Discover Local Treasures: Museums and Historical Sites Near Columbia, SC
Who is this for?
Travelers, families, history buffs, and curious locals who want to explore the rich art, culture, and heritage of Columbia, SC.
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What are the ingredients to a perfect family vacation? Do they include history? Art? How about some old-fashioned family fun? The historic town of Columbia in South Carolina delivers on all of these, and is a fantastic choice for your next family getaway.
From world-class museums to storied historic homes, the city is packed with cool places to learn, explore, and get inspired. If you're planning a visit, or maybe even a local looking to dig a little deeper, this guide will point you to the best museums and historical sites the area has to offer.
Art Museums in Columbia, SC
Columbia's art scene is a mix of classic elegance and modern creativity. This is the place to hunt for centuries-old paintings, discover quirky local installations, and find inspiration around every corner.
Columbia Museum of Art
Location: 1515 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201
Admission: $10 adults, discounts for students, seniors, and free for kids under 6
If you’re into art, this long-time downtown establishment is a must-see. The galleries rotate regularly, so there's always something new. They’ve got everything from Renaissance paintings to contemporary installations, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Don’t Miss:
- Modern and classical art side by side
- Free First Thursdays with live music
- South Carolina Museum of Art special collections
McKissick Museum (USC McKissick Museum)
Location: 816 Bull St, Columbia, SC 29208
Admission: Free
Housed in a neoclassical building on the USC Horseshoe, this museum explores Southern culture, natural history, and regional folk art. Great for curious minds.
Highlights:
- Southern folklife exhibits
- Mineral collection and regional natural history
- Temporary art installations from local artists
Family-Friendly Museums
Bringing the kids? These spots show that learning and playing can go hand in hand. They're full of interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences for young explorers, while still being fun for the grown-ups, too.
EdVenture Children’s Museum
Location: 211 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29201
Admission: $13.95 for ages 2+, free for kids under 2
Big kids, little kids, and everyone in between—this museum has something for all of them. Expect interactive exhibits, giant play structures, and plenty of STEM-based learning.
Top Features:
- 40-foot-tall “Eddie,” a climbable child sculpture
- Hands-on science, health, and career exhibits
Dedicated spaces for toddlers and preschoolers
South Carolina State Museum
Location: 301 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29201
Admission: $8.95 for adults, additional fee for planetarium and 4D theater
Housed in a former textile mill, this giant four-floor museum blends science, history, and technology in one huge complex. There’s all sorts of exhibits here, and you might want to plan an entire afternoon to get through everything.
Key Attractions:
- Natural history and South Carolina industry
- The Boeing Observatory
- South Carolina State Museum Planetarium shows
Historical Homes and Landmarks
Take a step back in time with a tour through Columbia’s preserved historic homes. These sites offer a deeper understanding of the city’s past, from antebellum architecture to the stories of Reconstruction and civil rights.
Robert Mills House and Gardens
Location: 1616 Blanding St, Columbia, SC 29201
Admission: Included in
Historic Columbia house tours (multi-site passes available)
Designed by the same mind behind the Washington Monument, this home is a true beauty. It offers a look into 19th-century life with seasonal gardens to explore.
What You’ll See:
- Classic architecture and original furnishings
- Formal gardens and seasonal blooms
- Guided tours with in-depth historical insights
Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens
Location: 1615 Blanding St, Columbia, SC 29201
Admission: Also part of Historic Columbia tour pass
Explore life before the Civil War in one of Columbia’s grandest residences. You'll learn about a delicate period of US history and experience the lives of the enslaved people who lived and worked here.
Tour Features:
- Stories of both free and enslaved residents
- Period furnishings and restored interiors
- Botanical gardens and walking paths
Woodrow Wilson Boyhood Home
Location: 1705 Hampton St, Columbia, SC 29201
Admission: Historic Columbia house tour pass
This is the only museum in the U.S. dedicated to the Reconstruction Era. Learning about young Wilson and how Columbia navigated the post-Civil War years might not be for everyone, but it’s a historical journey worth taking if you’re up for it.
Why Go:
- Deep dive into Reconstruction history
- Life of President Woodrow Wilson
- Restored rooms and exhibits on politics and race
Mann-Simons Site
Location: 1403 Richland St, Columbia, SC 29201
Admission: Included in Historic Columbia tour
This outdoor museum tells the story of a Black entrepreneurial family who owned the property for over a century from the 1840s to the 1970s.
Noteworthy Elements:
- Ghost structures of original buildings
- Stories of economic freedom during oppression
- Engaging interpretive signs and outdoor displays
Modjeska Monteith Simkins House
Location: 2025 Marion St, Columbia, SC 29201
Admission: Included in the
Journey to Freedom Tour
Visit the former home of one of South Carolina’s key civil rights leaders. Her influence helped launch major public health and desegregation efforts during the formative years of the USA.
Highlights:
- Stories of grassroots civil rights activism
- Her connection to NAACP and public health reform
- Modest home with powerful history
Nature's Symphony
Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit
Military History Museums
Columbia pays tribute to those who served with two impressive military museums. These spots dig into South Carolina's role in conflicts from the Revolutionary War through modern times.
South Carolina Confederate Relic Room & Military Museum
Location: 301 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29201 (inside the State Museum building)
Admission: $6 for adults
This museum focuses on the military history of South Carolina from the Revolutionary War through the Vietnam era, with a special emphasis on the Civil War.
Exhibits Include:
- Civil War uniforms, weapons, and flags
- Revolutionary War artifacts
- Interactive displays on soldier life
South Carolina Military Museum
Location: 1 National Guard Rd, Columbia, SC 29201
Admission: Free
Run by the South Carolina Military Department, this museum covers the state's military contributions over the centuries.
Featured Displays:
- Historic uniforms and vehicles
- Militia history and National Guard involvement
- Educational programs and group tours
Wrap Up Your Day with a Stay at The Chesnut Cottage B&B
You’ve explored galleries, roamed through historic gardens, and maybe even climbed inside a giant statue at EdVenture. Now it’s time to relax. Make your visit complete with a stay at The Chesnut Cottage Bed & Breakfast.
Our historic home once hosted Jefferson Davis and now welcomes guests looking for a peaceful retreat. We’re conveniently located close to Columbia’s top attractions, making it an easy launchpad for more adventures. Guests love our cozy rooms, homemade breakfast, and personalized service that makes you feel like you’re part of the story.
After a full day of discovering Columbia’s past and present, The Chesnut Cottage is the perfect place to rest, recharge, and do it all again tomorrow. Treat yourself to a getaway that’s just as thoughtful as your sightseeing.