Cultural & Historical Destinations in Columbia, South Carolina, United States

Columbia, United States, Columbia, Destination & Trip Type Pages, Cultural & Historical Destinations

Cultural & Historical Destinations in Columbia, South Carolina, United States

1. Columbia River Highway

A historic highway that follows the Columbia River, offering stunning views and access to iconic spots like Multnomah Falls.
  • Scenic Drive: Allows visitors to appreciate the natural beauty of the Columbia Gorge.
  • Historical Significance: Dates back to the early 20th century and showcases the engineering marvels of that era.
  • Picnic Spots: Provides ample pull-offs for travelers to enjoy lunch with a view.

2. Fort Clatsop National Memorial

The site where Lewis and Clark spent the winter of 1805-06 during their expedition to the Pacific Northwest.
  • Historical Replica: Features a rebuilt fort that offers insight into life during the Lewis and Clark expedition.
  • Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center: Provides educational exhibits about the explorers' journey.
  • Nature Trails: Offers trails for visitors to explore the surrounding coastal forest.

3. Walla Walla Wholesale District

A historic district filled with beautifully preserved Victorian-era buildings that once housed warehouses and stores.
  • Architectural Preservation: Showcases the unique architectural style of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
  • Local Artisans: Home to numerous art galleries, studios, and shops featuring local artists' works.
  • Farm-to-Table Restaurants: Offers a variety of dining options showcasing fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

4. Chief Joseph State Park

A beautiful park named after Nez Perce leader Chief Joseph, offering hiking trails and a visitor center with exhibits on the Nez Perce tribe.
  • Natural Beauty: Features towering cliffs, waterfalls, and panoramic views of the Wallowa Valley.
  • Tribal History: Offers insight into the culture and history of the Nez Perce tribe.
  • Outdoor Activities: Provides opportunities for hiking, fishing, and camping.

5. Oregon Trail Interpretive Center

A museum dedicated to the historic Oregon Trail, featuring exhibits about the emigrants who traveled west in the mid-19th century.
  • Immersive Exhibits: Allows visitors to experience what life was like on the Oregon Trail.
  • Multimedia Presentations: Includes films, interactive displays, and artifacts from the trail era.
  • Historical Context: Provides insight into the broader context of westward expansion in American history.

6. Pendleton Round-Up and Happy Canyon Night Show

A traditional Western celebration featuring rodeos, parades, and the iconic Native American dance performance.
  • Cultural Celebration: Highlights the rich cowboy and Native American cultures of Eastern Oregon.
  • Rodeo Events: Features bull riding, bronco riding, and other classic rodeo events.
  • Happy Canyon Night Show: A unique performance showcasing traditional Native American dances and stories.

7. The Dalles Dam Visitor Center

An educational center that offers insight into the construction and operation of The Dalles Dam on the Columbia River.
  • Hydroelectric Power: Provides information about the dam's role in generating clean energy.
  • Historical Perspective: Offers insight into the impact of the dam on the surrounding area and wildlife.
  • Interactive Exhibits: Features interactive displays that allow visitors to learn about the dam in an engaging way.

8. Mission San Juan Bautista

A Spanish colonial mission founded in 1731, offering tours of the historic buildings and a museum.
  • Historical Architecture: Features beautifully preserved Spanish colonial-era buildings.
  • Museum Exhibits: Provides insight into the history and culture of the indigenous people, Spanish explorers, and early settlers in the region.
  • Garden Tours: Offers tours of the beautiful gardens surrounding the mission.

9. Washington State Capital Campus

The seat of Washington state government, featuring historic buildings, museums, and public art.
  • Government History: Allows visitors to learn about the history of Washington state government.
  • Public Art: Features numerous sculptures and installations by local artists.
  • Museums and Tours: Offers tours of the historic buildings and museums on the campus.

10. Indian Cave State Park

A beautiful park featuring a unique limestone cave formed by ancient seabeds.
  • Natural Wonder: Showcases the geological history of the region.
  • Cave Tours: Offers guided tours of the cave, including information about its formation and history.
  • Outdoor Activities: Provides opportunities for hiking, fishing, and picnicking.

11. Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail

A trail that follows the route taken by Lewis and Clark during their expedition to the Pacific Northwest.
  • Historical Reenactments: Offers reenactments of events from the Lewis and Clark expedition.
  • Interpretive Centers: Features interpretive centers along the trail that provide educational exhibits about the journey.
  • Outdoor Adventure: Allows visitors to follow in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark through scenic wilderness areas.

12. Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

A historic site that offers tours of the fort and exhibits about its role in the fur trade.
  • Historical Significance: Dates back to the early days of the Pacific Northwest fur trade.
  • Hudson's Bay Company Buildings: Includes several buildings from the Hudson's Bay Company, including a warehouse and officer's house.
  • Nature Trails: Offers nature trails that provide opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.

13. Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Museum

A museum dedicated to the history and ecology of the Columbia River Gorge.
  • Educational Exhibits: Offers exhibits about the natural and human history of the Columbia River Gorge.
  • Hands-on Activities: Features interactive activities that allow visitors to engage with the exhibit content.
  • Native American Culture: Provides insight into the culture and history of the Native American tribes that lived in the region.

14. Olympia's Capitol State Forest

A beautiful state forest offering hiking trails, camping, and opportunities to explore Washington's diverse ecosystems.
  • Natural Beauty: Showcases the natural beauty of Washington's forests and coastal wetlands.
  • Outdoor Activities: Offers opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
  • Historical Perspective: Provides insight into the logging industry that played a significant role in Washington's history.

15. Benton County Courthouse

A beautiful historic courthouse in Corvallis that offers tours and exhibits about its history.
  • Historical Architecture: Features an impressive Victorian-era design.
  • Courtroom Tours: Offers tours of the historic courtroom and exhibits about the courthouse's history.
  • Local History: Provides insight into the history and culture of Benton County and Corvallis.