The Columbia-Jefferson City region is in Central Missouri. In the precolonial era, the Mound People inhabited present-day Columbia-Jefferson City. When the colonists arrived, the Osage Indians occupied the area. France claimed the region in 1682 after a successful exploration by LaSalle. A mine was opened nearby in 1715, leading to an increase in the population. Consequently, settlements started developing in the area.
The Spaniards constructed a highway, U.S. Route 51, from New Madrid, Missouri to St. Louis in the 1780s to increase access and networking with other colonial areas. In the 1800s, Daniel Boone constructed Boone’s Lick Trail, which is present-day Interstate Highway 70. Ensure you drive along the highway when you visit Columbia-Jefferson City.
You will want to visit the Missouri State Capitol along West Capitol Avenue in Jefferson City. The capitol building was moved to Jefferson because of its central position in the state. Before its construction, the St. Charles building functioned as the capital from 1821 and 1826. Tour St. Charles to see where the first Missouri legislature made laws for five years.
People in other towns opposed the move and wanted the legislature building moved to another location. Consequently, Governor John Miller approved the construction of a state penitentiary in the city to fortify its position as a capital city. Visit the Missouri State Penitentiary, which is now a museum, to learn more about it and the history of the Columbia-Jefferson City area. You will also want to visit the numerous restaurants and wineries in this region.
Dam Blues Festival – Have fun at this upcoming two-day event in August, which is in Lake Ozark 45 minutes southwest of Jefferson City. It is jam-packed with music and lots of fun.
Battle of the Brews – If you're in town in July, head to this yearly event held at the Capital Region MU Healthcare Amphitheater to sample beer from local breweries and vote for the best. There also are food trucks, a cornhole tournament, live music, and raffle prizes.
Lake Ozark Music Festival – Add some thrill to your summer holiday by attending this upcoming music event in October. Held at the Lake Ozark Speedway, it will feature many artists.
Only two hours east of Jefferson City, Gateway Arch National Park is the closest national park to Columbia-Jefferson City. Take a four-minute tram ride to the top of the longest monument in the United States, the Gateway Arch, to get a picturesque view of the surrounding area. Climb the Grand Staircase on the western part of the park to see the Mississippi River. This park is an excellent place to go hiking on the St. Louis Riverfront Trail.
Hot Springs National Park is in Arkansas six hours and 48 minutes southwest of Jefferson City. You will love soaking in the thermal baths. You will want to find your way to one of the mountain towers in the park to get a panoramic view of the park and its neighborhood. Spend a night or two camping at the Hot Springs National Park Campground.
Mammoth Cave National Park is in Kentucky seven hours southeast of Columbia. You will want to explore portions of Mammoth Cave covering more than 400 miles. You can challenge yourself by hiking the Big Hollow North and South Loops or the Sunset Point Trail. This park is ideal for boating, canoeing, and kayaking in the Green and Nolin Rivers.
Ha Ha Tonka State Park in Camdenton, which is an hour southwest of Jefferson City, has many features to explore, including caves and a big stream. You will want to climb the peaks to see beautiful views of Ha Ha Tonka Spring and Lake of the Ozarks. This park is a great site to hike, so bring your hiking shoes.
Babler Memorial State Park in Wildwood, an hour and 37 minutes southeast of Columbia, commemorates the life and accomplishments of a surgeon called Edmund A. Babler. Ensure you see the bronze statue of Dr. Babler when you visit. This park offers various outdoor activities, such as picnicking, horseback riding, and mountain biking.
An hour and 50 minutes southeast of Jefferson City, Don Robinson State Park provides you an excellent opportunity to explore a charming landscape. You can picnic, watch birds or hike in this park. Carry a camera to take photos of the stunning views.
Make time to visit some of Missouri's landmarks while on your trip. Drive to Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, two and a half hours southwest of Jefferson City. This is where the first significant fight of the Civil War occurred and also where the first general of the Union died in action.
Two hours west of Columbia, the National WWI Museum and Memorial, also known as Liberty Memorial, honors all the people who served in the First World War. It also signifies courage, honor, sacrifice, and patriotism. It was opened in 1926 but became a national landmark in 2006.
Truman Home, an hour and 53 minutes west of Columbia, is where the 33rd president of the United States, Harry S. Truman, lived. The entire home is a national historic landmark and is under the supervision of the National Park Service. Book a tour of this landmark.
Cottonwoods RV Park is a reputable, pet-friendly park featuring a clubhouse.
If you love fishing, drive to Riverview RV Park in Lake Ozark, which has a fishing pond and provides passage to the Osage River.
An hour and 25 minutes southeast of Jefferson City is Candy Cane RV Park & Campground. Here, you can take advantage of large full-hookup sites, a shower house, a swimming pool, horseshoe pits, and basketball and volleyball courts.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Columbia Jefferson City, MO, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Columbia Jefferson City?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Columbia Jefferson City from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Columbia Jefferson City?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.