22 Of the Best Things to Do in Fort Jackson SC (2020 Edition)

Introduction

If you’ve never been to Fort Jackson before, you might not know all there is to do, both on and off base. If you’re not sure where to start or looking for something new to do this weekend, we’ve compiled a list of 22 of the best things to do in and around Fort Jackson, SC.

Suggested Read: Fort Jackson SC: 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 health restrictions, though new re-openings and closings occur all the time. Check websites and call ahead to learn each listing’s current status.

22 Things to Do in Fort Jackson SC

Know what you are looking for? Click the number(s) to get right to it:
(1-6) Gyms
(7-8) Golfing
(9-10) Pools
(11-12) Officers Club
(13) Theatre
(14-17) Parks, Rivers, & Lakes
(18-22) Museums

Fort Jackson Gyms

It’s no surprise that gyms are one of the popular places on Fort Jackson. The sports and fitness centers on base have a lot more than just weights to offer. See below for your on-base options! Call ahead or check out their websites for more details.

1. Fort Jackson Fitness Classes & Virtual Options

4149 Sumter St.
Bldg. 4149
Fort Jackson 29207
1 (803) 751-4177

They’ve moved a lot of their classes online due to the pandemic. Check out their links and sign up from the convenience of your living room or home gym!

2. Andy’s Fitness Center

6510 Strom Thurmond Blvd.
Bldg. 6510
Fort Jackson 29207
1 (803) 751-4177

A huge space with a lot of machines, weight lifting gear, and treadmills. You can sign up for classes here too.

3. Coleman Gymnasium

4482 Johnson St.
Bldg. 4482
Fort Jackson 29207
1 (803) 751-5817

Not just a gym, they also have full basketball and racquetball courts. Check their hours, as certain morning times are reserved for active duty.

4. Perez Fitness Center

4149 Sumter St.
Bldg. 4149
Fort Jackson 29207
1 (803) 751-6258

Aside from the normal weightlifting fare, you can also find racquetball courts and saunas here.

5. Vanguard Gym Fort Jackson

2009 Wheeler St. Bldg. 2009 Fort Jackson 29207
1 (803) 751-4384

Here you’ll find free weights and racquetball courts along with Hoist & Hammer strength gear.

6. Sports Complexes

Hilton Field Softball Complex Bldg. El
3900 Hartsvilleguard Rd.
Fort Jackson 29207
1 (803) 751-3096

Offers softball fields and hiking trails, check out their website for a full list of fun activities.

Fort Jackson Golf Course

7. Fort Jackson Golf Course

3652 Semmes Rd.
Bldg. 3652
Fort Jackson 29207
1 (803) 787-4344

Check out their website for details on the full course, tee times, snack shop hours, and pro shop info.

8. Palmetto Falls Miniature Golf & Water Park

6512 Strom Thurmond Blvd
Bldg. 6512
Fort Jackson 29207
1 (803) 751-7351

Co-located with Andy’s fitness center, miniature golf and water parks are a great option for families.

Fort Jackson Pools

9. Knight Indoor Pool

3296 Magruder Ave
Bldg. 3296
Fort Jackson 29207
1 (803) 751-4796

Only open during weekdays, check out their website for swim hours and classes offered.

10. Legion Pool Fort Jackson

2761 Semmes Rd.
Bldg. 2761
Fort Jackson 29207
1 (803) 751-4987

A family affair here, check their website for admission rates and hours.

Fort Jackson Officers Club & Magruders at NCO Club

Fort Jackson

11. Victory Hall

3630 Semmes Rd.
Bldg. 3630
Fort Jackson 29207
1 (803) 782-8761

Boasting an amazing event space as well as food, the O-Club at Victory Hall can host family and unit affairs.

Columbia

12. Magruder’s Club & Pub

3305 Daniel Dr.
Bldg. 3305
Columbia, SC 29207
1 (803) 790-0381

Offers Karaoke, and Club nights, Magruder’s is a place you can hang out, play pool, and have fun with friends.

Fort Jackson Theatre

13. Fort Jackson Reel Times
Daniel St
Columbia, SC 29207
1 (803) 751-7488

Closed until further notice, check back on their website for updates on movie times when they reopen.

Parks, Rivers, & Lakes

Columbia

14. Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park

312 Laurel St
Columbia, SC 29201
1 (803) 545-3100

Located right along the Congaree River, this park has hiking, walking, and biking trails for all levels. Take a scenic walk along the river and the Columbia Canal and enjoy the park!

15. Harbison State Forest

5600 Broad River Rd
Columbia, SC 29212
1 (803) 896-8897

Boasting over 2,000 acres in northwest Columbia, Harbison has many trails and a canoe landing.

16. Saluda Shoals Park

5605 Bush River Rd
Columbia, SC 29212
1 (803) 772-1228

Saluda Shoals Park has something for everyone, boasting a dog park, environmental center, picnic areas, and meeting spaces.

17. Memorial Park

700 Hampton St
Columbia, SC 29201
1 (803) 545-3100

A sobering reminder of the sacrifices that were made before of us, take walks at the Memorial Park if you need to do some thinking and reflection.

West Columbia

18. Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden

1300 Botanical Pkwy
West Columbia, SC 29169
1 (803) 779-8717

If you’re into nature, this is the spot for you, lots of flora and fauna as well as a waterfall area, rose gardens, and birdhouses.

Fort Jackson Museums

Columbia

18. South Carolina State Museum

301 Gervais St
Columbia, SC 29201
1 (803) 898-4921

Check out their exhibits on their website, as well as their planetarium and programs for kids!

20. Columbia Museum of Art

1515 Main St
Columbia, SC 29201
1 (803) 799-2810

For a taste of modern culture, check out the museum’s website for more details on current exhibits.

21. EdVenture Children’s Museum

211 Gervais St
Columbia, SC 29201
1 (803) 779-3100

You can spend days here with your kids, plan ahead by checking out offerings on their website!

22. African American Memorial at the State House

1100 Gervais St South Carolina State House Grounds
Columbia, SC 29201
1 (803) 734-5049

Get to know the unique and challenging history of African Americans as memorialized on the State House grounds.

Conclusion

Whether this is another tour or your first time, you’ll see that there are plenty of great experiences to enjoy all over Fort Jackson and the greater Columbia area. Living here affords you many options, both on and off base be sure to take your time to explore and figure out what works best for you.

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.