Columbia, Missouri is a well-known Midwest college town and home to the University of Missouri-Columbia and its famed Mizzou Tigers football team. The city was first incorporated in the spring of 1821 and saw its first hospital built in 1822. The town continued to grow steadily, and by 1839, Columbia had a population of 13,000. As of the 2020 census, the population was approximately 125,852. It was considered one of Missouri's fastest-growing cities at that time.
Columbia is highly regarded for its thriving arts scene and many cultural attractions. If you enjoy public art and live performances, you could get tickets for a concert at The Blue Note, stop by the independent Ragtag Cinema to watch a unique film, catch a performance by the Missouri Symphony Society, or browse the nonprofit Columbia Art League gallery. No matter what you decide to do in Columbia, make sure to end your day at Shakespeare's Pizza. This famous pizza joint has three locations and is a favorite hangout spot for the area's college students.
Another reason to visit Columbia is to enjoy the city's green spaces. Check out Devil's Icebox at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, a cave at the bottom of a long staircase that's magical and cold! Sometimes the park offers Wild Cave Tours for those who want to explore the park's cave system with a guide. If you like to fish, check out Stephens Lake Park. If you're in the mood for quiet reflection, spend time at a Vietnam memorial at Shelter Gardens and the site's reflecting pool and waterfall.
Campgrounds Near Columbia, Missouri
Cottonwoods RV Park has 97 RV sites that accommodate campers who want back-in and pull-through options. The campground offers full hookups and 30/50 amp service. Those who work on the road or don't want to be out of the loop enjoy this RV park because it has a strong cell signal and Wi-Fi. The campground also has a pool, showers, a camp store, and propane. If you travel with your pets, you'll be happy to know that this campground is considered pet-friendly.
Scenic 63 Motel & RV Park is located on US Hwy 63 in Vienna, Missouri. People enjoy this campground because its daily rate of $25 a night includes full hookups and 30/50 amp service. However, the park is small, with only 16 back-in and pull-through RV sites. If you plan to stay here, advanced reservations are recommended. This campground fills up fast during the warmer months because it offers float tours and canoe rentals along the Gasconade River.
Shorewood Landing Park is a campground with two gas docks and a no-wave shoreline. RVers like this park because it's in a quiet remote location and has free Wi-Fi. The daily rates are $35 a night, and there are 52 RV sites with full hookups, 30/50 amp service, and strong cell signals. However, it's important to note that the sites are back-in only.
State Parks Near Columbia, Missouri
Ha Ha Tonka State Park is 90 miles south of Columbia, making it a good choice for a day trip. Located in Camdenton, Missouri, this state park is known for its caves, natural bridge, cool blue springs, and sinkholes. It's also known for its stone castle ruins on a bluff overlooking the Niangua River. The castle was initially built in the 1920s as a private residence, but after the stock market crash of 1929, it was sold and turned into a hotel. In 1942, the castle caught fire and was never rebuilt. The state park system bought the castle in the 1970s, and it is now an iconic part of Ha Ha Tonka State Park.
Babler Memorial State Park is located about 105 miles west of Columbia in suburban St. Louis County. The park was named after a local surgeon, Dr. Edmund A. Babler, and a stately bronze statue of his likeness was erected for the park. You can enjoy several outdoor activities at Babler Memorial State Park, such as mountain biking and hiking. If you need inspiration, there is a visitor's center with plenty of information about the park and its current activities.
Don Robinson State Park is located near Cedar Hill, Missouri, about 115 miles southwest of Columbia. Visitors come to Don Robinson State Park for its glades, caves, and box canyons. A popular hiking trail in the park is the Sandstone Canyon Trail. If you plan to come on the weekends, especially during the summer, arrive early to beat the crowds and find a parking spot.
National Sites Near Columbia, Missouri
The Ozark National Riverways was created in 1964 as an act of Congress to protect the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers. This area of Missouri includes over 100 historic sites, 300 caves, and countless trail systems. Some popular sightseeing adventures include hiking the trail at the Alley Mill in Eminence, Missouri, the Chubb Hollow Trail in Buren, and the Cave Spring Trail in Salem. These trails are less than 5 miles each and offer spectacular views of The Ozark National Riverways area.
The Harry S. Truman National Historic Site is located in Jackson County, Missouri. This popular tourist attraction pays homage to the former United States president. At the historic site, you will have access to the Truman Home and the Truman Farm Home. You will also be able to explore the Noland Home and the George Frank Wallace Home. In addition, you can also view more than 50,00 artifacts from the Truman family, although some are only loosely related to them. The area was designated as a historic site in 1983, and the National Park Service estimates that nearly 31,000 visitors explore the grounds yearly.
The Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site is located in St. Louis, Missouri and includes numerous museums and historic buildings to tour and learn more about this former president. There is the White Haven home, which was Grant's wife Julia Dents' home. President Grant lived here with her for approximately five years. The house has remained mostly unchanged since the 1860s. If you would like to see the home's interior, sign up for a ranger-guided tour. Complete your day at the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site with a visit to adjacent Grant's Farm, a free wild animal park on the grounds.
National Forests Near Columbia, Missouri
The Shawnee National Forest is a hidden gem located in southern Illinois, about 190 miles from Columbia. While the national forest has numerous hiking trails, the most popular is The Garden of the Gods wilderness trail system. The trail is 16.9 miles long and weaves through forests, rocky cliffs with stunning views, and canyons. The trail system is rated easy to difficult, but there are plenty of ways to make this trail fit your fitness level. Before you leave, check out the Little Grand Canyon Trail, a three-mile walk that takes you past unique wild rock formations and waterfalls.
The Mark Twain National Forest is in southern Missouri. It's an expansive national forest that consists of over 3 million acres. However, the forest isn't connected. It's split up throughout the state's southern half and includes public and private lands. When you visit this national forest, you're in the heart of the Missouri Ozarks. Hike the Taum Sauk Trail near Ironton, Missouri or explore the Council Bluff Lake Trail that takes you through 11 miles of natural wildlife habitats.
The Ozark and St. Francis National Forests are two other options south of Columbia, Missouri. They feature scenic drives, spectacular hiking opportunities, and Mississippi River access. If you want to leave the comfort of your RV for a few days and strap on a backcountry backpack, check out the Huckleberry Mountain Trail. This trail is 18.3 miles long, with some parts quite remote. The trail passes through several campgrounds, including Sorghum Hollow Horse Camp, The Huckleberry Camp, and Quarry Camp.
