An approximately 15-mile paddling route follows the Cedar Creek Canoe Trail through the Congaree Wilderness—from Bannister’s Bridge to the Congaree River. In Congaree National Park, old-growth, undisturbed floodplain hardwood forest meets pine forest on higher ground shaped by floods and fire. Water, forest, and changing landscapes give Richland’s natural surroundings a variety of character.
Forest, Water, and Trails
If you prefer to explore on foot, there are trails with different profiles. The Sandhills Trail in Sesquicentennial State Park is an approximately two-mile loop around the park lake, mostly flat and largely paved. In Pinewood Lake Park, a scenic 0.4-mile trail follows the lakeshore and passes through mixed hardwood forest. Parts of the trail are described as paved and quite flat. The different lengths and surroundings show how loops by the water can vary, without requiring you to estimate a walking time.
Pinewood Lake Park covers 44 acres, and its lake spans 20 acres. Pine and hardwood forests surround the area. Cypress knees, mountain laurel, rocky streams, ancient sand dunes, and tall pines are also defining features of Richland County’s natural areas. Riverfront Park offers a different setting: its running and walking paths extend from downtown to the dam.
Museums and Discoveries in Columbia
The Columbia Museum of Art is located at 1515 Main Street in downtown Columbia. Public parking garages are nearby. Photography at Boyd Plaza is free and open to everyone. For groups, the Docent Corps offers guided tours of the collection and exhibitions—an opportunity to explore artworks and exhibition themes together.
The South Carolina State Museum’s planetarium has a 55-foot-diameter digital dome and presents shows about the vastness of space. The Boeing Observatory includes a historic telescope, an outdoor viewing terrace, and an adjoining classroom. This means visitors can focus on both the cosmos and a historic instrument within the museum.
EdVenture Columbia offers immersive, hands-on interactive experiences for visitors of all ages. Problem-solving activities and opportunities for imaginative discovery shape the experience. Riverbanks Zoo & Garden offers a different focus: the zoo is home to more than 3,000 animals from over 400 species and offers experiences centered on coral reefs, the African plains, and the Australian Outback. The botanical garden complements its animal habitats with wooded trails, views of the Saluda River, historic ruins, the Waterfall Junction Children’s Garden, and a walled garden.
History and Tours
The Robert Mills House is one of only five National Historic Landmarks in Columbia. Its museum offers a glimpse into the past through historic rooms and galleries featuring 18th- and 19th-century decorative arts. Historic Columbia offers tours of historically significant areas in Columbia and Richland County. This gives you the choice of exploring a single historic house or taking tours with a broader geographic focus.
For African American history in the county, there is Richland County’s “Enrich: African American History Tour,” a self-guided mobile tour of landmarks and places of interest. Since app availability and technical features can change, check that it is currently usable in advance. Another way to explore was offered by the 2025 edition of the Richland County Ag + Art Tour: held for the 14th time, it showcased local farms, art studios, and community markets. These topics bring together history, art, and agriculture, but each has its own focus.
Discover more destinations: Columbia, Eastover, Blythewood, Elgin, Hopkins, Woodfield, Jasper County, Saluda.
For the main travel overview: South Carolina.
