I love Columbia, Missouri.  That’s saying a lot because I grew up in Kansas, and there is purportedly a “Border War” still in effect.   I ultimately came to love Columbia so much that back in 2017, I even wrote a song about Columbia.  Yet, after eight years here, we’ve decided to hit the road full-time in our RV.  Before leaving, we wanted to share our thoughts on the city for those traveling to mid-Missouri.

About Columbia:

With three institutions of higher education (the University of Missouri, Columbia College, and Stephens College), Columbia, Missouri is a true college town.   Located about half-way between Kansas City and St. Louis, the city cheers for both the Chiefs and the Cardinals.  Of course, the University of Missouri Tigers reign supreme to most folks in the area.  Many people call it Mizzou, and if someone says “MIZ,” then you better respond “ZOU!” Likewise, get used to the locals refering to the city as “CoMo.”

Columbia is a blue town in a red state – about thirty minutes from the state capital, Jefferson City (the locals call is “Jeff”).   The population hovers around 130,000 residents, but the students add 40,000+ each year.  In addition to higher education, the city is often marketed as a “medical destination” because of the numerous heath care options.   

Our Pick of Things to Do in Columbia:

#1: Visit Shelter Gardens

Columbia, Missouri is home to the Shelter Insurance Company.  While I’m sure their rates and coverage are competitive, the best part about the company is the FREE five-acre public garden that sits just by the company.  We visited the garden several times each month, and were always excited to see the what was in bloom.  The plantings are all labeled so it’s a great place for experienced gardeners to get ideas.  The gardens include a replica one-room school house, small pond filled with fish, and several photo-worthy spots.   During the summer, Shelter Gardens hosts free concerts for the community, and the company recently started a winter light display. 

#2: Walk the Francis Quad and See the Columns

After a fire destroyed the University of Missouri’s Academic callin the 1890s, only six Ionic-style columns on Francis Quadrangle remained.  They have since become THE symbol of Columbia.   Just a few blocks north are four compliementary doric-style columns near the town’s governmental buildings.  Together, these form the “Avenue of the Columns.” If you really want to impress your friends on Instagram, be sure and check out BOTH sets of columns.  

The University of Missouri has one of the most beautiful campuses I’ve ever visited.  That is part thanks to former Chancellor Barbara Uehling’s early 1980s vision to unify and beautify the campus.  The Francis Quadrangle (where the columns are located) is a gardener’s delight, but the entire campus is equally beautiful in my opinion. 

#3: Stroll around The District

Columbia boasts a vibrant downtown, with a mixture of one-of-a-kind retail shops, music venues, restaurants, bars, breweries, coffee shops, and even some used bookstores.  Yes, bookstores still exist! Known as “The District,” downtown is one of my favorite parts of the city. The three universities are just blocks away from downtown so parking can be challenging at times.    

#4: Cool Down at Trop’s or Sparky’s

If you are visiting Columbia in the summer, make a stop at Trop's or Sparky's.   Tropical Liqueurs serves up all sorts of alcoholic concoctions in slushies served in Styrofoam cups.  I’m a fan of the Tiger Paw (peach schnapps, bacardi 151 rum, pineapple juice, & orange juice), but there’s an assortment of alcohol and mixers combinations to choose from.

Likewise, Sparky’s gets a big thumbs up when it comes to homemade ice cream!  Named after the owner’s dog, Sparky’s has become a local favorite since.  And talk about flavors!  We are partial to the Oatmeal Crème pie, but we’ll scream for any ice cream!

#5: Bike the MKT or One of Its Spurs

 A mature multi-use trail system connects much of the city to the downtown area.  The MKT is a 10-foot wide trail build on the old MKT (Missouri-Kansas-Texas) railroad.  The trail starts in downtown Flat Branch Park and goes about 9 miles southwest to connect up to the 200+-mile Katy Trail at the Hindman Junction near a small town called McBaine.  There are several spurs off the MKT.  A popular destination is the Twin Lakes Recreation Area.   But my favorite is probably the University of Recreation Trail – where riders travel to experimental plots of soybeans and other plants cultivated at the University – right smack-dab in the middle of town.   

#6: Sample Some Craft Beer at one of the Local Breweries

Columbia boats four craft breweries.  You won’t go wrong with visiting any of them.

Flat Branch Pub and Brewing is the oldest of the breweries (since 1994) and has the best patio around. The Green Chili beer is fun to try, but I recommend just a sample, rather than a pint.  Our favorites are their occasional summer beers – the thick strawberry or blueberry lagers.   There’s a full menu too so check out the pretzels (pro tip: order two cheeses) and the siracha wings.

Broadway Brewery opened around 2008 and also has a full food menu. Nearly all of the food is locally sourced, and our favorites are the morel dishes they serve in the springtime.  In recent years, the brewery has gotten better at experimenting with different beers, but our favorites remain the 11-Point IPA and the Honey Wheat. 

We first went to Logboat Brewing when it was celebrating its one-year anniversary in 2013.  The interior space is on the small side, but there is plenty of space outside to enjoy a few beers, listen to live music, and play a yard game.  Be sure and check out the amazing can art – most of which is created by Mike Wolf.   The beer names are just as good too.  Who doesn’t want to try the Patrick Swayzon saison or the the Lei-a-Berliner? (Ans: probably George Lucus.)   I love the Snapper IPA, but at 7.2% ABV, I can usually have just one!  

Bur Oak Beer is located about 10 minutes from downtown, but it is worth the drive.  It’s my favorite brewery in the area so we’ve spent a lot of time there.  The indoor space is huge so it is a good place to go on a rainy day.  A black cat name Clyde has his run of the place, as well as a creme ale named in his honor. A case of beer will run you just $26 – which is a bargain when it comes to craft beer.  Check out the Cooper’s Landing IPA.

Tip: Stay at Cottonwoods RV Park

To test the waters when we bought our first RV, we stayed at Cottonwoods RV Park, and you can read all about our stay in our blog titled Our Second First Camping Trip.  A such it seemed fitting to end our time in Columbia Missouri at a stay there as well.  Check out our video for more details.