There’s plenty of college town to go around in Columbia. Home to the legendary University of Missouri, this city maintains a small town feel and the energy of a progressive, growing metropolis. Between the university campus, the downtown District, and the expansive nature preserves, Columbia has no shortage of things to do. If you’re in town for a game, a new student, or a lucky Missouri resident looking for a fun afternoon, check out these fantastic things to do in Columbia, MO.
Columbia has a little something for everyone. The heart of the city, the District, is full of food and shopping fun. The surrounding nature preserves offer adventure for city dwellers looking for a fresh air escape.
The best things to do near Columbia include:
Spelunking in Connor’s Cave
Exploring the Mizzou Botanic Garden on campus
Off-roading or mountain biking at Finger Lakes State Park
Learning about cultures at the Museum of Art and Archaeology
The Francis Quadrangle, commonly called “The Quad,” is the historic center of the Mizzou campus. The Quad is bisected by six iconic pillars and lined by a number of halls and buildings that together create a National Historic District.
Popular attractions near Columbia include:
The charming Maplewood Farm at Nifong Nature Park
Picturesque Greek columns in front of Jesse Hall
Vibrant green Francis Quadrangle on the University of Missouri’s campus
The sensory plot for the visually impaired at Shelter Gardens
Columbia is no stranger to art, ensuring there’s always something new to see. June brings around the annual Art in the Park festival at Stephan Lake Park. Be sure to stop by the kiosks run by local artists and drop the kids off at the Kids Art Spot.
Check out these other exciting activities in Columbia:
Watch a movie at the Goodrich Forum 8 movie theater
Sign up for a fitness class at Activity & Recreation Center
BBQ at the Twin Lakes Recreation Area
Picnic at the Grindstone Nature Area with your pooch
Demolish high scores on the arcade games at Bonkers
The District is Columbia’s downtown area centrally located to the entire city and surrounded by three colleges, ensuring that there’s plenty to do when the sun goes down. True to the “shop local at CoMo” vibe, the district is full of locally owned restaurants, shops, and galleries.
Looking for nighttime activities in Columbia? Check out:
Empire Roller Rink’s nightly public sessions
The Blue Note concert venue to see touring artists
Mizzou After Dark, MU’s number one activity hub for students
G & D Steakhouse for a quick bite for dinner
The Missouri Symphony concert series, Hot Summer Nights
Mizzou is just the start of the spectator sports in Columbia. Show-Me State Games is an Olympics style competition for kids of all ages to compete in a variety of sports. Bring your sporty youngster to watch games like soccer, pickleball, mountain biking, and track and field.
Family-friendly things to do in Columbia include:
A trampoline lover’s dream at Sky Zone Columbia
An expansive splash park at Albert Oakland Park
More swimming at the Albert-Oakland Family Aquatic Center
Bumper cars, bowling, and laser tag at Lazer Lanes
Chocolate covered Strawberries and The Candy Factory
Done with the sun? Move the city exploration to indoor areas. The University of Missouri’s Museum of Art and Archeology is free to the public. Located in Mizzou North, the museum holds both permanent galleries and changing exhibits, with an emphasis on Greek and Roman Art.
Thanks to its many state parks, Columbia is a natural fit for people looking for outdoor activities. Spend some time at Audubon Columbia Nature Sanctuary, Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, and the Grindstone Nature Area.
Here’s some of the top outdoor activities in Columbia:
Cliff and bluff climbing at Capen Park
Hunting deer and rabbit at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area
Escape the corn maze at Skyrock Callaway Farms
Play a round at Perch Creek Golf Club
Picnic at the Grindstone Nature Area with your pooch
