Lexington County Museum

Founded in 1970, the Lexington County Museum is a 7-acre complex with 30 historic structures. The museum interprets everyday life in Lexington County from ca. 1770 to the start of the Civil War.  Among others, buildings on the site include the ca. 1832 John Fox House, a 10-room home depicting life in the 1850s; the 1771 Lawrence Corley Log House, the oldest building in the town of Lexington; the 1850 Wadlington Pigeonaire and numerous outbuidings. The museum features a large collection of locally-made artifacts such as historic quilts, firearms, furniture, and pottery.  Reservations are encouraged.  Costumed guides lead visitors on one-hour tours through many of the historic structures.

Lexington County’s Planning and GIS Department has partnered with the Lexington County Museum to create a virtual tour of historic sites and structures that exist or once existed in Lexington County. The map tour allows people to see historic photos of the structure or site and then see a modern photo.  Another image shows the historic photo superimposed on the modern photo.  To see the virtual tour and learn more, visit: http://maps.lex-co.com/heritagetour/.

Museums

Columbia, SC museums let you explore history, art, science and more, whether you’re on a family vacation or a romantic weekend away. Featuring the Southeast’s largest children’s museum, a groundbreaking art museum and multiple historic museums, Columbia, SC gives you the chance to step back in time, reflect on the finer things in life or find the inner child.

Palmetto State's capital

As the Palmetto State's capital and a college town, Columbia's fiery vibe cultivates a colorful arts scene while an indie spirit envelops several energized entertainment districts overflowing with locally owned boutique shops, eateries, spas and salons, and night spots. For those with an adventurous spirit, the rivers, trails or the Congaree National Park will provide endless fun. Food-lovers have over 450 restaurants to choose from and can pick a new feast for every day and night of the week. The variety is abundant and all with an easy reach. Once you've experienced Columbia, you'll be delighted that you stopped to explore.

Columbia

How would you imagine a Southern City?

Is it Historic? Gracious? Sultry? Columbia, South Carolina encompasses each of these and much more! Columbia tantalizes all of your senses with a relaxing; comfortable pace; an abundance of playgrounds including Lake Murray, rivers, parks, gardens and the Riverbanks Zoo - one of the best in the country; the University of South Carolina and Fort Jackson. History abounds and is celebrated in museums, historic homes and even in repurposed buildings with a new start as shops and restaurants.

EdVenture Children's Museum

EdVenture’s mission is to inspire children, youth, and the adults who care about them to experience the joy of learning.

Their vision is to create new generations of lifelong learners.

Behind EdVenture’s doors, They proudly have eight world-class exhibit galleries, a library, learning laboratories, resource centers and other visitor amenities. Two additional outdoor gallery spaces are located just outside the museum’s front doors. Within the total 92,000 square feet that is EdVenture Children’s Museum, there are more than 350 individual hands-on exhibits.

Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park

Featuring plenty of river views, the Riverfront Park is a nice place to unwind and get away, being only a short distance from Columbia's business district and the University. You can see the history of the Columbia Canal and Water Works while looking through one of the old pump houses. The main trail is also a good place for bicycling. There are plenty of benches and picnic tables along the main section of the park, with some spectacular views of the scenery.