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Things To Do in Columbia, Missouri

nine local experts
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Is Columbia boring? Is it fun? How do people relax in their free time? From playing and watching live sports to listening to live music to volunteering, here's what nine local experts had to say about things to do in Columbia, Missouri.

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Downtown is alive with different art exhibits, stores and really good food. If you consider yourself a “Foodie” this is where you would want to be. Top spots to eat being Fly Over and Coley’s. There are many music events that are held downtown, at the historic Blue Note or out in the open at Rose Music Hall. Columbia maybe considered a small town but it has easy access to both Kansas City and St. Louis. The Arts are alive and well in Columbia and it shows everywhere you turn. This ranges from some exceptionally talented Tattoo artists to RagTag Cinema.

Patricia, says: 2020

Rock Bridge state park has walking trails, a natural rock bridge, and a cave you can enter and explore. These are well maintained trails and offer an escape from the everyday hustle. They offer a lot of informational demonstrations and even have spelunking tours. Columbia has many outdoor attractions that are budget friendly. Columbia is home to The University of Missouri but is also has many other colleges. Stevens College is an art college that Sheryl Crow and Brad Pitt attended.

Mizzou is the heart of Columbia. Though we are a college town, there is something for everyone here. Though most of the excitement is downtown, there is plenty of fun things, from mini-golf to festivals, in the outer parts of the city. One of the best things about Columbia is our celebration of diversity. We have many LGBTQIA+ friendly spaces and are very supportive of all of our minorities. No matter what it is you’re looking for, Columbia has something for everyone.

Vanessa, says: 2020

Theatre has a solid stage in Columbia. It is home to the True False Film festival that draws in people from all walks of the Earth. Columbia is home to the Roots, Blues and BBQ festival that is very popular for music and food lovers. It may be flyover country but there is a lot to see and do in Columbia, MO.

Melody, says: 2020

Columbia is known throughout the area as a “college town”, and as such has somewhat of a bad reputation. People typically think that the people from Columbia are a rowdy crowd and constantly cause trouble, but the truth is that it’s a large epicenter of many people, including but not limited to foreigners, tourists, and college students.

Heather, says: 2020

The City spends a lot of their expenditures to provide free parks for the community. They spare no expense as these parks are well maintained and beautiful places for families to reconnect with each other and nature. Stevens Lake Park has a lake complete with surrounding paved walking track, playground, splash pad, swim beach and several covered picnic areas. The grounds are adjacent to a hospital and this provides a welcoming area for exercise for lunch breaks for staff.

Darlene, says: 2020

Columbia is a college town in the heart of Missouri. This city of 108,000 people is home to the University of Missouri, Columbia College, Stephens College, and several other adjunct campuses, including Westminster and William Woods colleges. The city has a lively downtown district with unique restaurants and bars, one-of-a-kind specialty shops, a piano bar, and canvas painting classes for all ages. Despite the multitude of art and sporting events, parks and recreation opportunities, and shopping adventures, Columbia is still considered a “small town” by the people living there. Rush hour is hardly a rush, and weekends are leisurely. Neighbors wave to one another, and the mailman offers a smile as he moves on to the next box.

Columbia maintains connectedness through the parks systems, schools and downtown committee. There is a connection created with all populations. Efforts toward equality and fair treatment for all are everywhere you turn. Outreach groups are available for all whether it be for mental health, financial need, providing food and shelter or even a great group for fair treatment and adoption of animals. There is the Armory, FACES program and the Central Missouri Humane society. Most of Columbia is very pet friendly and allows them in most establishments downtown.

Columbia, Missouri, is home to the University of Missouri. A walk around campus will show such highlights as the Columns on the Quad, and Mort Walker’s statue of Beetle Bailey in his booth at “The Shack.” Nearby eateries include Shakespeare’s Pizza and Flat Branch Pub, both within walking distance of campus.

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