Columbia Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Missouri State Capitol which includes an administrative building, a fountain and heritage architecture
Columbia
Jefferson City showing heritage architecture
University of Missouri which includes a garden, heritage architecture and street scenes
Missouri State Capitol featuring a garden and heritage architecture

Encounter sinkholes and caves in the city’s outskirts and see the majestic buildings of the magnificent Red Campus in the historic university.

Columbia is a lively town known for its university. It is considered one of the main college towns in the U.S. and has plenty of cultural events and activities year-round. Explore the two complementary parts of the diverse campus and head into the countryside for scenic state parks.

The main attraction in Columbia is the University of Missouri, an impressive campus divided into two parts. Admire the historic brick structures that adorn the Red Campus, whose core is marked by the six columns of the Francis Quadrangle. Gaze up at the tall dome of the imposing 19th-century Jesse Hall.

The other half of the college is the White Campus, which contains a range of neo-Gothic buildings, including the Memorial Union. Wander through the pleasant park areas of the university this campus doubles as a botanical garden.

Enter the old schoolroom in the Shelter Gardens, where a stream flows beside eclectic floral displays. Use your senses of smell and touch in its sensory garden. Get around the downtown area by bus and take photos of the intriguing design of the Daniel Boone Regional Library. Attend one of Columbia’s many events, such as the True/False Film Festival in March and the Columbia Heritage Festival in September.

Anticipate fairly wet and hot summers, when lightning storms provide exciting shows in the sky. Snow covers the charming university campus in winter. For a change of scenery, explore the pockmarked terrain of Rock Bridge Memorial State Park in the city’s southern outskirts. Delve into the Devil’s Icebox, a vast cave network through which a constant gush of cool air flows.

The city is in the centre of Missouri, just north of the state capital, Jefferson City. It is between the very large cities of St. Louis and Kansas City. Fly into the Columbia Regional Airport. Drive north for 13 miles (21 kilometres) to get here in about 20 minutes.

Columbia is a college town with fun events and picturesque parks.

Where to stay in Columbia

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North Central Columbia

North Central Columbia might not have many top sights, but The District Downtown Columbia and Daniel Boone Regional Library are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

North Central Columbia
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Thornbrook

When in Thornbrook, you can plan a visit to Shelter Gardens and Mizzou Arena, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Thornbrook
Baymont by Wyndham Columbia, MO
Baymont by Wyndham Columbia, MO
2.5 out of 5
2500 I 70 Dr Sw, Columbia, MO
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £53 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
£53
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Columbia. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the clean rooms in their reviews. Popular ...
7.8/10 Good! (329 reviews)
Traveling to Denver
"Great stay, clean, cheap, lots of restaurants around."

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

Baymont by Wyndham Columbia, MO
Wingate by Wyndham - Columbia
Wingate by Wyndham - Columbia
3 out of 5
3101 Wingate Ct, Columbia, MO
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £76 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
£76
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Columbia. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,098 reviews)
"Only feedback is when we got to the room late at night the hotel room AC was off and extremely hot. Took an hour to cool down and after a road trip and hauling your stuff up to your room that’s the last thing you want."

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2025

Wingate by Wyndham - Columbia
Wyndham Executive Center Columbia
Wyndham Executive Center Columbia
3.5 out of 5
2200 I-70 Drive SW, Columbia, MO
The price is £81 per night from 7 Jul to 8 Jul
£81
7 Jul - 8 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Columbia. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Second time we’ve been there. Would book it again."

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Wyndham Executive Center Columbia
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
3BR/1.5BA Cozy Retreat in Columbia, 10-min from Mizzou
3BR/1.5BA Cozy Retreat in Columbia, 10-min from Mizzou
Columbia, MO
Stay at this holiday home in Columbia. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Stephens Lake Park and AMF Town Country ...
10/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
Comfortable
"The unit was clean, comfortable and just what we needed for our trip to Mizzou for a school tour and check out the area for our son. The neighborhood wasn’t exactly what we hoped for, but we had no problems. Communication was excellent, and we appreciated them checking in on us to make sure we didn’t ..."

Reviewed on 21 Jun 2025

3BR/1.5BA Cozy Retreat in Columbia, 10-min from Mizzou
The Mercantile on the Katy Trail
The Mercantile on the Katy Trail
4.5 out of 5
500 Walnut St, Hermann, MO
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Hermann. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Katy Trail - McKittrick Trailhead and Deutschheim ...
10/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
"This property was perfect! The hosts were very accommodating. Historic property was very well restored with modern conveniences and very clean."

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2025

The Mercantile on the Katy Trail
Cannon Dam Cabins
Cannon Dam Cabins
3 out of 5
42526 Cabin Rd, Perry, MO
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Perry. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a picnic area and patios. Popular attractions Robert E Allen Recreation Area and Perry Park are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (4 reviews)
Good stay but terrible beds
"Cabin was ok was clean and well stocked.Mattresses were terrible, broke down .Need to invest in new mattresses"

Reviewed on 3 Jun 2025

Cannon Dam Cabins
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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