Columbia Canal is the only canal remaining of the canals built in 1824. The Riverfront Park includes this National historic Place which is now a hydroelectric power plant. Opened in 1983, the park is spread across 167 acres (64.75 hectares) on a land in between the canal, Broad River and Congaree River. This straight-lined park features walking trails, biking trails, an amphitheater, outdoor gym, picnic spots, birding sites, fishing zones and hiking paths. It also hosts annual festivals and concerts.
Nestled in Congaree Vista, Trustus Theatre is an award-winning performance arts venue. It features two intimate performance spaces, the Thigpen Mainstage Theatre and Richard and Debbie Cohn Side Door Theatre, which can accommodate 134 and 50 guests respectively. Trustus Theatre hosts engaging shows both from Broadway and elsewhere. Enjoy a play or musical from the comfort of a swiveling rocking chair while snacking on popcorn. You won't be disappointed by what the Trustus Theatre puts on.
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is considered to be among the best attractions not only in Columbia but also South Carolina. Established in 1974, this award winning place is nestled by the Saluda River and is spread across 170 acres (69 hectares). With over 2000 animals including over 350 species of mammals, reptiles, fish and birds from across the globe, the zoo is divided into none zones. The African Plains is like the savanna in Africa and features ostriches and zebras. See amphibians, fish, reptiles and more at the Aquarium Reptile Complex (ARC). Get fascinated by the red-necked Wallaby, lorikeets and Koala at the Australian Animals. Ndoki Forest gives a glimpse of an African forest. Their bird habitats will delight you with exotic and beautiful avian species. Get awed as you see African lions and Siberian tigers. Check out their themed botanical gardens which are equally engaging. Get spellbound as you stroll through these gardens that changes as per the season and will please your eye with amazing blooms.
Opened in 1934 as the Carolina Stadium, Williams-Brice Stadium is the home ground of the South Carolina Gamecocks. The athletic venue has hosted numerous events since 1934, including a legendary Gamecocks-Clemson game in 2003. Apart from hosting football and other sporting events, Williams-Brice Stadium has hosted several memorable cultural events and concerts, notably a speech given by Pope John Paul during his visit to the University of South Carolina campus in 1987. Keep an eye out for upcoming events as you'll want any excuse to visit the world-class stadium.
Hampton-Preston Mansion is touted as one of the most ancient landmarks of the city. This palatial mansion was home to two influential and elite families: the Prestons and Hamptons. The furniture and displays in the house speak volumes about the rich and lavish lifestyles of its past occupants. Converted into a museum, it showcases collectibles, artifacts, ceramics, and other objects that are arranged in chronological order. Temporary exhibits are also based on interesting themes like Victorian Mourning Clothing or Gothic Fashions that take us back to the bygone era. The grounds of this property are available for private events and are one of the most coveted event venues of Columbia.
It was supposed to be the home of Ainsley and Sarah Hall when they asked Robert Mills, a renowned American architect in 1823. However Robert Mills House and Gardens didn't become the dream house due to Ainsley's death and the building was sold by his widow to the Presbyterian Church. If you love architecture or historical buildings, then this one which is among the five National Historic Landmarks in the city will certainly intrigue you. This grand Classical Revival building was the home of the Columbia Theological Seminary from the 19th Century till 1960. After a massive renovation, it opened as a house museum in 1967 and displays some of the best early 19th-century decorative art pieces in Columbia. The gardens were not part of the original plan and was added after it became a museum. The beautiful, landscaped gardens are available for private functions and weddings.
The distinguished Eau Claire Town Hall and Survey Publishing Company Building was basically constructed for the Survey Publishing Company. The construction of the building commenced in 1912 and was completed by 1914. It spans over a land cover of 0.4 acres (0.16 hectares). Built by renowned architect J. Caroll Johnson, it traces the Early Commercial style of architecture. It is predominantly a two story brick structure coupled with an asymmetrical plan. It also features a four story tower to the southeast corner. The site was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
Built in 1931, the Ebenezer Lutheran Church is a chapel that aims to spread the message of Lord and nurture faith in one and all. This church accommodates everyone sans any barriers or hassles. It has various classes and groups that cater to the requirements and issues of people from diverse age-groups. Apart from the regular church services and religious festivals, Ebenezer Lutheran Church also hosts choir concerts, group picnics, friendly luncheons and similar events on a regular basis. For more details, call ahead.