NATURE AT ITS FINEST

Beyond the towering oaks throughout town and the lush wildflower carpets along the roadsides, Columbus is an outdoor enthusiast’s sanctuary. Surrounded by parks and gently rolling hills perfect for bicyclists and runners, Columbus sits on an Inland Paddling Trail designated by Texas Parks and Wildlife. The unique horseshoe shaped trail is perfect for a day of fishing, birding, paddling canoes and kayaks, or relaxing in a riverboat on the river.

LAND LOVERS

Those who prefer to keep a more solid footing can hit the links for a great day of golf at Big Easy Ranch. A 9-hole, par-3 championship golf course located just outside the city limits, Big Easy Ranch’s course features undulating hills and approaches, strategically placed lakes and traps and meticulously maintained greens designed in the tradition of classic courses such as Augusta National, Cypress Point, and Pebble Beach.

Columbus Municipal Golf Course is a 9-hole golf course in the heart of town. It features tree-lined fairways and water on seven holes, as well as the chance to spot the white-tail deer that frequently roam the course. Be sure to watch out for the ducks that call the pond on #8 home. They can sneak up on you if you’re not careful! 

Columbus is also home to Grandma’s Oak, a live oak tree listed on the Registry of Big Trees as the largest live oak in Texas. In fact, we have so many live oak trees in town we are known as the City of Live Oaks and Live Folks!

The Columbus Country Market is held on the Courthouse Square from 9 a.m. to noon on the last Saturday of the month from March through November. The market promotes healthy food choices while supporting local farmers, gardeners, cooks, bakers, craftspeople, and other artisans. Enjoy live music, ready-to-eat foods, and more at this fun community event. 

The countryside surrounding Columbus is covered in breathtaking blankets of Texas wildflowers each and every spring. Stop by the Chamber office for a map of the best routes for bluebonnet sightings, including an area designated by Texas Highways Magazine as “One of Five Best Wildflower Viewing Routes in Texas”.

 

RIVER RATS

The Texas Paddling Trail on the mighty Colorado River gives visitors the opportunity to see wildflowers, birds, turtles, and more! This 6.5 mile trail can take from two to five hours to complete and the mixture of peaceful waters and calm rapids equates to a wonderful day on the river. 

Bring your own canoe or kayak and put in the river at  Howell’s Riverfront and enjoy a few hours paddling down the Colorado. Bring a camera to document all the wildlife you’ll see on your trip. Alternate access for this trail is available at the Business Hwy 71 crossing under the North River Bridge. Look for signage directing you to the “boat ramp.”

Gather a group of friends, line up a tube trip with Waldo’s Camp, and enjoy a leisurely float down the Colorado River. Waldo’s also offer RV sites, campsites, and cabins for overnight stays.

The take-out point is at Beason’s Park, where you can rest at one of the many shaded picnic tables. You will also find free parking, restrooms, and a pavilion. Beason’s Park is located on Hwy 90 (Walnut Street) near the East River Bridge, just one block from downtown Columbus.