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The ‘Old Secretariat’ government building in New Delhi.
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Wortley built the wooden backpack she used while retracing Alexandra David-Néel’s journey from a chair she found on the street in London.
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All the United States South Carolina Columbia

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Columbia

6 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Columbia, South Carolina

Updated January 8, 2024

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Unusual Attractions in Columbia

Tunnelvision

Columbia, South Carolina

Tunnelvision

This psychedelic tromp l'oeil seems to be beckoning drivers to crash into a wall.
Neverbust Chain

Columbia, South Carolina

Neverbust Chain

This titanic steel chain linking two buildings was installed without permission but instantly beloved.
The obelisk as seen on August 26, 2016

Columbia, South Carolina

Ra Obelisk

An old train trestle re-imagined as an Egyptian obelisk.
Theater building.

Columbia, South Carolina

Columbia Marionette Theatre

One of few remaining marionette theatres in the United States that still conducts regular shows.
This section of Santee Avenue was renamed Hootie & the Blowfish Blvd.

Columbia, South Carolina

Hootie & The Blowfish Boulevard

One of the best-selling bar bands in American music history is commemorated in their hometown's Five Points neighborhood.
Permanently Closed
Busted Plug Plaza

Columbia, South Carolina

Busted Plug Plaza

The world's largest fire hydrant is supposedly tornado-proof.
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Guignard Brick Works

Cayce, South Carolina

Guignard Brick Works

A handful of beehive kilns are all that’s left of a historic brick-making empire.
1 mile from Columbia
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Atlas Obscura Itineraries

6 Hallowed Grounds in South Carolina

South Carolina is known for its picturesque coastal cities and Southern charm. Given its firm placement in the Bible Belt, the Palmetto State is home to many churches—but it also holds fascinating ruins of houses of worship, wondrous works of art inspired by African traditions, and historic holy grounds hiding in plain sight.

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Explore Columbia, South Carolina

A
5
Art 4
Roadside Attractions 2
Murals 2

Columbia Leaderboard

Places Added

  1. whitney8251
    3
  2. Hardy Childers
    1
  3. PuppetPerson
    1
  4. ianlefk
    1
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Add an unusual place to Columbia.

Places Edited

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    4
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    3
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    3
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    3
  5. sweet Lynn
    2
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Places Visited

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    6
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    6
  3. loose51
    6
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    6
  5. burritoboy803
    5
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Visit a place in Columbia.

Recent Columbia Activity

  • daultonfarrell

    has been to Tunnelvision

    4 days ago
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    has been to Neverbust Chain

    4 days ago
  • bentrubin

    has been to Ra Obelisk

    3 days ago
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    has been to Tunnelvision

    2 days ago
  • lydiamuggle

    wants to go to Ra Obelisk

    2 days ago

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