Location: Columbia
Top Things to do in Columbia
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What to do and see in Columbia, Missouri (MO): The Best Nature & Parks
Columbia /kəˈlʌmbiə/ is a city in Missouri and the county seat of Boone County. Founded in 1821, it is home to the University of Missouri and is the principal city of the Columbia metropolitan area. It is Missouri's fourth most-populous city, with an estimated 120,612 residents in 2016.
Restaurants in Columbia
1. Lions-Stephens Park
2. Three Creeks Conservation Area
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
3. Grindstone Nature Area
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By NayNWoody - Waynesville, United States
My wife and I took three hikes in the nature area some of the trails were mulched, some paved and others dirt. We could not believe the benches that were available and also places along the way with informational signing. So much to take in. We saw people riding their bicyles, hiking and walking plus all social distancing. Amazing to have this many parks and trails in a city like Columbia
4. Cosmo Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By AdventuresWithC3 - Kansas City, United States
This was our go-to park when school was in session because it is so large that it can be hard to keep up when you have more than one. We recently returned to make a video for Adventures with C3 and the kids still love it! List of Features: Bocce Ball Courts (4) Horseshoe Pits (12, lighted) Playgrounds (2) – Steinberg Playground and a tot lot Remote Control Car Track Roller Hockey Rink Tennis Courts (8 lighted, also lined for age 10 and under) Volleyball Courts (7 total, 6-sand, 1-grass) Dog – Leash Free Area (Bear Creek Nature Area) **Fields – Game** Baseball / Softball Antimi Sports Complex (8 fields) Rainbow Softball Center (6 fields) Football (6 fields) Soccer or Multipurpose (19 fields) **Golf Courses** L.A. Nickell Golf Course (18 holes) L.A. Nickell Clubhouse **Lakes** Fishing Lake (2 total, Nickell Lake and Antimi Lake – see map) **Picnic Areas** 2 Non-Reservable Shelter 7 Reservable Shelters **7 Restroom Areas **Skate Park** **Trails** Cosmo Fitness Trail Cosmo Nature Trail (no bikes) Rhett’s Run Mountain Bike Trail Trail head to Bear Creek Trail
5. Rock Bridge Memorial State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 333 reviews
Just minutes from Columbia, Rock Bridge Memorial State Park gives visitors the chance to scramble, hike and bicycle through a scenic environment – and lets them peek into Missouri’s underworld. The park contains some of the most popular hiking trails in the state and also offers solitude while hiking in the Gans Creek Wild Area. Visitors can also see a large cave system with its rock bridge, sinkholes, a spring and underground stream at the Devil's Icebox. You can explore Connor's Cave in the light of the opening for a taste of the underground world.
Reviewed By gallegosdos - Centralia, United States
Easy parking...beautiful, natural beauty...easy to access and navigate walkways...Enjoy God's beautiful creation at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park!
6. Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area
7. Shelter Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 202 reviews
Reviewed By DavidD-Portland - Portland, United States
Shelter Gardens is a pleasant garden with a variety of plants. Very well signposted. We visited today, early November. Certainly April on would feature plenty of flowers. Nice to stroll around. The one room school house is a replica of the one in which the Missouri Farmers Association was founded in very early 1900’s. The MFA was the predecessor to Shelter.
8. Stephens Lake Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 196 reviews
Reviewed By AWalding - Glendale, United States
Loved the clockwise walk with our dog. Perfect especially on a cool day with lots of flowers and friendly folks.
9. Twin Lakes Recreation Area
10. Finger Lakes State Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 83 reviews
The roar of ATVs and off-road motorcycles combines with the peacefulness of rolling hills at Finger Lakes State Park, one of two ATV parks in the state parks system. Built in a former coal mining area, Finger Lakes’ trails and motocross track are popular with users who come for the day, but often fall under the spell of the spacious campground, leafy trees and hilly terrain. The park is also the site of the challenging 2.75-mile Kelley Branch Mountain Bike Trail and a 4.5-mile water trail.
Reviewed By suen539 - Columbia, United States
We had a lovely summer day and decided to visit Finger Lakes State Park. It's a lovely park with boating, fishing, hiking, and mountain bike trails. The major attraction for some people would be the ATV trails. We had our dog and walked the hiking trail in the morning when there were no active ATVs.
