Near any good old-fashioned military base, like Fort Benning, there's a unique merging of identities. The base and the surrounding cities act as one entity, combining to offer plenty of opportunities for exploring and appreciating the features that make the area unique.
For Fort Benning first-timers, you’ll find plenty of ways to spend your time on post and throughout your neighborhood cities like Columbus, Georgia, and Phenix City, Alabama.
Tours Near Fort Benning
There’s no easier way to get the lay of the land and take in the sights than from a guided tour. There's no need to keep your eyes on the road, and you're free to look around and take in the sights. There are myriad ways to jump into the local scene through a tour.
Food, attractions, bus tours, and walking tours are all available. Local tours can help with understanding the dynamic of how the Chattahoochee River connects the populations in Columbus, Georgia, and Phenix City, Alabama.
Fort Benning Bus Tour
Though often overlooked, the Fort Benning bus tour offered by MWR benefits military service members new to the area. Register for one of the free newcomer tours where passengers can learn all the details about the duty station.
Historic Columbus Walking Tour
This tour takes visitors on an insightful journey through the city's rich history, featuring key landmarks like the Walker-Peters-Langdon House, built in 1828, and the Rankin House, a symbol of 1860s Columbus. The tours highlight significant homes, historic neighborhoods, and unique sites, such as a period kitchen garden and an urban slave cabin. Family-friendly and available year-round, it's a must-do when stationed at Fort Benning.
The Springer Ghost Tours
These tours offer a spine-tingling 45-minute walking experience through the Springer Opera House, one of Georgia’s most historic theaters. Explore hidden areas rarely seen by the public and uncover the eerie paranormal occurrences that have plagued the theater over the years. With different paths and ghostly surprises each weekend, these tours are perfect if you're eager to dive into the spooky side of the Springer’s storied past.
Fort Benning Neighboring Attractions
Fort Benning and its neighboring cities contain attractions that appeal to locals, military members, and tourists alike. Spending time at any of these options solidifies community relationships.
Chattahoochee RiverWalk
A hub of activity, the RiverWalk is a great way to spend a weekend afternoon. Shopping and dining are two attractions, but most people enjoy the views and take a stroll or a hike if they want to explore all 15 miles of the trail. Special events such as concerts are common and entertain plenty of visitors.
Museums and Learning Centers
For a city on the smaller side, Columbus has plenty in the way of museums, learning, and performing arts. Add the Fort Benning museum opportunities, and you’ll find many ways to take in local culture.
- National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center
- National Civil War Naval Museum
- Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center
- Columbus Museum
- RiverCenter for the Performing Arts
Photo by evelynmcgeever from Getty Images via Canva.com
Fort Benning Outdoor Adventures
One of the best parts of Fort Benning is the ability to take advantage of outdoor recreation all year long. Favorable weather brings a multitude of festivals and plenty of ways to spend time out in nature.
White Water Rafting
Make no bones about it; to officially assimilate into Fort Benning life, you must take a raft trip down the Chattahoochee while holding on for dear life. Tours vary in intensity and skill level, so don’t be afraid! You'll find it's the perfect recipe to cool off on a hot summer day. And it sits at the top of the must-do list when family and friends visit.
Fort Benning MWR
If you're itching to get outdoors and explore near Fort Benning, Fort Benning's Outdoor Recreation (ODR) offers a variety of activities, including paintball, camping, fishing, and hunting, along with events throughout the year. Rent a boat or paddleboard to get out on the water. Or sign out some camping gear to unplug for the weekend!
Markets and Festivals
There's nothing like a community-wide event to bring everyone together. Whether it's the local farmers' market or an annual event, this area knows how to round up a crowd.
Market Days on Broadway
The Uptown Columbus Market Days are open every Saturday of the year, so there’s plenty of opportunity to try something new each time. The Market features 200 vendors that include local and organic produce, artisan crafts, personal gifts, and, the crowd favorite, plenty of baked goods.
Oktoberfest
Life in a military town is never complete without an annual Oktoberfest to try German brews. Fort Benning and Columbus offer a packed schedule of beer and wine, food trucks, and music in the park. The entertainment ensures a fun day for all.
Fort Benning is bustling with enough activity to keep you busy. But, if you’re in the mood for the lighter style of exploring, take a trip to see Columbus’ beloved Kadie the Cow. She’s a hold-over mascot statue from when Kinnett Dairy was in business. If Kadie doesn’t quench your thirst for nostalgia, head to the Lunch Box Museum in Columbus. About 3,000 lunch boxes await your inspection and resurfaced childhood memories.
Are you making a military PCS move to Fort Benning? Check out our free guide below.
