Georgia

GA has one of 5 best free things to do in the US, ranking shows. It beat a NY attraction

By Sundi Rose
Four larger-than-life statues created by sculptor Jay Warren, including one of a U.S. Army Infantryman from the Korean War, left, and Col. Ralph Puckett (then a first lieutenant), right, have now been installed to the Korean War Memorial at the National Infantry Museum. 10/21/2024
Four larger-than-life statues created by sculptor Jay Warren, including one of a U.S. Army Infantryman from the Korean War, left, and Col. Ralph Puckett (then a first lieutenant), right, have now been installed to the Korean War Memorial at the National Infantry Museum. 10/21/2024 Mike Haskey mhaskey@ledger-enquirer.com

A new ranking has put the National Infantry Museum as the fourth highest rated free attraction in America.

The money management and budget advisory site Saving Spot’s survey used the five-star Tripadvisor tourist rating system to find and rank free attractions from each state. Researchers then isolated the single attraction with the highest average five‑star rating and compiled a national top 10.

The National Infantry Museum
The National Infantry Museum Tony Adams Ledger-Enquirer file photo

Although admission to the National Infantry Museum is free, staff encourage a suggested donation of about $5 per person to help maintain the collection and programming.

GA museum is ranked 4th in the nation

The National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center (NIM) is Georgia’s best free thing to do, with a 4.91 star rating on Tripadvisor.

John Ubermuth visiting his uncle’s paving stone: Donald E. Corgoran WWII CT 112Inf, 28 Div., 9-13-25 KIA 11-4-44 buried in Belgium, during the Memorial Day celebration at the Nation Infantry Museum May 27, 2019 in Columbus, Ga.
John Ubermuth visiting his uncle’s paving stone: Donald E. Corgoran WWII CT 112Inf, 28 Div., 9-13-25 KIA 11-4-44 buried in Belgium, during the Memorial Day celebration at the Nation Infantry Museum May 27, 2019 in Columbus, Ga. Special to the Ledger-Enquirer/Darrell Roaden

Located just outside Fort Moore at 1775 Legacy Way in Columbus, the museum combines history, entertainment and patriotism in one place.

Major attractions include:

Defining the Nation gallery at the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center includes the early history of the African-American soldier.
Defining the Nation gallery at the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center includes the early history of the African-American soldier. ROBIN TRIMARCHI rtrimarchi@ledger-enquirer.com
  • Large-scale galleries tracing infantry history
  • “Last 100 Yards” ramp and exhibit hall with life-size combat vignettes
  • Restored replica of quarters once used by Gen. Georgia S. Patton
  • Outdoor materials including one for the Vietnam and Korean Wars and the Global War on Terrorism
  • Giant screen theater
  • Virtual reality combat and skydiving simulators
  • Hall of Valor
  • Artifacts spanning 250 years of American military history
  • Full-service restaurant, gift shop, Soldier Store

Other free attractions near Georgia

If you’re up for a little drive, here are the best free attractions in neighboring states.

  • Alabama: The Wharf, Orange Beach
  • Florida: Duncan McClellan Gallery, St. Petersburg 
  • South Carolina: Falls Park on the Reedy, Greenville
  • Tennessee: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg

The NIM has also been recognized beyond this latest list, including being voted USA Today’s best free museum and named among CNN Travel’s top military museums worldwide, so it is absolutely worth the donation.

What is your favorite feature of the NIM? Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.

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This story was originally published December 9, 2025 at 6:00 AM with the headline "GA has one of 5 best free things to do in the US, ranking shows. It beat a NY attraction."

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