Introduction
As you settle into Fort Benning, you’ll want to find things to do. Below are some activities andtheir locations to check out. Spending quality time with family and friends is crucial to feeling at home and feeling comfortable in your new surroundings. Explore these options and find what works best for you and your family. Don’t be afraid to ask friends and neighbors for their recommendations too!
Suggested Read:
Fort Benning Georgia: In-Depth Welcome Center
COVID-19 Notice
Due to the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic, many businesses, venues, and parks may be temporarily closed or operating under restricted hours. Many, if not all, of the ones listed here, are likely subject to such restrictions for the time being though new re-openings and closings occur all the time. Therefore, a place we mention here may not currently be open or available for the time being. Check individual websites provided in each section or call to find out each place’s current hours and situation.
20 Things to Do in Fort Benning
The post has an extensive network of establishments suited for many of your needs. If you are looking to do something off post, there are a lot of options around Columbus, GA, which can be as close as 20 minutes away. Check out the options below for some suggested activities on and outside of the comforts of the post.Know what you are looking for? Click the number(s) to go right to where you want to go:(1-2) Golf Courses(3) Shooting Range(4) Bowling(5-10) Parks, Fishing, & Hunting(11-16) Gyms(17-20) Museums
Fort Benning Golf Course
1. Fort Benning Golf Course
7471 Baltzell Avenue,Bldg 390Fort Benning, Georgia 319051 (706) 545-0397Open seven days a week and includes a driving range. There is also disc golf available if you’d like to try something a bit different. Be sure to check out the website for tee time requirements and hours.
2. Topgolf Swing Suite
7611 Sightseeing RoadBldg 2784Fort Benning, GA 319051 (706) 545-8205If real golf isn’t your thing, you can try a virtual version at Topgolf. They also offer other virtual games, a computer lab, a movie room, and pool tables.
Fort Benning Shooting Range
3. Recreational Shooting Complex
7839 1st Division RoadBldg 2975Fort Benning, GA 319051 (706) 545-6158Rifle, pistol, and trap and skeet ranges. Check out their website for details on membership and prices.
Fort Benning Bowling
4. Fort Benning Bowling & Entertainment Center (BEC)
6530 Eckel Avenue Building 2785Fort Benning, GA 319051 (706) 545-4164A great place for family and team/unit events, open usually Wednesday – Sunday. Check out their website for more details and specials. If this alley is full, there is another bowling option is at the Mall Bowling Center.
Parks, Fishing, & Hunting
Fort Benning
5. Parks, Ponds, and Trails
7310 Gillespie StBuilding 1707,Fort Benning, GA 319051 (706) 545-7978There are many on-post options for hiking and recreation. You can also reserve pavilions and gazebos at select locations where you can have cookouts and parties.
6. Hunting and Fishing
1 (706) 544-7516Although hunting and fishing is permitted on Fort Benning, please check with their Natural Resources Branch for details including permissible areas, season information, firearms, permits, and guest passes.
Columbus
7. Flat Rock Park
6106 Warm Springs Rd,Columbus, GA 319091 (706) 225-4658Hiking and biking trails as well as outdoor picnic areas with grills and playgrounds.
8. Cooper Creek Park
5089 Cooper Creek Road,Columbus, GA 319071 (706) 225-4658Tennis courts, playgrounds, trails, and picnic areas.
9. Lake Oliver Marina
5501 River RoadColumbus, GA 319041 (706) 653-4634Seasonal fishing and boating.
10. Psalmond Road Supercenter
6550 Psalmond Road,Columbus, GA 318201 (706) 641-5935Playgrounds, fields, and full recreation center.
Fort Benning Gyms
Fitness, which is an integral part of the military, can also be a fun and healthy activity for post patrons. There are many fitness centers across the post including one that requires a paid membership. While most have the basic amenities such as weight room and cardio, other features specific to different locations are listed below. Check out the link for details on times and available classes.
11. Audie Murphy Athletic Performance Center
6561 Way StreetBuilding 2818Fort Benning, GA 319051 (706) 545-1940Amenities: Full gym with specialized equipment for soldiers. Times in the mornings are set aside for active duty soldiers in PT gear.
12. Kefurt Fitness Center
8710 Watkins StreetBuilding 9001Fort Benning, GA 319051 (706) 544-4511Amenities: Full gym, bumper plates, fan bikes, expansive turf area.
13. Whittington High Performance Center
7098 Old Cusseta HighwayBldg 4303Fort Benning, GA 319051 (706) 544-7528Amenities: Brand new facility with weight machines, squat racks, and fitness rooms for cardio, spin, and more.
14. Santiago Fitness Center
23rd Infantry Regiment RoadBldg 3350Fort Benning, GA 319051 (706) 544-9486Amenities: Gym with basketball and racquetball courts, co-ed sauna.
15. Smith Fitness Center
6835 Dixie RoadBldg 2874Fort Benning, GA 319051 (706) 545-4388Amenities: Full gym with basketball / volleyball court configurations, cardio, weights, classes, pool.
16. Breezeway Fitness Center Complex
977 Lincoln St Bldg 117Fort Benning, GA 319051 (706) 545-1687Amenities: Paid membership only gym that is open 24/7. It also has a pool and an outdoor fitness park.
Fort Benning Museums
These institutions preserve history and are a great learning opportunity for those new to the area. Many have programs and guided tours as well as activities for kids and all of them are a quick drive, or even walk, from the post. Check out their websites for details on business hours and specific programs.
Columbus
17. The National Infantry Museum
1775 Legacy Way,Columbus, GA 319031 (706) 685-2622As Fort Benning is the home of the infantry, it is only fitting that there be a national infantry museum nearby. Check it out to learn the in-depth history of the infantry branch.
18. National Civil War Naval Museum
1002 Victory Dr,Columbus, GA 319011 (706) 327-9798Not only do they have preserved warships, but this museum also offers historical theatre, living history reenactments, cannon firings, and weapons demonstrations.
19. The Columbus Museum
1251 Wynnton Rd, Columbus, GA 319061 (706) 748-2562The Columbus Museum has temporary and permanent exhibits on American art and historical artifacts. They are family friendly and provide educational programs throughout the year.
20. Coca-Cola Space Science Center
701 Front Ave,Columbus, GA 319011(706) 649-1470They have film screenings, activities, and simulators that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Conclusion
Whether on or off post, Fort Benning has many offerings to keep you and your family busy. Explore the options, and don’t be afraid to try a few things out. Ask your new friends and neighbors for recommendations, especially when it comes to outdoor parks and activities. This list is just a taste of the offerings on and near the post during your time at Fort Benning. We hope you can feel inspired to check these out and explore the area as you get settled in.
More like this:
26 of the Best Fort Benning Restaurants
The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsem*nt.
