Introduction

As you settle into Fort Benning, you’ll want to find things to do. Below are some activities and their 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 390 Fort Benning, Georgia 31905 1 (706) 545-0397

Open 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 Road Bldg 2784 Fort Benning, GA 31905 1 (706) 545-8205

If 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 Road Bldg 2975 Fort Benning, GA 31905 1 (706) 545-6158

Rifle, 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 2785 Fort Benning, GA 31905 1 (706) 545-4164

A 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 St Building 1707, Fort Benning, GA 31905 1 (706) 545-7978

There 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) 544-7516

Although 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 31909 1 (706) 225-4658

Hiking and biking trails as well as outdoor picnic areas with grills and playgrounds.

8. Cooper Creek Park

5089 Cooper Creek Road, Columbus, GA 31907 1 (706) 225-4658

Tennis courts, playgrounds, trails, and picnic areas.

9. Lake Oliver Marina

5501 River Road Columbus, GA 31904 1 (706) 653-4634

Seasonal fishing and boating.

10. Psalmond Road Supercenter

6550 Psalmond Road, Columbus, GA 31820 1 (706) 641-5935

Playgrounds, 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 Street Building 2818 Fort Benning, GA 31905 1 (706) 545-1940

Amenities: 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 Street Building 9001 Fort Benning, GA 31905 1 (706) 544-4511

Amenities: Full gym, bumper plates, fan bikes, expansive turf area.

13. Whittington High Performance Center

7098 Old Cusseta Highway Bldg 4303 Fort Benning, GA 31905 1 (706) 544-7528

Amenities: Brand new facility with weight machines, squat racks, and fitness rooms for cardio, spin, and more.

14. Santiago Fitness Center

23rd Infantry Regiment Road Bldg 3350 Fort Benning, GA 31905 1 (706) 544-9486

Amenities: Gym with basketball and racquetball courts, co-ed sauna.

15. Smith Fitness Center

6835 Dixie Road Bldg 2874 Fort Benning, GA 31905 1 (706) 545-4388

Amenities: Full gym with basketball / volleyball court configurations, cardio, weights, classes, pool.

16. Breezeway Fitness Center Complex

977 Lincoln St Bldg 117 Fort Benning, GA 31905 1 (706) 545-1687

Amenities: 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 31903 1 (706) 685-2622

As 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 31901 1 (706) 327-9798

Not 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 31906 1 (706) 748-2562

The 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 31901 1(706) 649-1470

They 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.

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