High schools in Columbus, GA include seven campuses listed by the Muscogee County School District: Carver, Hardaway, Jordan, Kendrick, Northside, Shaw and Spencer.

Many offer magnet programs, from a STEM track at Carver and an International Baccalaureate diploma at Hardaway to media, engineering, communication design and computer science pathways at other schools. Jordan runs a college and career academy with dual enrollment and internships, and its ninth graders enter a Freshman Academy.

Two programs serve grades 6 through 12: the Rainey-McCullers School of the Arts and the online Lighthouse Virtual Academy, which does not provide transportation. Spencer asks families to commit to its computer science pathway for the full high school career.

Start with the district's high school directory and magnet programs page, then call the school you are considering. Confirm enrollment and application steps directly with the district or school, so you are working from current information.

The National Infantry Museum & Soldier Center at 1775 Legacy Way is a major Columbus indoor attraction. The museum says its collection includes more than 70,000 artifacts covering the last 250 years of American military history.

Admission is free, with a suggested $5 donation. The Giant Screen Theater and virtual reality simulators carry separate charges. Regular hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum is closed Mondays except Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

The visit is self-guided, and the museum recommends allowing at least three hours. Parking is free, elevators serve every floor, and manual wheelchairs are free to use. Outside food and drink are not permitted, bags are checked at entry, and service dogs are welcome while other pets are not.

The museum lists hours and closures for some dates, so check its visit page and the Visit Columbus GA listing before you go.

The Columbus Botanical Garden at 3603 Weems Road combines themed display gardens, a mile-long woodland trail and the historic Adams Farmhouse. The garden's hours and contact page lists it as open Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last entrance at 4 p.m.

Adult admission is listed at $12 and ages 2 to 17 at $8, with free entry for children 1 and under and for members. Parking is in the garden lot, with an overflow lot at the top of the hill.

Highlights include Our Mothers' Rose Garden, a pollinator garden, vegetable terraces and the Sam M. Wellborn Camellia Garden, which holds more than 750 varieties. Dogs are allowed only on the JoAnn Holt Walking Trail, on short leashes.

The FAQ lists several gardens as wheelchair accessible. Hours vary seasonally, so call 706-327-8400 or check the garden's site before you go. For more ideas, see our Things to Do in Columbus guide.