Trails, Art, and Corn Mazes! 6 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Columbia, USA

Columbia is located almost in the center of the United States, in the state of Missouri. The southern part of the area is rich in nature, with many forest parks. Because of this, it’s popular with tourists who want to enjoy camping, hiking, swimming, and more—and “Rock Bridge Memorial State Park” is one of them!

We’ll also introduce two recommended spots inside the University of Missouri where you can enjoy historical architecture and art. In addition, there’s an award-winning beautiful garden, a park full of highlights, and even a tourist spot where you can enjoy a cornfield maze from September to October.

Be sure to use this guide when planning your trip to Columbia!

1. Rock Bridge Memorial State Park

Columbia is surrounded by many parks, offering plenty of natural beauty. One of them, “Rock Bridge Memorial State Park,” is a popular tourist destination where you can enjoy the outdoors.

Within the park, you can walk or cycle while taking in the beautiful scenery, and there are also some of the most popular hiking trails in Missouri. Some visitors go horseback riding while enjoying the view, while others take pleasure in birdwatching.

The caves and springs in the park are characteristic of “karst topography,” formed when bedrock is eroded by rainwater and other natural forces. The famous Connor’s Cave is home to gray bats.

It’s amazing to find such a peaceful place just minutes from the town. If you visit Columbia, make sure to try one of Missouri’s most beloved hiking trails.

2. Stephens Lake Park

When visiting Columbia, be sure to check out “Stephens Lake Park.” This large park lies east along East Broadway, which runs through the heart of downtown.

Stephens Lake Park is the hub of outdoor sports in Columbia. It features a trekking course that circles the park, waterfalls and streams, walking paths through gardens, a boating area, and sports fields. In summer, you can swim; in winter, you can enjoy skating and sledding. There’s also a sculpture area, children’s playgrounds, and many other attractions, making it a great tourist spot.

One of the park’s unique features is the “shelters” scattered throughout—roofed tables and chairs for resting, especially useful for winter sports visitors. There are also fire pits and heated restrooms, reflecting the local needs. Each shelter has its own atmosphere, which is interesting to see. Since it’s close to downtown Columbia, it’s definitely worth a visit!

3. Shelter Gardens

Shelter Gardens is located along West Broadway heading west, near its intersection with North Stadium Boulevard. Nearby, you’ll find the large Columbia Mall and Clary-Shy Community Park.

This award-winning garden features a “sensory garden” for the visually impaired, as well as waterfalls, streams, rock gardens, a gazebo, and a sundial. With over 300 species of trees and a rose garden, its beauty even makes it a popular venue for weddings. In June and July, concerts are held on Sunday evenings.

It’s also a popular spot for local photographers. In particular, photos of flowers with the small waterfalls and streams in the background are stunning. A camera is a must when visiting! Be sure to take some memorable photos of your Columbia trip in the beautiful Shelter Gardens.

4. Francis Quadrangle

Let’s introduce a tourist spot with unique architecture located inside the University of Missouri. This is the “Francis Quadrangle,” also known as “The Quad.” Its most striking symbols are “Jesse Hall” and “The Columns,” six massive stone pillars. This site is the heart of the university’s spirit and history and is also a designated U.S. National Historic Landmark.

Originally, Academic Hall stood at the center of The Quad, but it was destroyed by fire, leaving only the columns. At first, these massive columns were considered dangerous and unsightly, but after safety inspections, efforts began to preserve them. Today, they are a landmark of Missouri.

The current Jesse Hall was built as the new Academic Hall. The Quad is also famous for housing the original gravestone of Thomas Jefferson. The sight of only six giant columns standing together is rare—when you visit Columbia, bring your camera and take a commemorative photo here!

5. Shryocks Callaway Farms

Here’s a country-style tourist spot popular with both children and adults—Shryocks Callaway Farms, located east of Columbia. The Shryocks family has been farming in northern Callaway since 1889, and the farm is now run by the fourth and fifth generations.

The most popular attraction for visitors is the cornfield maze, open from September to October. This massive maze changes design every year, making it exciting to visit again and again. The farm’s symbol is its large three-story barn, which houses the most popular activity—the three-story jumbo slide.

There’s also a barefoot playground and other fun activities. In addition, they sell Pepsi drinks, ice cream, caramel apples, sweet treats, farm toys, and souvenirs. The farm also offers rentals for campfires, birthdays, and weddings. If you visit Columbia, this is a farm where even adults can have fun, so don’t miss it.

6. Museum of Art and Archaeology

The Museum of Art and Archaeology, like the Francis Quadrangle, is located on the University of Missouri campus and is a popular tourist destination in Columbia. It houses both art and archaeological exhibits, with a wide-ranging cultural collection.

Its standout features are the Greek, Roman, and Near Eastern art collections. It also has valuable works from ancient Egypt and Byzantium, as well as important European and American pieces from the 15th century to the present. The Samuel H. Kress Study Collection is also on display.

The white statues in the Cast Gallery are especially beautiful and worth seeing. You can admire sculptures of Greek mythological gods such as Athena and Hermes, and compare them with the very different styles of Oceanic and contemporary art. With such a broad collection, it’s no wonder this museum is such a popular tourist spot.

◎ Summary

Aside from the Columbia tourist spots introduced here, other popular destinations include “Finger Lakes State Park” for camping, “Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area” for enjoying untouched nature, and “Twin Lakes Recreation Area” for swimming and dog walking. You can also check out “Columbia Art League” to see local art, or “D&D Animal Sanctuary” to interact with animals. Have a wonderful trip!

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Trails, Art, and Corn Mazes! 6 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Columbia, USA