Quick Facts

Total Area: 439,734 sq. mi.
Best Time to Go: If you are interested in the zoo or anything else outside, you might want to schedule your visit during the spring or fall. Summertime in Columbia is usually sweltering. In the fall USC Gamecocks football takes over the town; if you’re a fan come on down. While Columbia is a rising star in the southeast convention business, there are sufficient hotel rooms for the business traveler or tourist to stop by anytime.

Average Weather: Some like it hot. If you do, head for Columbia during the summer months when average highs hit the high 80s and low 90s most days. It's good to have an umbrella year-round, but especially during August when South Carolina’s capital city averages over six inches of rain. Winter’s cool but not cold with mean average temperatures in the mid-40s. April and May see mean averages in the 50s and 60s with just over three inches of rainfall per month most years. October and November echo the pattern of April and May.

Stacking Your Postcards

Governor's Green
This lush and well-manicured tract in the heart of Columbia contains the Governor's Mansion (circa 1855), the Caldwell-Boyston House (1830), and the Lace House (1854). There is also a gift shop on the premises.

The Silvery Slocan Heritage Tour
In the 1890's the hunt for precious metals brought the first settlers to the Kootenays. The Silvery Slocan Heritage Your will take you through the mining communities of the Kootenays and allow you to visit the major historic sites scattered throughout the area.

The drive is 323 km (201 mi). It is possible to cover the tour in one day, but to see all the major heritage attractions you should set aside at least two days. Most of the route is paved; however, it is a winding road and at times narrow and bumpy.

The tour is divided into two geographical regions, and can be taken in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. In this guide, the tour is designed as if you were starting in Nelson and traveling counterclockwise.

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
Riverbanks is home to more than 2,000 magnificent, fascinating and exotic animals, as well as 70 acres of scenic river views, spectacular valley overlooks, beautiful landscapes and significant historic landmarks. For 30 years, Riverbanks has provided individuals, families and groups with a common place to connect with and learn about the world's wildlife and wild places. Winner of the 2002 Governor's Cup for Most Outstanding Tourist Attraction in South Carolina, Riverbanks is the premier family choice for education and recreation in the Southeast.

Lexinton's Old Mill
This former cotton mill dates from 1891 and is now home to the nationally renowned dance troupe the Patchwork Players. The mill features a vibrant marketplace complete with shops and restaurants. Drop by and enjoy history, window-shopping, and a performan

Zuckerberg Island Heritage Park
After Alexander Zuckerberg's death in 1961, the island and its buildings deteriorated for 20 years until it was purchased by the city in 1981. In the spring of 1983 the Castlegar Rotary Club began developing it as a park. They dedicated it in September 1983 and continue to maintain an interest in it. At the end of 1983, the Heritage Advisory Committee; a volunteer group, was established to restore the buildings and island environs. The Castlegar and District Heritage Society is now responsible for ongoing island maintenance and operations

Richland Streetd
A stroll down this street will give you a sense of life in Columbia during the Civil War era. Historic homes such as the Hampton-Preston Mansion (1818), the Lorick House (1840s), Mann-Simons Cottage (1850), Maxcy Gregg House (1841), Seibels House (1700s), and Woodrow Wilson's boyhood home

Edventure
That’s HUGE!” Visitors to the children’s museum often have similar reactions to the 40-foot tall Eddie, who lives in the atrium across from the entrance. Through a series of tunnels and slides, kids can explore inside Eddie and discover just how amazing the human body is. The fun doesn’t stop with Eddie – there are more hands-on exhibits here than most youngsters could appreciate in one visit. Favorites include the World of Work and its miniature grocery store, a real John Deere tractor, a fire engine, and a sporty red VW New Beetle that kids can “drive” and fill up with gas. The communication exhibit includes a pneumatic tube (just like at the bank drive-thru), and there’s a wonderful art room as well. Outside is a fascinating water fixture – dam it up, create a maze for your boat, and see how high you can make the water spout go! It’s all good, clean, (educational) fun!