Area Attractions

Shelby County Courthouse

Rich in history, Columbiana is the county seat for Shelby County.

Columbiana is also the home to Shelby County Historical Society Museum and archives, housed in the 1854 Shelby County Courthouse.  The Karl C. Harrison Museum of George Washington is located in the Mildred B. Harrison Regional Library.

Park facilities include a City Park near Elvin Hill Elementary School and the Columbiana Sports Complex on McDow Road.  City Park features a pavilion, picnic tables, playground and swing sets.  Adjacent are Lewis and Bolton Girls Softball Fields.  The sports complex features batting cages, a playground, four baseball fields, a football field and a walking track.

Many of our residents enjoy walking and jogging around town on our beautiful sidewalks.  Our attractive downtown streetscape is just one of the many amenities that draws people to our City.


Museums:

Mueseum Exterior

Columbiana is home to 2 unique museums.  The Shelby County Museum & Archives, located on Main Street, the Shelby County museum and Archives displays many old Shelby County photographs and artifacts from the Indian era through WWII; including such items as the bell from the Alabama, a well-known railroad engine during its time, Creek Indian artifacts, the 1906 Shelby County Courthouse cornerstone contents removed 24th June 2006, and three chestnut wood cars and several feet of wood track that were found on the 4th May 1974 in the forgotten Confederate Gurnee Coal Mine in West Shelby County.  The hours of operation of our Museum and Archives are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Contact the Museum at (205) 669-3912 for further information.

The Karl C. Harrison Museum of George Washington, located on Lester Street, is home to the largest collection of George Washington memorabilia outside of Mt. Vernon.  The Karl C. Harrison Museum of George Washington collection focuses on art and artifacts from the colonial period through 1865.  The collection contains paintings, letters, furniture, porcelain, glassware, silver, jewelry, busts and more.  Martha Washington’s prayer book printed in New York in 1783, an original 1787 Samuel Vaughn sketch of Mt. Vernon grounds, writing instruments and tools from George Washington’ s survey case and an original tintype depicting Robert E. Lee in his uniform for the last time are just a few collection highlights. Call the Museum at (205) 669-8767 with any questions.


Arts:

The Shelby County Arts Council is located at Old Mill Square in Columbiana.  We invite visitors to come by and view our current exhibit, take part in one of our on-going workshops and join us the first and third Friday of each month for our Free Lunch and Learn Programs. We also host live performances throughout the month.  Visit the Shelby County Arts Council website and learn more about our upcoming events and classes.


Sports:

The City of Columbiana has a rich sports tradition, whether your interest is in youth baseball, softball, football or basketball or high school athletics, you will find that we take a lot of pride in sports here.  The Columbiana Sports Complex, on McDow Road, is a showcase for many of the youth sports and hosts events from teams outside the city as well as tournaments and other events, such as Relay for Life.  The City has recently completed some renovations to the tennis courts which are located on Washington Street near Shelby County High School.  The City also hosts two walking tracks, one adjacent to Columbiana Elementary School (.25 mile) and the other at the Sports Complex and numerous sidewalks to help you make the loop for walking and stay fit.

Girls sitting on bench outside of store


Shopping:

While Columbiana doesn’t have “big box” stores, what we do have is the type of store that if they don’t have what you are looking for, they are quick to assist you in finding it, either by ordering it or referring you to a place you can find it.  


Eating:

The City of Columbiana offers a little of everything, from local restaurants to fast food chains, there is something for most everyone.  Check out our dining guide for more information on where to eat in Columbiana. /sites/g/files/vyhlif6791/f/imce/dining_guide_1.png  /sites/g/files/vyhlif6791/f/imce/dining_guide_2.png

Lodging:

Voted in 2020 as Shelby County’s Best Bed and Breakfast, Columbiana is proud to be home of the Magnolia Mannor.  Columbiana is also home to the Columbiana, a charming retreat for a well deserved respite.   Both Magnolia Manor and the Columbiana Inn are within easy walking distance to historic downtown Columbiana’s museums, shops and restaurants  For more information, please visit the Columbiana Inn website or https://www.clementsvacationrentals.com/magnolia-manor-orp5b4aaf6x


Transportation:

The Columbiana Trolley runs Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.Trolly at courthouse

 

 

 


As you can see, there is much to experience in Columbiana and you won’t find a better place to relax and enjoy yourself.  So, come join us in Columbiana!