Discover Columbus: Nature, museums, and events

Nature at Lake Waccamaw, experiments at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences at Whiteville, regional history, and the Columbus County Agriculture Fair cater to different travel interests.

Nature and trails by the water

Lake Waccamaw State Park sits on the shore of the largest Carolina Bay. For travelers interested in nature, this connection to the landscape is a practical starting point for planning.

The Lumber River Canoe Trail offers a different perspective: it became part of the North Carolina Trails System in 1978 and was designated one of the first national water trails in the southeastern United States in 1981. The two dates mark different milestones: first its inclusion in North Carolina’s Trails System, then its national designation three years later. The Lumber River is accessible via interstate and other major highways, as well as state and county roads.

Science and regional history

At the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences at Whiteville, visitors of all ages can experiment in the Investigate Lab with equipment and techniques such as microscopes and pipettes. The focus here is on hands-on experiments with scientific tools. This differs from the focus of museums devoted to regional history.

The Lake Waccamaw Depot Museum preserves the town of Lake Waccamaw’s 1904 train station building and offers free tours for visitors. The year it was built connects a museum visit with the station’s history.

The Horace Carter Museum presents the history of Tabor City from the perspective of Pulitzer Prize winner Horace Carter. It also displays equipment used to produce the Tabor-Loris Tribune. Here, a personal perspective on the town’s history meets a look at newspaper production. You can arrange a visit by calling 910-653-3153; schedule your appointment before you arrive.

The Columbus County Arts Council’s facility in Whiteville showcases visual art and books by local authors. This adds art and literature as further cultural themes. Check the gallery’s opening hours before visiting.

Events as a reason to travel

The Columbus County Agriculture Fair is an annual tradition that lasts six days. Depending on the year’s program, the fair may include rides, agricultural exhibits, and livestock shows. Food vendors offer items such as funnel cake and turkey legs. Since the program may vary from year to year, check the current dates and events before planning a trip around the fair.

For museums that offer tours, have specific opening hours, or require appointments in advance, it is worth including the relevant visitor information in your plans.

Discover more destinations: Whiteville, Wilkes, Richmond County, Swain County, Durham, Randolph County, Nash, Hyde.

For the main travel overview: North Carolina.