About the Area

Columbia, South Carolina, the heart of the South that combines all the graces of a rich past with the vibrance of emerging new business. Columbia is a center for military, academic, government and commerce for the Palmetto State. With over 200 years of history, beautiful Lake Murray, The University of South Carolina, and the Army’s largest training base, tourists and meeting planners come from miles around to share in the splendor of Columbia’s past and down-home Southern charm!The Greater Columbia area, also known as the Midlands, is comprised of Richland and Lexington counties. Home of the state capital, Columbia is located in the geographic center of the state. All of South Carolina can be reached in just a three hour drive. Columbia is the perfect place to call home.Columbia is home of Riverbanks Zoo & Botanical Garden, named one of the top 10 zoological parks in the nation; the South Carolina State Museum, a comprehensive look at all South Carolina was, is and can be; lovely antebellum homes and historic churches; beautiful Lake Murray, a 50,000-acre water playground; and the list goes on.
Although initially constructed in the 1930′s as a hydro- electric generating facility, Lake Murray has become a major recreation destination in central South Carolina. Bordering Lexington, Chapin and Irmo, and only a short drive from Columbia, Lake Murray is enjoyed by thousands of people every week.There’s plenty of room for everyone! At 41 miles long and 14 miles wide at its widest point, Lake Murray covers an area of 78 square miles with 649 miles of shoreline.With dozens of Lake Murray marinas,boat landings and ramps, it is easy to find a place to put your boat into the water. Don’t have a boat? There’s plenty of places to buy one, or evenrent one for a few hours or a few days! You don’t need a boat, however, to enjoy Lake Murray! There are several parks and recreation areas where you and your children can spend the day swimming and sun bathing – or join with family and friends for a fun cook-out. Not only is Lake Murray a skiing, boating and swimming paradise, it also has some of the best fishing in the nation and is the site of numerous local, SC and national fishing tournaments held each year! Whether you are a professional or just enjoy a relaxing evening dipping a line into the water, you will enjoy Lake Murray! Be sure to visit The SC DNR “Where the Fish Are” page, updated weekly – or have one of the Lake Murray fishing guides show you the best spots! We also have a listing of all the tackle and bait shops.