Columbus, Mississippi: 10 Easy Road Trips for Weekend Getaways

on

10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips From Columbus, Mississippi

If you live in or around Columbus, Mississippi, you’ve probably hit most of the local spots already. The good news? You don’t have to go far to shake things up a little. Within about an hour (give or take) you’ll find small towns, lakes, trails, and historic streets that are perfect for a quick escape. In this guide, we’re heading out of Lowndes County and exploring nearby places in:
  • Lamar County, Alabama
  • Pickens County, Alabama
  • Clay County, Mississippi
  • Monroe County, Mississippi
  • Noxubee County, Mississippi
  • Oktibbeha County, Mississippi
Each stop is an easy day trip from Columbus and great for families, couples, or solo explorers who just want a change of scenery.

1. Starkville, MS – College-Town Energy and Great Food (Oktibbeha County)

Starkville is about 25–30 miles west of Columbus and has a totally different vibe. As the home of Mississippi State University, it feels young, busy, and full of things to do. Why go: When you’re in the mood for a little more buzz than Columbus but don’t want a big city. Things to do in Starkville:
  • Walk around MSU’s campus – The campus is pretty and very walkable. Swing by the Drill Field, peek at the football stadium, or just people-watch.
  • Eat in the Cotton District – This area has colorful buildings, patios, and local eateries. It’s a fun spot for lunch or dinner on a nice day.
  • Visit the MSU Museums – Depending on what’s open, you might catch an art exhibit or a small campus museum. It’s a nice option when it’s rainy or too hot.
If you’re used to the slower pace in Columbus, Starkville can feel like a mini getaway—just with a 30–40 minute drive instead of a long road trip.

2. Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge – Quiet Nature Escape (Noxubee County)

About 30–40 minutes south of Columbus, mainly in Noxubee County, this refuge is one of the best outdoor day trips near Columbus MS. What to expect: Long, quiet roads, big stretches of water, and lots of wildlife. It’s the opposite of crowded. Things to do at the refuge:
  • Scenic drives – Roll down the windows, drive slowly, and watch for deer, birds, and maybe even an alligator near the water.
  • Short hikes and boardwalks – Look for simple trails and boardwalks that are easy for most ages.
  • Photography and birdwatching – Bring binoculars or a camera. You’ll see herons, egrets, ducks, and maybe bald eagles during the right season.
If you ever feel like your brain is full, a couple of quiet hours down here feels like hitting the reset button.

3. West Point, MS – Small-Town Charm and Golf Country (Clay County)

Head about 25 miles northwest from Columbus and you’ll land in West Point, in Clay County. It’s a classic Mississippi town with a mix of history and outdoor fun. Why visit West Point:
  • Walk the historic downtown – Explore local shops and grab a bite at a small café. It’s easy to park and just wander.
  • Golf getaway vibes – The area is known for quality golf courses, so if you love to play, this is a great excuse for a short drive.
  • Local events – From time to time, the town hosts festivals, music, or seasonal events. It’s worth checking community calendars before you go.
West Point is one of those places where you can slow down with a cup of coffee, stroll a few blocks, and feel like you stepped into a quieter era.

4. Aberdeen, MS – Historic Homes and River Views (Monroe County)

About 35–40 miles north of Columbus along Highway 45, Aberdeen sits by the Tombigbee River in Monroe County. What makes Aberdeen special:
  • Historic homes – Aberdeen is known for its old houses and buildings. Even if you just drive around the older neighborhoods, you’ll see beautiful architecture.
  • Riverside scenery – The river area is peaceful and makes a nice spot for a walk, photos, or a simple picnic.
  • Antique hunting – If you enjoy poking around antique stores, you can spend a relaxed afternoon browsing.
If you like the feel of old Southern towns, Aberdeen is a very easy day trip from Columbus that doesn’t require much planning.

5. Amory, MS – Laid-Back River Town (Monroe County)

Also in Monroe County, about 40–45 miles northwest of Columbus, Amory is another quiet river town that’s great when you want someplace new but not too far. Things to do in Amory:
  • Relax by the water – Spend some time near the river or nearby lakes. Bring a camp chair, a cooler, and just unwind.
  • Local eats – Try a mom-and-pop restaurant or a local diner. Towns like this often surprise you with good comfort food.
  • Seasonal events – Check if anything’s going on—sometimes small towns host fairs, music events, or holiday celebrations.
This is the kind of road trip where the goal isn’t to “do it all,” but just to slow down and enjoy being somewhere different for a few hours.

6. Macon, MS – Courthouse Square and Country Roads (Noxubee County)

About 35–45 minutes east of Columbus, Macon in Noxubee County gives you another taste of small-town Mississippi. Why stop in Macon:
  • Historic downtown – Take a walk around the courthouse square and nearby streets. The old buildings tell a story, even if you’re just window-shopping.
  • Country drives – The roads around Macon are ideal if you love rolling farmland, old barns, and long views.
  • Local flavor – Pop into a café or local spot, sit at the counter, and you’ll probably hear a few good stories.
If you enjoy photography, Macon and the surrounding roads can easily fill up your camera roll.

7. Vernon, AL – A Short Hop Over the State Line (Lamar County)

Drive east from Columbus and cross into Alabama, and you’ll reach Vernon in Lamar County. It’s about an hour’s drive, depending on your route. What to do in Vernon:
  • Explore a different pace – It’s fun just to cross into Alabama and see how another small-town community feels, even though it’s close by.
  • Check out local parks – Find a park or walking area, stretch your legs, and enjoy some quiet time.
  • Try a local restaurant – Stop in for lunch or an early dinner. Small-town diners often serve solid, no-frills Southern meals.
Vernon isn’t about big attractions—it’s about making a simple road trip feel like a mini adventure in another state.

8. Carrollton & Pickensville, AL – Historic Streets and Lake Views (Pickens County)

In nearby Pickens County, Alabama, you’ll find towns like Carrollton and Pickensville. Together, they make a nice little loop for a day out. Ideas for your Pickens County road trip:
  • Stroll through Carrollton – Walk around town, see the courthouse area, and explore a bit of local history.
  • Head to Pickensville – This area is close to the water, giving you a more relaxed, open feel.
  • Enjoy the drive – Half the fun here is the ride itself: quiet roads, trees, and farmland rolling past your window.
If you like mixing a bit of history with fresh air and scenery, this corner of Alabama is worth the short drive from Columbus.

9. Artesia & Mayhew, MS – Rural Detour With Character (Oktibbeha County)

Just west of Columbus, between here and Starkville, sit Artesia and Mayhew in Oktibbeha County. These are small communities, but they’re great for a simple country-drive kind of day. Why take this little loop:
  • Scenic back roads – Instead of heading straight down Highway 82, take some of the smaller roads and enjoy the views.
  • Quick food stops – You may find a local spot for a burger, barbecue, or plate lunch along the way.
  • Easy add-on to Starkville – You can loop through Artesia and Mayhew, then continue on to Starkville for dinner or shopping.
When you don’t have a full day but want to “go somewhere,” this mini route gives you just enough of a change without much planning.

10. Waverly & the Golden Triangle Back Roads – Make Your Own Loop (Clay, Oktibbeha & Monroe Counties)

Sometimes the best road trips near Columbus MS aren’t about a single destination—they’re about stringing together several small spots. Try designing your own loop through:
  • Waverly area (Clay County) – Scenic drives, old homes, and rural views.
  • Back roads toward Starkville (Oktibbeha County) – Mix in a coffee stop or meal.
  • Side trip toward Amory (Monroe County) – Finish the day with a river view.
How to make it fun:
  • Pick a direction, then choose roads you’ve never taken before.
  • Stop whenever you see a pretty view, an old church, or a roadside café.
  • Bring snacks, a playlist, and maybe a notebook to jot down places to revisit later.
If you like a bit of adventure, this “create your own route” style of road trip can turn an ordinary Saturday into something memorable.

Tips for Planning Your Columbus, MS Road Trips

To make these day trips from Columbus more enjoyable, keep a few simple things in mind:
  • Check hours – Small-town shops and restaurants sometimes close early or on certain days.
  • Fill up first – Get gas in Columbus so you’re not hunting for a station in the middle of nowhere.
  • Bring cash – Some smaller places still don’t rely heavily on cards.
  • Pack a small cooler – Water, snacks, and maybe a sandwich can save you when you get hungry between towns.
You don’t have to go far to feel like you’ve “gone somewhere.” Within an hour or so of Columbus, you can find historic streets, calm lakes, quiet forests, and new places to eat.

What’s Your Favorite Road Trip From Columbus?

Now it’s your turn:
  • Have you taken any of these out-of-county road trips from Columbus?
  • Do you have a favorite spot in Lamar, Pickens, Clay, Monroe, Noxubee, or Oktibbeha County?
  • Did I miss a hidden gem that more people should know about?
Share your experiences in the comments—your tips can help other travelers plan their next weekend drive. And if you know someone in the Columbus, MS area who’s always saying, “There’s nothing to do around here,” send them this post. Share it on Facebook, text it to a friend, or post it in your local group so more people can discover these easy, relaxing road trips right outside Lowndes County.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

Comments

Post a Comment