Set in the middle of the rolling hills of Missouri, Columbia is a fashionable town with a home towards Missouri University, Columbia. Cultural events thrive in the area, with professional ballet firms, wedding venues, live theatre, a symphony, and several orchestras, along with a score of well-preserved museums ready to fulfill any aesthetic desires. Here are some of the best things to do in Columbia MO, on your weekend getaway or journey.
Rock Bridge State Memorial Park
Rock Bridge Memorial State Park is a state-owned park with over 2,200 acres of recreational land, a wide range of activities and amenities, and one of the best things to do in Columbia MO.
Many of the most scenic and trafficked hiking trails in Missouri and many of the most remote trails throughout the Gabs Creek Wild Areas can be seen here. The park includes an extensive cave system with an impressive rock bridge, a variety of sinkholes, and much more, and tourists can go in there and discover Connor Cave.
Many popular events in Rock Bridge Memorial State Park involve mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, orientation, picnicking, and much more. Guests wishing to stay overnight may book a modern but primitive campsite
It’s Holy City (a.k.a., Charleston, S.C.)
It is undoubtedly an awesome destination on the list of prime stopping locations. There is plenty of heritage and beautiful architecture from outside Fort Moultrie through Fort Sumter to the City Market onto Rainbow Street, not to mention the highest level of Southern cuisine.
However, there are so many things to do in Columbia, Missouri, if you are heading west and also have an afternoon free kill; it’s a perfect place to explore.
Southern Plantations
Near the beach, there is more than enough southern flair; if you need a big lesson in the south of charm, take a short trip to these historic southern plantations in the area.
Now you can see how it has grown up in the South centuries ago, discover the agriculture of popular crops such as rice and indigo, and also tour the basis, from palatial plantation residences to stables and slave rooms.
When you’re heading from the south across to U.S. 17, you can visit Boone Hall Plantation near Mt. Pleasant, Hopsewee Plantation of Santee, Hobcaw Barony near Georgetown, as well as the Oaks Plantation of Brookgreen Gardens of Murrells Inlet, all of which are great things to do in Columbia, Missouri.
“The World’s Seafood Capital”
If you’re coming in to U.S. 17 from the East, a quick detour down N.C. 179 Can ship to the charming coastal town of Calabash, N.C. Calling yourselves the World’s Seafood City, “the city is known for its calabash-style seafood, consisting of battered fish with fried shrimp to browned perfection.
Even though there are various things to do in Columbia, Missouri, one can also visit beautiful gift shops like Callahan’s from Calabash and St. Nick’s.
Georgetown Harborwalk: One of the best things to do in Columbia Mo
Although many of the travelers drive by on their journey towards Pawleys Island, Murrells Inlet, and even Myrtle Beach, taking a trip downtown to Georgetown, S.C., is undoubtedly worth the trip.
You will find great cafes, shops, and historic landmarks along Front Street, but with a short walk across the Harborwalk, you may also find things to do in Columbia Mo to enjoy the most beautiful views of the whole Grand Strand.
There are also several fantastic boat tours, dolphin tours, and sightseeing tours to either the Harborwalk Marina or.
Sweetgrass Basket Stands
Coil baskets featuring native sweet grass, including pine needles sewn along with palmetto leaf, have already been exhibited for sale for over 80 years at hundreds of stands throughout the U.S. 17 between Mount Pleasant and Georgetown, S.C.
Native to either South Carolina Low country passed down through generations until the 1700s and reflected one of the earliest forms of Western African art in the United States.
These beautiful local gems are great things to do in Columbia, Missouri, and they not only make excellent gifts, but purchasing them from a farm stand is a kind of rite of passage, “which will make you look like a proper South Carolinian.
Traveler Church (a.k.a. Tiny Chapel)
Shortly past Conway, S.C., along U.S. 501 outside Coastal Carolina University, you will see a tiny chapel so low that you could miss this if you blink.
Built in 1972, its minute facility with six mini pews—fitting up to 12 individuals—has experienced multiple disasters, such as a tree falling onto it and vandals setting it on fire, as per Roadside America.
Deacon Tommy Jones of the church says hundreds of “weddings have taken place here; the doors will never be closed, but if you’re looking for whatever quickie” nuptials on just the way to town, this would be your location for things to do in Columbia, MO.
Visit the Park at Stephens Lake
Among many things to do in Columbia, one is visit 116-acre lakes, which are most famous for the community because of their beautiful lakes and fruit trees with historical significance.
Stephen Lake Park holds several community events at just the amphitheater, plus concerts and outdoor concert sequences.
It also boasts picnic areas, a swimming pool, art installations, waterfalls, and group walking trails to appreciate. You can note that the park is indeed an arboretum owing to its different species of plants.
Visit state park throughout Finger Lakes
Finger Lakes State Park adds a specific meaning to outdoor fun. It is among the state parks program’s only two ATV parks. You will find many people who know things to do in Columbia, MO, like motocrossing the area and motorcycling all over nature trails.
There are many fun obstacles you could take on for quite some added fun with your bike, too. Additionally, Finger Lakes State Park offers 4.5 miles of water trails, ideal for fishing or just enjoying a relaxing paddle across the lake. The park even helps visitors experience a stay-of-the-night experience all over the large camping areas.
Join the Gardens of Shelter
More than 500 different plants from the Missouri region live in these famous gardens. Several tourists and locals enjoy visiting this beautiful spot to take excellent pictures with breathtaking backgrounds.
Visitors also use gardens as just a picnic spot, a place for relaxation, and a pleasant stroll. Its shelter gardens include a waterfall, a rock garden, a monument to Vietnam veterans, and many other attractions packed with culture.
You may expect to run into another live band in the months of June and even July on Sunday evenings, as there are plenty of things to do in Columbia, Missouri. It helps draw lots of music lovers gathering around in the cedar gazebo in just the garden.
Visit the gallery of Bingham
Make sure that during your Mizzou college tour, you visit Bingham Gallery. This is a gallery for contemporary art situated within the Visual Arts Building.
This is the place to discover high-quality, modern art exhibits, occurrences, and artists from various parts of the state. Along with the country visits, there are a lot of things to do in Columbia, Missouri.
Appreciate Buckingham Smokehouse BBQ at the meal
When you’re searching for the best barbecue throughout Columbia, move out to Buckingham Smokehouse BBQ. Most of their popular grills are smoked wood were made in-house.
Ensure that you order several of their juicy grilled ribs, fried okra, and perhaps a beer, and enjoy the various things to do in Columbia, MO!
Shryock Callaway Farms
Shryock Callaway Farms is a working farm that allows visitors to work, discover, and play. The farm grows maize, soybeans, and wheat as the biggest cash crops.
It also has activities throughout the year but is quite popular in the fall once they have a big, life-size maze with group hayrides, pumpkin patches, and much more. Groups should reserve exclusive campfires where marshmallows or hot dogs could roast.
That giant red barn on the property is indeed a landmark location and serves as the headquarters for the farm. There are a few more things to do in Columbia, MO. The barn provides a range of refreshments and merchandise for sale, which houses among the most popular spots on the farm—another roller-coaster with a three-story gumball.
Missouri Symphony Society
The Missouri Symphony Society is a non-profit group that promotes musical understanding by organizing and providing high-quality, skilled music performances and by helping to teach young children in Missouri.
More than 50 musicians make up the Missouri Symphony Orchestra. They host their Hot Summer Nights Festival throughout the summertime, which is the region’s biggest classical but pop music festival.
Their performances of the symphony typically take place throughout the historic Missouri Theater. The society introduces a range of concerts and various things to do in Columbia during the year, so you can find the current schedule and ticket information on their website.
Columbia Art League, Columbia, Missouri
The Columbia Art League seems to be a non-profit art gallery that is active in the region’s art education. The gallery features a collection of pieces of art made by local musicians.
Visitors may visit the gallery alone or schedule guided tours. Their Art League offers courses in a variety of designs and choices for children, teenagers, and adults, and standard classes include drawing, painting, carving, and more.
They also hold summer art camps, group shows, and a famous annual festival called Art in the Park. This free festival brings together fine art with music, craft, and other activities that are enjoyable for all ages.
