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Columbia Sights and Landmarks Guide, South Carolina

A city like Columbia with such a rich history must surely have lots to display as tourist attractions. There are many historical structures worth seeing here like the St. Pete’s Catholic Church.

This church was first built in 1824 but was later demolished because of a fire. The present structure was built in the early 1900s and is today an important landmark of Columbia. In fact, the architect of the State House, John Niersee was buried in its courtyard.

Columbia Museum of Arts

The Columbia Museum of Art is the largest art museum of South Carolina, and is located in downtown Columbia. It offers a wide range of astounding art work including work from noted painters of Europe and America.

Some famous painters whose work is on display here include those of Monet, Remington, Botticelli and various other international exhibitions. There are also many concerts and children’s programs organized here periodically for added cultural entertainment.

The Congaree National Park

The ‘Tunnelvision’ murals are of great intrigue that tickles the curiosity of any tourist in Columbia. With such a beautiful countryside in Columbia, it’s Riverbanks Zoo and Garden and the Congaree National Park are places nature enthusiasts have to visit while in Columbia.

The Congaree National Park is only one of the few remaining parks of U.S. offering a forest of bottomland hardwood. In fact, you can find some of the tallest trees of east North America here in this park. To keep you busy while in the park, there are various activities you can partake in like bird watching, kayaking, camping, hiking and picnicking.

The Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

The Riverbanks Zoo and Garden of Columbia has a huge collection of animals and gardens housing more than 2,000 worldwide animals. You will enjoy wandering around this park for the many delightful river views it offers.

The Sesquicentennial State Park is more than 1,400 acres in size and houses a 30 acre lake. It is found on the Sandhills part of Columbia and was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corp.

It was under the order of President Franklin D. Roosevelt that the park was built, in a bid of providing employment to the people of Columbia during the Great Depression, and in the process improve the conservation of the city. This park offers numerous attractions worth seeing like the 18th century, double story log house. This is a place both locals and visitors love visiting and picnicking in.

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