Things To Do In Columbia, Missouri

Contents

Places to visit in Columbia, MO.

There are many great things to do in Columbia, Missouri. From art and history to nightlife, there’s something to please everyone. But, of course, the University of Missouri is one of the top attractions in the area. You can learn about the university’s history or tour the campus.

Best tourist attractions in Columbia, Missouri

Traveling to Columbia, you will find that the city is rich with various attractions visitors can enjoy. Some of these include parks, museums, and historic sites. In addition, there are many fun things to do in Columbia, Missouri, that are not as widely known.

Stephens Lake Park

Stephens Lake Park in Columbia, Missouri, is an ideal place to spend time with your family. It’s a great location to play sports, hike, or enjoy a relaxing picnic. The park also features several activities, such as a zoo, an outdoor amphitheater, and a lake for fishing and swimming.

This park is famous for many events, including concerts and festivals. The Stephens Lake Festival is held each May. The Stephens Lake Concert Series is held during the summer, and ice skating is possible in the winter. You can also enjoy the lake for fishing or sledding.

One of the best things about this park is that it offers various recreational activities, including walking, biking, and swimming. There are paved trails for both hiking and running. In addition, there are many tree collections and art sculptures.

Rock Bridge Memorial State Park

Rock Bridge Memorial State Park in Columbia, Missouri, is home to some unique geological features. The park boasts a rock bridge, caves, a natural tunnel, an underground stream, and various other exciting structures. For hiking enthusiasts, there are over 27 miles of trails to explore.

The park also offers a few shelters and picnic areas. Rock Bridge Mills Shelter is a nice open area with vault toilets and is suitable for up to 60 people. It can be rented for $30 per day. However, the shelter is not wheelchair accessible.

Another popular activity at the park is cross-country skiing. You can choose from eight different trails. The trail system is pretty new, and it’s been maintained. Aside from the main loop, the High Ridge Trail is a good choice. This 2.3-mile route follows a ridge and descends to Clear Creek.

Columbia Cosmopolitan Recreation Area

The Columbia Cosmopolitan Recreation Area is a multi-use sports and recreational facility in Columbia, Missouri. It’s one of two regional parks in the city. You’ll find an array of athletic facilities ranging from baseball and softball fields to a lighted sand volleyball court and a miniature golf course.

Places to go in Columbia, Missouri

The Columbia Cosmopolitan Recreation Area has several noteworthy attractions. One more interesting is the new bike park, which is slated to make up about 26 acres in the northeast corner of the park. In addition, the park boasts a large pond with fishing and swimming opportunities. As a bonus, the park also has a well-equipped fitness center.

For several reasons, it’s a popular destination for locals and tourists. First, while not a particularly large park, it has many amenities, including eight tennis courts, several soccer fields, and the requisite parking. Not to mention the dozens of pavilions for private and public use.

Finger Lakes State Park

Finger Lakes State Park is a 1,128-acre park located in Boone County near Columbia, Missouri. It is a popular recreation area for families and outdoor enthusiasts. This park has various activities, including hiking, fishing, camping, canoeing, and swimming.

The most popular activity at the park is off-road riding. There are 70 miles of trails, which include a motocross track. A three-mile mountain bike trail is also available.

Finger Lakes State Park Campground, Columbia, Missouri

Other activities at the park include metal detecting and fishing. In the winter months, a dog park is available. Dogs can swim in the lake but must be under the owner’s control.

The park has an ORV trail system that includes a 10-acre motocross track. In addition, there are more than a dozen miles of non-motorized trails, and you’ll find a large sand swimming beach.

David R. Francis Quadrangle Historic District

The David R. Francis Quadrangle is the center of the University of Missouri campus. A variety of red buildings surrounds it. Some buildings are older, while others were constructed in the late 1800s.

The Francis Quadrangle is a National Historic Landmark. It is considered the oldest part of the university. You will find many interesting buildings, including Jesse Hall and the University Concert Series building.

Jesse Hall and The Columns on the Francis Quadrangle

The University of Missouri’s main administration building is located on the south side of the quad. This building includes the registrar’s, admissions, financial aid, and administrative offices.

The University of Missouri’s prestigious concert series hosts international and Broadway concerts. They often feature speakers and performers. In addition, there are numerous festivals held throughout the year.