Location: Columbia
Top Things to do in Columbia
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Top 10 Things to do in Columbia, United States
Columbia is a city in Monroe and St. Clair counties in the U.S. state of Illinois, about 12 miles (19 km) south of St. Louis, Missouri. The population was 9,707 at the 2010 census.
Restaurants in Columbia
1. The Gateway Arch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
The Museum of Westward Expansion closed, pending installation of all new museum exhibits. As of March 2, 2015, entry-only ticket or tram ticket required to enter Arch. The nation's tallest monument at 630 feet, the Gateway Arch has beckoned visitors since June 1967. The Gateway Arch commemorates Thomas Jefferson and the role St. Louis played in the westward expansion of the United States. A visit to St. Louis isn't complete without standing at the Arch's base and playing professional photographer, but the view from the outside is only half of the experience. Attractions within the Arch include the Journey to the Top (the last tram leaves one hour before closing); educational programs (will be housed at the Old Courthouse); award-winning documentary movie, Monument to the Dream; and a gift shop. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Note: the address shown is for the Old Courthouse which is acting as the Gateway Arch Ticketing and Visitor Center throughout construction. Pedestrian entrance to the Arch Grounds is at Walnut Street at Memorial Drive or via the Grand Staircase from the riverfront.
Reviewed By DMartin216 - Chicago, Illinois
Taking a road trip from Chicago to KC for a weekend BBQ Tour, we decided that it was time we finally visited the gateway Arch. Neither of us had ever been to the Arch, and as a Cubs and Blackhawks fan I had never even gotten out of my car while in enemy territory. We found the Arch to be an engineering marvel and enjoyed the tiny elevator cars that make you feel like you’re riding in a dryer drum. The view from the top extends for miles, but unfortunately, the Mississippi River has to be one of the least photogenic bodies of water in the world—despite St. Louis’ efforts to build a nice park along the river’s edge. Beyond the river, one is treated to a view of East St. Louis, a panorama easily forgotten, but the view to the west includes the entire city of St. Louis and points beyond. As the Gateway to the West, this is clearly the view Eero Saarinen had in mind. The Arch itself is also very photogenic, and we between us we took more than 50 artsy shots of it. All in all, we found the Arch itself to be more attractive than the views it affords.
2. GCS Ballpark
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By Larry S - Manteno, Illinois
This ballpark features an independent Frontier League team. It is a mixture of old and new. So manteno old ballparks had the old wooden outfield walls with the advertisements. It also has interesting field dimensions. 340 feet to left center might sound small. But a ball hit there would also need to clear a high wall. Right field includes lawn seating for fans, as well as down the left field line. There were a number of choices of food. I thought the most interesting was the quarter pound cheeseburger on Krispy Kreme bun. All in all, a good choice for fans of minor league baseball. I wish they would pave the parking lot.
3. National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 189 reviews
Reviewed By Lorin G - Saint Louis, Missouri
We make the annual trek to see the Way of Lights display at the shrine. The lights are amazing. However, there is always the restaurant in which to dine. There are chidren's activities. A holiday wreath display has an endless variety of designer wreaths. And the Christmas tree display is one of a kind.
4. Eckert’s Millstadt Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
For the most fun in the country, visit Eckert's Millstadt Fun Farm that specializes in wholesome entertainment that is fun for the whole family.
Reviewed By Goose G - Swansea
The most memorable event for Christmas was cutting our own Christmas tree at the Millstadt Farm. Many different types and sizes to chose from. Affordable. It's very cold on the tractor ride to the field - so dress warmly and bring gloves. Every family should do this at least once in their lifetime.
5. Stubborn German Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Stubborn German Brewing Company opened in April, 2016 and offers house brewed authentic German and American style beers, along with a huge bourbon selection and a fun, cozy atmosphere. Stubborn German does not serve food, but you're welcome to bring food in or order from some of the local restaurants. The brewery also serves mixed drinks, wine, soda, etc. and has a large board game selection, which is always a hit! Supervised children are welcome. The open-air concept of the space let's you see the entire brewhouse operation. We look forward to serving you!
Reviewed By James S - Waterloo, Illinois
I always get a flight of 6 (a bargin for the price) to sample all the wonderful offerings on tap. It is great to try all the various beers!!Thank you, James! We appreciate the kind review! -Tammy
6. Stumpy's Spirits Distillery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By RoadBob66 - Saint Louis, Missouri
A co-worker who lives in the area knew we liked to visit breweries and distilleries and had mentioned this place. Closer than our favorite distillery and we really could only afford to be away for a short time. Just a young man and his wife (Evan and Laura??)(they do have some help during specific operations) showing what hard work, bravery and I'm sure some family support can accomplish. Being an engineer, it was fun to listen to him get into the details of the processes, realize it might be too much info for the audience, and get back to the standard storyline. Very good products and I'm sure with their eye for details, it will only improve. But the tour is the thing and it was a blast. We bought some product, but nothing like others who needed help getting all their purchases out to the car. They were planning a crawfish boil and music for an upcoming weekend so hopefully Stumpy's will be thrive. We will continue to visit.
7. Missouri Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
5 based on 3 reviews
The Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis was founded in 1859 by Henry Shaw. Today, the Garden is a National Historic Landmark and a center for science, conservation, education and horticultural display - widely considered one of the top three botanical gardens in the world. It features 79 acres of horticultural displays, including indoor conservatories and demonstration, formal and international gardens.
Reviewed By AlexisZA - Indianapolis, Indiana
Unfortunately the Chihuli glass onion installation wasn’t there, but there there is still the entrance chandelier and a smaller flame lily installation in the climatron. The gardens are incredible. It was a cold day and we just hopped from the climatron to the houses and braved the open air in between. Such a fabulous way to spend a day
8. Annbriar Golf Course
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Golf Digest rated this 18-hole golf course one of America's Top 500 "Places to Play," which covers 226 acres of scenic acres with multiple tee boxes making it enjoyable for all levels of golfers.
Reviewed By TMQTS - Rock Island, Illinois
Golf course was wet from rain, but playable. We had 22 golfers in our group. They handled all of us very professionally and with no issues. Great Course and Nice Club house and drinks were good also.
9. Eagle Cliff - Miles Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By terrin881 - Marion, Kentucky
If you are like me, possibly a little weird, and like to visit old cemeteries, this one is worth the drive. It's a little tricky to find, but you can google a map and directions with the address, which is 7801 D. Road, Waterloo, IL. The centerpiece is a mausoleum that was built into the bluff. There are grave sites and memoriams dating to the 1700s. The mausoleum is empty now, apparently due to vandalism, and you can go inside it. There has been an association founded to clean up and restore the cemetery, and they have done a great job of cleaning off graffiti, and replacing and restoring the tombstones. They have a Facebook page, and accept donations for help in the next phase of restoration, if you are so inclined.
10. Busch Stadium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
This stadium is one of the most visible symbols of St. Louis' success.
Reviewed By Nyormirror - Bay City, Michigan
My son and I enjoyed about just over an hour guided tour of the ballpark where we saw the champions club, the Radio Booth, the dugout and several other behind the scene places. The players club house (locker room) is not included in the tour. Nicely kept baseball park. The tour was about 1 mile of walking and included stairs and elevators. Tickets were reserved online and in advance. Your ticket will also get you entry into the museum and 10% of your gift shop purchase (the day of the tour only).
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