What exactly is it about Columbia that makes visitors come back again and again? Is it because, as one travel writer quipped, Columbia is "fun, funky and surprisingly sophisticated?" Maybe The District's exciting mix of unique restaurants, specialty stores, galleries, and coffee shops has something to do with it. Could it be our fantastic festivals? The Twilight Festivals in June and September bring thousands of people to The District for food, fun and entertainment. Art in the Park and the Fall Festival of the Arts are also a big hit. They showcase the work of local, regional and national artists. And who can forget the Blind Boone Ragtime & Early Jazz Festival, honoring one of Columbia's most renowned citizens, John William "Blind" Boone? Or the Heritage Festival, featuring exhibits honoring Lewis & Clark's legacy. When visitors do come back, they often return on two wheels instead of four! The beautiful MKT trail, starting at 4th & Cherry connects to the state's 225-mile long Katy Trail State Park and attracts folks from all over the world.
Things to do in Columbia
Antiques on Wednesday
Two show dealers in a part-time shop; quality American paintings from 1850-1935; early American furniture featured from 1780-1910. China, crockery, textiles, mirrors, lamps; hours are Wednesday and most Saturday 10am - 5pm or by appointment; open year round. Best Western lodging is nearby. Call 573-449-4493 for more information.
11 South 9th Street, Columbia, MO
B. Caldwell Book Seller
General stock of scarce, used and rare books. You will find over 10,000 old books, children's, military, history, art, Missouri classics and fiction. Hours of operation are Wednesday - Saturday 10am - 5pm and most Sundays. Best Western lodging is nearby. Call 573-698-2665 for more information.
Third & Clark, Columbia, MO
Columbia Art League Gallery
Exhibition and sales gallery with rotating exhibits featuring visual artists from the region. Open year-round; admission is free. Best Western lodging is nearby. Call 573-443-8838 for more information.
111 S Ninth Street, Columbia, MO
Columbia Entertainment Company
Local talent of all ages join to form this dynamic theatrical troupe offering musical and dramatic performances all year long. You will also find a school for dramatic arts for both children and adults and a nationally renowned playwriting contest in children's theater; open all year. Best Western lodging is nearby. Call 573-474-3699 for more information.
1800 Nelwood Drive, Columbia, MO
Cosmopolitan Recreation Area
This is a 533-acre park that includes a large playground, skateboard park, Rainbow Softball Center, mountain bike course, shelters, hard surface fitness trail. Sport fields and much more. Best Western lodging is nearby. Call 573-874-7460 for more information.
1615 Business Loop70 West, Columbia, MO
Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area
This restored wetland offers hiking, hunting, fishing and bird watching. Open year round with no admission fees. Call 573-445-3882 for more information.
Route K, Columbia, MO
Finger Lakes State Park
Reclaimed strip mine area is one of two state parks where off-road motorcycling is allowed. There are more than 70-miles of trails and a motor cross track. Seven strip pits for swimming, canoeing and fishing are in the park. Open year-round; free admission; fees for riding; located 10 miles north of Columbia off U.S. 63. Call 573-443-5315 for more information.
Hearnes Center
Award-winning musical entertainment like Destiny's Child, Kenny Chesney, or Sara Evans and family shows like the Harlem Globetrotters or Sesame Street Live fill the Hearnes Center throughout the year. Call 800-CAT-PAWS for more information.
600 Stadium Boulevard, Columbia, MO
Ice Chalet Antique Mall
200 dealers featuring antiques, collectibles and primitives. Open Monday - Saturday 10am - 7pm; Sunday 11am - 6pm. Open year round Call 573-442-6893 for more information.
3411 Old 63 South, Columbia, MO
Jewell Cemetery State Historic Site
This is the burial site of Governor Charles Henry Hardin, who served 1875-76, and educator William Jewell. Open year-round; no admission charged; located S. of Columbia off Hwy 163. Call 573-449-7402 for more information.
Legacy Art & Book Works
This contemporary gallery features sculptural and wall works by local and regional professional artists. It is the largest gallery of fine art in mid-Missouri. Open year-round Call 800-776-4924 for more information.
1010 E. Broadway, Columbia, MO
Maplewood Barn Theater
Outdoor evening performances are offered in a converted amphitheater that provides superb drama in a relaxed atmosphere. Bring blankets or lawn chairs for theater under the stars. Performances are held at 8pm every Thursday & Sunday from Memorial Day - Labor Day. Call 573-449-7517 for more information.
Nifong Blvd., Columbia, MO
Martin Luther King Memorial Garden
This area is a public work of art with Dr. King's writings, landscaped gardens and a gathering place nest to the MKT trail. Open year round Call 573-874-7460 for more information.
800 S. Stadium Blvd., Columbia, MO
Mid-Missouri Mavericks
This is minor league baseball that is fun, affordable, family entertainment. Call 573-256-4004 for more information.
810 E. Walnut, Columbia, MO
Missouri River City Antique Mall
River City Antique Mall is a two-level, 10,000 square feet mall established in 1987. The lower level includes the Gregory House of Antiques and Home Accessories. Open year round Call 573-698-2116 for more information.
420 Roby Farm Road, Columbia, MO
Missouri Theatre
This 1928 vaudeville/movie house is now a performing arts center and home of the Missouri Symphony Society. Listed on National Register of Historic Places it is open year-round Call 573-875-0600 for more information.
203 S. 9th Street, Columbia, MO
MKT Nature / Fitness Trail
This is an 8.9-mile walking/biking trail. It is a spur of the Katy Trail State Park Trail with the trailhead in downtown Columbia. Open year round with no admission fees. Call 573-874-7460 for more information.
800 S. Stadium Blvd, Columbia, MO
Museum of Art and Archeology, University of Missouri
The museum galleries found here display art and artifacts from six continents and five millennia. Open year-round; no admission charged; Call 573-882-3591 for more information.
1 Pickard Hall, Columbia, MO
Rock Bridge Memorial State Park
The Devil's Icebox Cave, natural rock bridge and numerous sinkholes are part of this Park's large limestone cave system dating back thousands of years. The Park also has picnic sites and hiking and mountain biking trails. Open year-round; admission is free; located 7 miles south of Columbia off U.S. 63. Call 573-449-7402 for more information.
Shelter Insurance Gardens
The Shelter Gardens offer visitors a refreshing tour through the winding paths that feature ponds and more than 15,000 annuals and perennial flowers. Open year round except during inclement weather. No admission is charged Call 573-445-8441 for more information.
1817 W. Broadway, Columbia, MO
State Historical Society of Missouri
Reference and newspaper libraries, historical manuscripts, photos, maps and genealogical materials can all be found here. The art gallery features work by Missourians and is open year-round; admission is free Call 573-882-7083 for more information.
1020 Lowry Street, Columbia, MO
The Blue Note
The Blue Note is known as one of mid-Missouri's finest live entertainment venues. Located in a restored vaudeville theater, The Blue Note has entertained crowds with many well-known musical artists in blues, reggae, alternative/college rock and folk music for over 15 years. In addition, The Blue Note offers dance parties every Wednesday & Saturday night. Call 573-874-1944 for more information.
17 N 9th Street, Columbia, MO
Twin Lakes Recreation Area
At this recreation area you will find a 6.5-acre swimming lake with sandy beaches, a 26-acre fishing / boating lake, kiddie water park and shelter. Open May - August with admission charged. Call 573-874-7460 for more information.
2500 Chapel Hill Road, Columbia, MO
University of Missouri - Intercollegiate Athletics
Miszzou is home to the Tigers!! Catch collegiate athletics at it finest in 20 Big 12 sports. Season runs from August - May; prices vary by sporting event; located at Hearnes Center on the MU Campus. Call 800-CAT-PAWS for more information.
University of Missouri - Museum of Anthropology
This permanent exhibition gallery focuses on Native American cultures from across North America and Missouri history from 11,200 years ago to the present. Open year-round; admission is free Call 573-882-3573 for more information.
100 Swallow Hall, Columbia, MO
University of Missouri at Columbia
When visiting any of the attractions on the University of Missouri campus, please call for more information. We are open year round Call 573-882-6333 for more information.
123H Reynolds Alumni & Visitor Center, Columbia, MO
Walk-About Acres
This is a small working farm with various animals, working greenhouses, apiary and store. Open April 1 - November 1; Call 573-474-8837 for more information.
6800 N. Kircher Road, Columbia, MO
Walters-Boone County Historical Museum
Our historical museum and art gallery is located in beautiful Nifong Park. The museum celebrates the unique cultural heritage of mid-Missouri with exhibits and programs. Open year-round Call 573-443-8936 for more information.
3801 Ponderosa Street, Columbia, MO