5 Local Adventures Near Fort Moore, GA
by Candace Guelzo - May 27th, 2022
Are you currently stationed in Fort Moore, Georgia (formerly known as Fort Benning)? Are you making plans for when you arrive? Or just looking for fun things to do when you visit? Then look no further! I have an enjoyable list of things you can do while you’re in the area!
The city of Columbus, Georgia is a very short drive from Fort Moore. Depending on where you are located, the trip can be as short as ten minutes. Explore this list of adventures within Columbus. While you are making plans, be sure to let your service member know that you can stop by Ranger Joe’s on the way back onto post! (This popular website for Army gear has a brick-and-mortar location in Columbus.)
5. Coca-Cola Space Science Center at Columbus State University
The Coca-Cola Space Science Center is a fantastic museum that everyone in the family will enjoy. Be sure to see a sky tour and planetarium show in the Omnisphere Theater. Within those exhibits lie Georgia’s “largest collection of NASA Space Shuttle artifacts.” The interactive exhibits allow you to feel as though you are the pilot and fully in control! Parking is plentiful and admission tickets for military and veterans are discounted. The Science Center is currently open Monday through Saturday.
4. National Civil War Naval Museum
The National Civil War Naval Museum is truly a one-of-a-kind place to visit. The displays include the CSS Albemarle and the CSS Chattahoochee along with one of the largest Civil War flag collections. As a bonus, the museum holds regular events throughout the year that range from a Holiday Tea to volunteer opportunities. You can even have a tour guided by an individual in a period costume! Admission is discounted for active-duty military, and children under 6 years old are always free.
3. Infantry Museum
The National Infantry Museum is the only location on our list that is on the premises of Fort Moore. As Fort Moore is home to several different dimensions of the Army – including the Infantry, the Armor & Cavalry, and the Officer Candidate School – the museum holds special exhibitions and collections related to these. There is a fully preserved World War II “series 700” set of buildings that is a must-see. The museum is always free, though you can make a donation upon entry, and some of the special experiences have a small fee.
2. Springer Opera House
One of my favorite memories from Fort Moore is accompanying my husband to a performance at the Springer Opera House, which is the State Theatre of Georgia. The theatre itself is a historic venue that opened in 1871. Shows include something for everyone, from a production of “Dragons Love Tacos” to a classic, “Guys and Dolls.” The theatre is sure to inspire you and may even enchant you into taking a class with their Academy where they offer classes for children and adults. Shows change seasonally and ticket prices vary between shows and seating choices.
1. Columbus Museum
Our top destination to visit--and my personal favorite-- is the Columbus Museum of Art. This wonderful museum has rotating exhibits that change continually throughout the year. The permanent collection includes works by Mary Cassatt and a significant military collection. Whatever your art preference, I can assure you a trip to the museum is well worth it! Admission is free and parking is abundant.
For a little bonus: The Bradley Olmstead Garden is connected to the Columbus Museum. The garden was designed by the same person who designed Central Park in New York City: Fredrick Law Olmstead. The garden has breathtaking trails and a lovely fountain. The flowers and plants were deliberately chosen and compliment the surrounding area beautifully.
Whether you are stationed at Fort Moore, or just passing through during a PCS move, we hope you enjoy your time in Georgia. PCSgrades helps military families with resources for your next PCS, reviews of on-base and off-base housing, and connections to military-friendly real estate agents! You can help fellow families by leaving a review of your current housing.
Candace Guelzo is an Army Spouse of 10 years and mother to three small children. She spends her time reading, painting, homeschooling her children, and chasing around her two corgis. Candace has a passion for volunteering and advocating for military spouse mental health. She works with Ohana Homefront Foundation as the Counseling Manager, where she works to support the mental health of the military community. Connect with Candace on LinkedIn.
