Home to the renowned University of Missouri, Columbia is a lively university city known for its world-class art galleries and cultural museums. There's a vibrant downtown area, in addition to a collection of beautiful parks and gardens.

Things to do

Downtown Columbia is fuelled by its student population, where historic brick buildings house trendy cafes and bars. You can also browse bookstores, boutiques and galleries. On Saturdays, the city hosts the Columbia Farmers Market where fresh produce from across Boone County is on offer.

From European paintings to ancient Roman sculptures, the Museum of Art and Archaeology offers a chance to step back in time. It's part of the University of Missouri, which is anchored by the spacious Francis Quadrangle. Stroll around the grassy courtyard then visit Mizzou Botanic Garden to admire its rainbow-coloured flowers.

The Museum of Anthropology offers a glimpse at Missouri's rich Native American heritage. It's filled with local treasures, including a collection of prehistoric Southwestern pottery. The museum also features an on-site gift store selling fair-trade items from across the globe.

Stretch your legs in Stephens Lake Park, where you'll find walking trails, playgrounds and shady picnic spots. In summer, the lake is a great place to cool off, while winter is ideal for ice skating, sledding and ice fishing.

Getting around

Downtown Columbia is easy to get around on foot. The city is also serviced by local buses, taxis and rideshare services. Rental cars let you explore Boone County at your own pace. Columbia Regional Airport is 15 kilometres away.