Your next stop for southern hospitality
Welcome to Columbus, Mississippi, one of the South’s most attractive heritage destinations. Bring your group to a place where vibrant history, timeless architecture, and warm Southern hospitality come together for a truly memorable experience. From beautifully preserved landmarks to guided historic home tours, Columbus offers the perfect setting for travelers looking to explore and connect. And while you’re here, enjoy a flavorful meal at one of our group-friendly Southern restaurants, where generous portions and bold flavors create a dining experience your group won’t forget. When it comes to overnight stays, Columbus offers charming guesthouses and bed and breakfasts ideal for smaller gatherings, along with popular hotel brands equipped to host larger groups comfortably. Whether your group visits for one day or a weekend, you’ll experience a well-paced journey filled with compelling stories, scenic charm and Southern culture. We’re here to help make your time in Columbus both meaningful and memorable.
Attractions
Explore the Southside Historic District
Step into a neighborhood where history lives in every detail. The South Side Historic District offers visitors a chance to stroll through more than two centuries of architectural beauty and Southern charm. With over 250 homes listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this area is one of the largest historic districts in the region. Each home tells a story, from elegant historic mansions to charming cottages, and showcases the craftsmanship and heritage that define Columbus. Ideal for guided or self-led walking tours, the district invites you to immerse yourself in its timeless street designs and imagine life as it was in days gone by.
African American Heritage Tour
Experience a unique and integral part of Columbus’ heritage by exploring African American historical sites including Catfish Alley, historic markers and the R. E. Hunt Cultural Center.
Museums and Art Galleries
Multiple museums and art galleries including The Agnes Zaiontz Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway Museum, Plymouth Bluff Environmental Center, Stephen D. Lee Home & Museum serves, Columbus Arts Council and Eugenia Summer Gallery at The W provide a rich blend of nature, heritage and creativity ideally suited for group tours.
FRIENDSHIP CEMETERY
A Place of Remembrance and Hope
Known as the birthplace of Memorial Day, Friendship Cemetery stands as a powerful symbol of healing and unity after the Civil War. This sacred site is the final resting place for thousands of soldiers, including four generals. Walking among the carefully tended graves, visitors can reflect on the profound journey from conflict to reconciliation. After the war, women in Columbus laid wreaths on all the graves from both armies and it touched our Nation and established Memorial Day. A visit to Friendship Cemetery offers more than history; it’s an opportunity to connect with a story of compassion and renewal that continues to resonate today.
Dining
Group Friendly Dining
Columbus offers a variety of group-friendly dining spots that combine Southern flavor with warm hospitality. Enjoy classic dishes at Café on Main, a local favorite known for its plate lunches and tasty desserts. For a more upscale experience, The Grill at Jackson Square serves up steaks, seafood and chef-inspired entrees in a stylish setting perfect for groups. At Huck’s Place, you’ll find a lively downtown spot offering Cajun-inspired dishes and regional specialties that reflect the spirit of the South. And for larger gatherings, Lion Hills Conference Center provides private dining options, customized menus, and plenty of space to relax and enjoy a meal together in a Country Club setting.
Main Street Charm
Spend a relaxing afternoon shopping and dining along historic Main Street. Your group will enjoy a mix of local boutiques, Southern eateries, stylish cafés, and blues history, including the Catfish Alley Blues Trail marker.
Savor Southern Flavor
Columbus is a place where food tells a story, and every meal feels like a celebration. From golden, buttery biscuits and crispy fried catfish to rich gumbo, smoked meats, and fresh takes on traditional classics, the city’s restaurants serve up bold flavors and favorites with every bite. From a classic country breakfast, a hearty plate lunch downtown, or an elegant dinner with seasonal, chef-crafted dishes, Columbus offers something for every appetite.
Tennessee Williams House Museum & Welcome Center
Experience the early world of one of America’s most celebrated playwrights by visiting his 1875 childhood residence. This charming historic home offers a glimpse into the life and inspirations of two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Tennessee Williams, whose works have left a lasting mark on American literature. Literature enthusiasts and history lovers alike can enjoy the intimate setting and unique opportunity to connect with the personal story behind the celebrated writer’s legacy. The Welcome Center also serves as a gateway to discovering more about Columbus and its rich cultural heritage.
Annual Attractions
Spring Pilgrimage
Every spring, Columbus hosts its signature heritage event: the Spring Pilgrimage. For two weeks, the city literally opens its doors as visitors are invited inside some of its most stunning privately owned historic homes. Costumed storytellers speak of tales handed down through generations, offering a rare look into 1800s life and architecture. More than just a tour, the Pilgrimage is a citywide celebration of culture and preservation, cemetery tours and other special events. It’s an ideal time for groups to experience the character, hospitality and legacy that make Columbus unique.
Catfish in the Alley Festival
Named after one of Columbus’s most storied streets, the Catfish Alley Festival celebrates the city’s African American heritage, artistic spirit and sense of community. Held annually in downtown Columbus, this lively event brings music, food, art, and culture together in a way that’s both meaningful and entertaining. Once a thriving hub for Black-owned businesses, Catfish Alley now serves as the perfect backdrop for a weekend filled with live performances, handcrafted goods, Southern cuisine, and storytelling that honors the neighborhood’s legacy. Local musicians and regional artists take the stage throughout the day, while food vendors serve everything from classic catfish plates to modern Southern fusion. A great event for group travelers who want to experience Columbus’s cultural richness.
Stay with Ease and Comfort
Columbus offers a wide range of accommodations for group travelers, including major hotel brands, charming bed-and-breakfasts, and RV-friendly sites. Many hotels provide group rate discounts, motorcoach parking, and convenient access to major attractions.
Columbus Visitors Guide
Request a complimentary copy of our Columbus Visitors Guide. Inside you’ll find everything to fill your Columbus getaway with special moments that you’ll want to enjoy again and again.
Contact Us
At Visit Columbus, we’re happy to assist your group with hotel accommodations, dinner or lunch reservations, transportation, special events or activities, home tours, and more. Submit the form to request more information on how we can help plan your group’s visit to Columbus.