Columbus Air Force Base is an active United States Air Force base in Lowndes County, Mississippi. It is about 8 miles north of downtown Columbus, off U.S. Highway 45 North. This guide covers directions, entry rules, lodging, services, schools, medical care, and recreation.

Base Overview

Official name Columbus Air Force Base
Military branch United States Air Force
Base status Active
Main phone number 662-434-3161
Visitor Center phone 662-434-7133
Official website Columbus Air Force Base official website

Location and Directions

Columbus Air Force Base is off U.S. Highway 45 North, about 8 miles north of downtown Columbus. The Main Gate turnoff is marked from the highway and is open 24 hours a day. The South Gate, at the end of Highway 373, is closed until further notice. Golden Triangle Regional Airport is the nearest commercial airport, about 25 miles west of the base. No commercial flights use Columbus Air Force Base, and the base has no general transportation service.

Visitor Information

Visitors should start at the Visitor and Welcome Center in Building 99 on Highway 786. It is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is closed on weekends and federal holidays. Call 662-434-7133 or 662-434-3161 before traveling. Visitors need a REAL ID Act-compliant U.S. identification card or a U.S. passport, plus a driver's license, vehicle insurance, registration, and the sponsor's phone number. Sponsors may need to escort guests, and Trusted Traveler access may be in effect, so confirm current rules before arrival.

Housing and Lodging

Service Contact Details
Magnolia Inn 662-434-2548 179 Webb Street, Building 956; open daily, 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Housing office 662-434-3474 Contact before arrival about housing priorities.

Visitor quarters at Magnolia Inn remain open while lodging facilities undergo renovations. Ask the lodging office about pet-friendly rooms and reservations with children. After-hours arrivals for incoming personnel are directed to Magnolia Inn.

Facilities and Services

The base has an Exchange, commissary, fitness center, DEERS and ID card processing, Outdoor Recreation, Information, Tickets and Travel, bowling center, Arts and Crafts Center, and FamCamp. The Military and Family Readiness Center is in Building 1114 and can be reached at 662-434-2790. It is open Monday through Wednesday and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to noon.

Schools and Childcare

The Child Development Center is in Building 940 and is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Call 662-434-2479. The School Liaison Office is in Building 730 and helps with school questions and enrollment guidance. It is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; call 662-434-2792. Confirm school assignments and enrollment details with that office.

Medical Services

Medical contact Information
Facility Columbus Medical Group
Address 201 Independence Drive, Building 1100, Columbus Air Force Base, MS 39710-5300
Main phone 662-434-2273
Patient advocate 662-434-3033
Clinic hours Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.; first Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; closed the third Thursday each month

The installation provides outpatient medical services and urgent-care guidance. Call 911 for a life-threatening emergency.

Recreation and Amenities

The Fitness Center is in Building 704. It is open Monday through Friday from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., with 24/7 access available by request. Outdoor Recreation is in Building 152 and is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It offers camper, watercraft, camping gear, and outdoor range activity rentals.

Other confirmed amenities include a bowling center, library, Arts and Crafts Center, FamCamp, Information, Tickets and Travel Office, Youth Center, Event Center, and base dining and coffee services. The library is in Building 715 and can be reached at 662-434-2934.

Things to Know

  • Use the Main Gate because the South Gate is closed until further notice.
  • Call ahead about visitor identification, sponsorship, escort rules, and Trusted Traveler access.
  • There is no commercial passenger service or general public transportation at the base.
  • Incoming personnel arriving after hours should report to Magnolia Inn.
  • Gate access, office hours, and other operating details can change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Columbus Air Force Base active?

Yes. Columbus Air Force Base is an active United States Air Force installation.

Which gate should visitors use?

Visitors should use the Main Gate unless current installation instructions say otherwise. The South Gate is closed until further notice.

Where is the Visitor and Welcome Center?

It is in Building 99 on Highway 786. The phone number is 662-434-7133.

Where can incoming personnel stay?

Magnolia Inn provides temporary lodging and is the after-hours arrival point. Call 662-434-2548.

Does the base have medical care?

Yes. Columbus Medical Group provides outpatient medical services and urgent-care guidance. Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies.