Outdoor recreation and university life shape Columbia’s identity
Columbia is surrounded by nature, from the Green River Lake in the north to Lake Cumberland in the south. “Columbia truly embodies the best of both worlds — a place where the past meets the present, and where outdoor recreation complements a deep sense of community heritage,” says Breann Franklin, assistant director of tourism at Adair County Tourism and Convention Commission. “The combination of community, natural beauty, affordability and a slower, more fulfilling pace of life makes Columbia an attractive place for visitors to become residents.” Columbia is also home to Lindsey Wilson University, a private liberal arts college, which brings energy and enriches the area.
Historic homes downtown, rentals and ranch-style homes in the area
Many cottages, bungalows and Victorian homes were built in the central region before 1950, and they range in price from about $80,000 to $220,000. Some historic residences are within walking distance of the university campus and are often used as rentals. Ranch-style homes were constructed in the area later and are priced roughly between $100,000 and $530,000, depending on factors such as home size.
Public Square has popular local businesses and chains nearby
Adair County Courthouse is a historic Victorian-inspired building at the center of the roundabout in Public Square, which is Columbia’s downtown. The streets around the square also have historic buildings, many home to local businesses. “Moore's Pool Room is an iconic local hangout that has been part of Columbia's community for years. The ladies at the poolroom will know you by name and your order after a few visits,” Franklin says.
Nanwood Market is a popular local spot that serves coffee and tea in a relaxing atmosphere with a welcoming vibe. “It's also one of the best spots for people-watching, with a cozy seating area overlooking the square,” Franklin says. Jamestown Street branches off the square and has various shopping centers, one with an IGA grocery store and another with a Tractor Supply Company. Fast food restaurants, such as Cook Out, are also in the shopping centers.
Downtown Days, an event with country music, food trucks and artisans
The Public Square hosts Saturday farmers markets and Downtown Days, a Friday and Saturday event in early October with a beauty pageant and a free country music concert. Artisan vendors and food trucks are also involved in the celebration.
Playgrounds, a dog park and watersports on Green River Lake
Columbia Veterans Memorial Park has walking paths that connect a playground and picnic pavilion to memorials and monuments. In Columbia’s western region, Jim Blair Community Center has basketball courts, an outdoor playground with a balancing bridge and a baseball diamond. Citizen’s Park opened in early 2024 and spans 17 acres of wooded terrain with two fenced dog parks and a trail. Green River Lake State Park is just north of the city with 25 miles of waterfront, covered boat slips and 28 miles of all-purpose trails.
Attending schools in Adair County and Lindsey Wilson University
Columbia is in the Adair County School District's zoning. The district allows students outside its attendance boundary to apply for its schools. Adair County Primary Center, which teaches kindergarten through second grade, gets a B-minus from Niche. Adair County Elementary School covers third through fifth grade and earns a C-plus. Adair County Middle School receives a B, and Adair County High School has a C-plus. High schoolers can take Advanced Placement courses in core subjects such as English. Lindsey Wilson University offers various undergraduate degree programs and master's programs in business administration and education counseling.
State Highway connections to nearby cities and lakes
Columbia is the county seat of Adair County, so it has various government buildings downtown. T.J. Health Columbia Hospital is also in the area. Kentucky Highway 55 runs north and south through the region, connecting it to Green River Lake, about 15 miles away, and Campbellsville, a nearly 20-mile drive. Cumberland Parkway and Kentucky Highway 80 lead to Russell Springs, a city known as a gateway to Lake Cumberland. The city is approximately 14 miles away, and the lake is about 10 miles farther.
