Columbia

See

• Also on campus, close to the Quad, is the Ellis Library, which houses the State Historical Society of Missouri.
• The interesting and unique architecture of the Columbia Public Library, located just west of downtown at the corner of Broadway and Garth Avenue, is a sight to see. While you're there, enjoy a good book and a cup of coffee from the coffee bar located in the lobby.
• The Shelter Insurance Garden is located off of Ash Street, just before Stadium Boulevard. The gardens feature many different types of plants and flowers, along with beautiful sculptures, ponds, and a historic schoolhouse (circa 1800s).

Do

• Katy Trail State Park is a great outdoor resource for bikers and joggers. The MKT Nature and Fitness Trail starts in downtown Columbia (accessible near Providence and Locust and at Providence and Stewart). It stretches about 9 mi from downtown Columbia to McBaine. There the MKT connects to Katy Trail State Park, which travels across Missouri from St. Charles to Clinton following old railway lines. Several of Columbia's parks also connect to the MKT, including Flat Branch Park, Forum Nature area, and Hinkson Woods Natural History Area. There are plans to use federal grant money to extend this trail system further.
• Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, 7 mi south of Columbia, offers outdoor activities including hiking, mountain biking, caving and so on. Devil's icebox in the park is a great getaway during the hot summer days. A short walk will take you to the mouth of the cave and the chilled air will cool you off.
• Finger Lakes State Park.
• Ragtag Cinema is an unusual fusion of a high-minded arthouse cinema with a playful, lively beer hall. Showing the best national, international, and locally created films.
• Jewell Cemetery State Historic Site.
• Those interested in rock climbing will want to check out Capen Park. Capen park is well-visited by the local climbing community. Capen Park is located near the intersection of College and Stadium for those arriving by car, but may be accessed via Columbia's trails for those who choose to walk, jog, or bike.
• The Blue Note historic theater, located on North 9th street in the downtown area. This is a small theater that accommodates around 800 people. This venue always features top new music acts. Regardless what type of music you like, it features acts from country, ska, rock, alternative, indie, metal, comedy, hip hop, blues, etc. Some top acts that have visited the Blue Note include 311, Megadeth, Snoop Dog, Blues Traveler, Public Enemy, Ice T, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Soulja Boy, and Yung Gravy. It also showcases local favorites like Gravity Kills, The Urge, and Post Sex Nachos. Enjoy the dance floor and drinks from the extensive bar. Minors are also welcome, however some shows have a small surcharge.

Events & festivals

• True/False Film Festival occurs during the last weekend of February; it is a documentary film festival showcasing local, regional and international films.
• Summerfest shows

Buy

• Downtown Columbia is a major area for shopping and restaurants. Downtown Columbia, sometimes referred to as "The District" is centered on the corner of Broadway and Ninth Street, and extends for several blocks in each direction. Locally owned stores, a variety of restaurants, theaters, parks, and the nicely landscaped campuses of the area colleges are all within walking distance from the downtown area.

Shop Columbia Mall

the largest mall in the mid-Missouri area, and contains many of the typical mall stores available around the country. Anchors are Target, Barnes and Noble, JCPenny, and Dillard's (with a separate men's store).

📍 2300 Bernadette DrStadium Boulevard at Interstate 70☎ +1 573-445-8459Checked Apr 2025

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• There are also new shopping developments available south of the mall on Stadium Boulevard.

Eat

Drink

• Flat Branch is Columbia's original micro-brewery, serving a plethora of house made brews and a few home-made sodas. It offers a wide variety of tasty food items for reasonable prices. Can be crowded.
• The Heidelberg (a.k.a. the 'Berg) is a bar/hangout close to campus that is enjoyed by many young students. Has a nice outdoor patio on the second floor. Go toward the restroom, and you'll find the stairs going up. Has good happy hour deals (e.g., buy one appetizer, get one free). It was burned down in October 2003 but has opened again.

• Barred Owl offers a rotating seasonal menu made from all locally sourced ingredients, signature cocktails and house-infused liquors, and a cozy atmosphere good for a night on the town or an intimate, relaxed dinner date.

Sleep

Nearly every national hotel chain has a location in Columbia, with more being added seemingly all the time. It is quite common for hotels in Columbia to be booked full on University of Missouri football weekends.