late 1900's. In 1990, the park was reopened and has become a beautiful diamond in the downtown area, offering a green oasis in contrast to the glass, asphalt and concrete in the urban environment. It serves as the site for such events as Kids Day, The Summer Concert Series, plus many more activities. In 1992, the park was renamed Finlay Park, in honor of Kirkman Finlay, Mayor of Columbia who had a vision to reenergize the area known as the Vista, between Main Street and the river, and recreate the beautiful site known as Sidney Park.
The park is situated between the streets of Assembly, Taylor, Gadsden and Laurel and remains one of the treasures of Columbia . It is across the street from the Governor's Mansion and has one of the most photographed views of downtown.
Public Art: A statue of Finlay (Statue by Maria Kirby-Smith) has been placed in the park, showing him sitting on a bench.

Granby Park
100 Catawba Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone:(803) 765-2200
Website:View Website
Granby Park, near the historic Granby Whaley and Olympia Mill Villages, opened in 1998. It is the southernmost segment of the Three Rivers Greenway. This 12-mile river park, will connect the cities of Columbia, West Columbia, and Cayce as well as Richland and Lexington Counties and will provide public access to the Congaree, Saluda and Broad Rivers. Granby Park, 24 acres at the end of Catawba Street off Huger Street, has wonderful views of the river. Granby Park is the first portion of the Three Rivers Greenway.
Granby Park offers adventure-seekers and nature-lovers accessible river-related recreation and provides significant “green infrastructure” that enhances private housing options in the downtown area. A dog friendly park, its bridges, boardwalks, overlooks, and half mile of lighted central paths accommodate all levels of physical access including baby carriages and wheelchairs.
Granby Park offers one half mile of off path trails for mountain bikes and runners. On a visit to Granby Park you can pass the old 1820's Columbia Canal and it's historic stonework. The restroom at Granby is designed as a "saltbox" Mill House circa 1898.  

Harbison Community Trails
Columbia, SC 29212
Website: View Website
An 11-mile pathway system that connects every section of Harbison, featuring 8 ft. wide pathways that wind through wooded areas to allow for wheelchairs and bicycles as well as walkers.
The pathways go under most major roads in Harbison and over Interstate 26, meaning a child or adult never has to cross a busy thoroughfare to go from one section of Harbison to another, with three interstate interchanges to facilitate easy access to every section of the community.
Open recreational areas surround each lake for community use.

Harmon's Tree Farm & Christmas House
3152 Augusta Hwy
Gilbert, SC 29054
Phone:803-359-4454
Website: View Website
Harmon's is a 75-acre working farm with Christmas House, working grits mill, hayrides, Farm Museum, apple orchard, peach orchard, animal farm and much more.
In 1914 Earl & Lottie Harmon bought acreage in SC to raise cattle and grow grains and peaches. After his death (1955) Newton and Roxie Harmon took over the farm continuing to grow peaches and vegetables. In 1975 the farm again passed down the family line, but this time change came with the new owner. Gerald Harmon sectioned off 35 acres to farm Christmas trees.
Now he and Diann have about 75 acres which consist of 40 acres in Christmas trees and 35 acres in a large family garden that holds pumpkins and family fun for everyone!

Saluda Shoals Park
5605 Old Bush River Road
Columbia, SC 29212
Phone:803-731-5208
Website:View Website
Splash into summer and cool off at Saluda Splash, a zero-depth, touch-activated water playground for children located at Saluda Shoals Park. Whimsical water features and fun park creatures splash, spray and pour water in all directions as children run and play underneath them.
Saluda Splash is open to the public April 28th through September 2, 2007 from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. daily. Wristbands are $3 per person and daily parking fees for Saluda Shoals Park also apply. Saluda Splash is the perfect way to stay cool and have fun on those hot and hazy days of summer.
With 300 acres of pristine forest along the banks of the Saluda River, the park offers a variety of recreational, educational and cultural opportunities.
The park provides a feeling of seclusion, when in actuality it is within minutes of downtown Columbia.
With easy access to major interstate highways, I-20 and I-26, the park provides the optimum place at which to gather corporate meetings, family reunions, even a wedding ceremony.
Saluda Shoals Park is the latest park project of the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission. Other properties include Crooked Creek Park in Chapin and Seven Oaks Park in Irmo.

Sesquicentennial State Park
Phone:(803) 788-2706
Website: View Website
This 1,419-acre park, situated in the middle of the sandhills region, features a beautiful 30-acre lake surrounded by trails and picnic areas.
Interpretive nature programs are a major attraction to the park.
The park also contains a two-story log house, dating back to the mid 1700's, which was relocated to the park in 1969. This house is believed to be the oldest building still standing in Richland County.
The park was originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's. Evidence of their craftsmanship is still present today.
Park Hours: Mon.-Sun. 8 a.m. -6 p.m. (extended from 7am to 9pm during Daylight Savings Time)
Admissions

$2 adults; $1.25 SC seniors; age 15 & younger free
From I-20: Take exit 74. Turn left onto Hwy 1 (Two Notch Rd.), travel N 3 mi, park will be on the right.
From I-77: Take exit 17. Go N. on Hwy 1 (Two Notch Rd.), for 2 mi. Park will be on the right. (turn left if traveling I-77 Southbound turn left onto Hwy 1; or turn right if traveling I-77 northbound)

Pets: Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet.

Adluh Flour Company
804 Gervais St, Columbia  29201 • 800-692-3584
Description: THE VISTA. At this location since 1900, Adluh Flour Company has been owned by the Allen family since 1926, and is the only such mill in the state still in operation. They make flour and grits from SC-grown wheat and corn – several local restaurants use Adluh products, and you can find them in all the area supermarkets. During the annual Vista Lights celebration in November, the mill doles out cookies and hushpuppies made with their own products.

Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens
1615 Blanding St, Columbia  29201 • 803-252-1770
Description: DOWNTOWN. One of the four house museums under the management of preservation group Historic Columbia (the others are Hampton-Preston Mansion & Gardens, Robert Mills House and Park, and the Woodrow Wilson Family Home), this mansion was built in 1818, but it was purchased in 1823 and altered considerably by Wade Hampton I. His daughter and son-in-law, Caroline and John Preston, occupied the house after his death. Tickets for all four historic house museums may be purchased at the Robert Mills Welcome Center and Museum Shop located at 1616 Blanding Street.

Mann-Simons Cottage
1403 Richland St, Columbia  29201 • 803-252-1770
Description: DOWNTOWN. One of the four house museums under the management of preservation group Historic Columbia (the others are Hampton-Preston Mansion & Gardens, Robert Mills House and Park, and the Woodrow Wilson Family Home), this historic 1850 cottage was home to Celia Mann. Earning a living as a midwife, Mann was one of only 200 slaves to purchase freedom prior to the Civil War. This home features many family heirlooms and gives an accurate depiction of life during that time. Tickets for all four historic house museums may be purchased at the Robert Mills Welcome Center and Museum Shop located at 1616 Blanding Street.

Robert Mills House
1616 Blanding St, Columbia  29201 • 803-252-1770
Description: DOWNTOWN. One of the four house museums under the management of preservation group Historic Columbia (the others are Hampton-Preston Mansion & Gardens, Mann-Simons Cottage, and the Woodrow Wilson Family Home), this gracious 1823 home was built by Washington Monument designer Robert Mills. Beautiful gardens, complete with a boxwood maze, surround the Greek revival-style home. Head inside to see ornate chandeliers, Venetian windows, and classic federalist furnishings. Tickets for all four historic house museums may be purchased at the Robert Mills Welcome Center and Museum Shop located at 1616 Blanding Street.

South Carolina Capitol Building and State House
1101 Gervais St, Columbia  29201 • 803-734-2430
Description: DOWNTOWN. 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, leaving the columned façade, the ornate lobby, and the copper dome in impeccable condition. A tour of the grounds and the facility includes many fascinating memorials and an informative portrait gallery.

South Carolina Department of Archives and History
8301 Parklane Rd, Columbia  29223 • 803-896-6100
Description: COLUMBIA NORTHEAST. South Carolina's historical records dating back to 1671 can be viewed in these extensive archives. A changing but always fascinating schedule of exhibits delves deeper into the state's rich past.

South Carolina Governor's Mansion
800 Richland St, Columbia  29201 • 803-737-1710
Description: DOWNTOWN. Built in 1855, this stately, gracious mansion has served as home to the state's governor since 1868. Prior to that time, it was used as officers' quarters for the Arsenal Military Academy. The beautifully landscaped grounds are often used for receptions and special events.

Supreme Court of South Carolina
1231 Gervais St, Columbia  29201 • 803-734-1080
Description: DOWNTOWN. A 20-minute tour of South Carolina's highest court is given by appointment and, in some instances, is available on short notice. Courtrooms are not shown while the court is in session.

401 Laurel St, Columbia  29201 • 803-252-7366

Description: DOWNTOWN. The only purpose-built marionette theater in the US, this is also one of the largest, seating 300 people in front of a 30-foot stage. All shows are created in-house from the script up, including puppets designed specifically for each show. Entrancing for kids, to be sure, but grown-ups should be entertained as well, not to mention surprised at the skill, creativity and artistry on display. If a performance inspires you, there's a gift shop with a good selection of puppets you can take home.

 

312 Laurel St, Columbia  29201 • 803-545-3100

Description: DOWNTOWN. For area runners, cyclists and walkers, Riverfront Park is a top choice. The long strip of sidewalk flanks the Congaree, offering visitors cool shade beneath a canopy of trees. Stop at one of the benches scattered along the river to take in the scenic view. A pedestrian bridge spans a surging section of the river.

 

211 Gervais St, Columbia  29201 • 803-779-3100

Description: THE VISTA. At Columbia's EdVenture you'll meet the 40-foot tall Eddie, who lives in the atrium across from the entrance. Through a series of tunnels and slides, kids can explore inside Eddie and discover just how amazing the human body is. The fun doesn't stop with Eddie – there are more hands-on exhibits here than most youngsters could appreciate in one visit. The communication exhibit includes a pneumatic tube (just like at the bank drive-thru), and there's a wonderful art room as well. Outside is a fascinating water fixture – dam it up, create a maze for your boat, and see how high you can make the water spout go! It's all good, clean, (educational) fun!

140 Parkridge Dr, Columbia  29212 • 803-781-2342

Description: IRMO / ST ANDREWS. This amusement center can keep kids of all ages occupied for hours. Choose from great activities like miniature golf, go-carts, the ever-popular bumper boats, and even a batting cage. Older kids and teens will love the well-stocked arcade. This is active fun for the whole family, and it is also a great place for parties and events.

 

Gervais St George Washington Monument, Columbia  • 803-765-1837

Description: DOWNTOWN. Lauded by several media outlets, including the Learning and Home & Garden Channels, the America by Foot Tour Company works hard to preserve the oral tradition of storytelling and give visitors intimate glimpses at several Southern cities. This tour, for example, leads folks to various points in Columbia's downtown area, along the way offering a different perspective on the capital city's history by sharing its most spine-tingling ghost stories and folk tales. Reservations are a must.

 

500 Wildlife Pkwy, Columbia  29210 • 803-779-8717

Description: COLUMBIA NORTHWEST. Located near the Greystone Boulevard exit off I-26 and ranked as one of the most popular attractions in the Southeast, the zoo is home to a plethora of species. Monkeys, lions, birds, seals, koalas and much more are displayed in their natural habitats. The stunning botanical garden adjacent to the zoo features 70 acres of varied plant life, nature trails, and great views of the Saluda River. One of the more popular exhibits is the walk-through Lorikeet Aviary – for $1, you can hand-feed the colorful birds from small cups of fruit nectar.

 

5605 Old Bush River Rd, Columbia  29212 • 803-772-6865

Description: IRMO / ST ANDREWS. A great place to spend a blistering summer's day, Saluda Shoals Park is situated on the banks of the Saluda River and has a variety of diversions for kids and other intrepid explorers. Within the 270-acre park's forested confines are paved and unpaved paths for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding, a canoe/kayak launch area, sweet fishing spots, and picnic facilities with barbecue grills. There's also Saluda Splash, a touch-activated water playground that kids will never want to leave.

 

9564 Two Notch Rd, Columbia  29223 • 803-788-2706

Description: COLUMBIA NORTHEAST. A suburban oasis, Sesquicentennial Park is 1419 acres of peace and relaxation. You can fish, canoe or kayak on the 30-acre lake, hike and mountain bike on miles of trails, participate in nature interpretation programs, enjoy a picnic, or swing, slide and jump at the playground. Originally constructed by the CCC in the 1930s, the park is also home to what is considered the oldest building in the county, a mid-1700s log cabin.

 

800 Richland St, Columbia  29201 • 803-737-1710

Description: DOWNTOWN. Built in 1855, this stately, gracious mansion has served as home to the state's governor since 1868. Prior to that time, it was used as officers' quarters for the Arsenal Military Academy. The beautifully landscaped grounds are often used for receptions and special events.

Dreher Island State Recreation Area
Out into the lake but not far from the city, Dreher Island State Recreation Area is a great place to get away from it all.
Only about 30 miles from downtown Columbia on the shores of big Lake Murray – one of the best-known largemouth and striped bass fishing destinations in the South – the park consists of three islands linked to shore by a causeway and two bridges.
In addition to woodsy hiking trails and lots of places to fish from shore, Dreher Island offers picnicking, camping and lakeside villas.
A tackle shop and boat ramp also is available. The park has long been popular with recreational boaters and fishermen, and has been a launching spot for major national bass tournaments.
Hours: Monday – Sunday, Dawn to Dusk
Admission: $2 adults; $1.25 SC senior; age 15 & younger free
Driving Directions:
From I-26: Take exit 91 (Chapin exit- Hwy. 48) to Chapin. Turn rt on Hwy 76 for 1/8 mile, then turn left onto St. Peter's Church Rd (Hwy. 29) for 4 mi. Turn left onto Dreher Island Rd (Hwy 231) for approximately 3 mi. Then turn onto State Park Rd for 2 mi. to the park entrance.