Columbia, MO

Travel Guide

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

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 center 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 kilometers) 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

While North Central Columbia isn't home to many top sights, The District Downtown Columbia and Daniel Boone Regional Library are some notable places to visit nearby.

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 ¥9,144 per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
¥9,144
¥10,331 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Columbia. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (320 reviews)
"Pleasant hotel and staff was wonderful"

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

Baymont by Wyndham Columbia, MO
Wingate by Wyndham - Columbia
Wingate by Wyndham - Columbia
3 out of 5
3101 Wingate Ct, Columbia, MO
The price is ¥13,143 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
¥13,143
¥14,848 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Columbia. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,112 reviews)
"Great stay! Got there late so was nice to get to our room and crash in a super comfy bed."

Reviewed on Jul 1, 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 ¥14,088 per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
¥14,088
¥15,916 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Columbia. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Second time we’ve been there. Would book it again."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 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
Stay at this vacation home in Columbia. Enjoy free WiFi, 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 Jun 21, 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 WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Katy Trail - McKittrick Trailhead and Deutschheim ...
10/10 Exceptional! (11 reviews)
"This is an amazing stop for anyone riding the Katy (or anyone visiting Hermann). We found it a perfect stop at the end of the long day of riding. It was right off the trail and they made it easy (so we didn't have to go out that day). The communication was great; the place was lovely. We would absolutely ..."

Reviewed on May 26, 2025

The Mercantile on the Katy Trail
Lake house with three decks private dock and swim platform.
Lake house with three decks private dock and swim platform.
Rocky Mount
Stay at this vacation home in Barnett. Enjoy laundry facilities, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Possum Hollow Cove and Lick ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (7 reviews)
Mini family vacay
"We loved our mini vacation to this property for our eldest 21st birthday. Would definitely stay here again"

Reviewed on Jun 22, 2025

Lake house with three decks private dock and swim platform.
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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