Columbia, Missouri

Rock Bridge Memorial State Park is a state park with more than 2,200 acres of recreational land featuring a wide variety of activities and amenities. Some of Missouri's most beautiful and most trafficked hiking trails can be found here along with some of the more isolated trails in the Gabs Creek Wild Area. The park contains a large cave system with an interesting rock bridge, several sinkholes, and more, and visitors can go inside and explore Connor's Cave. Besides hiking, other popular activities at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park include biking, horseback riding, fishing, orienteering, picnicking, and more. Guests who wish to stay overnight can reserve a primitive or modern campsite.

Address: 5901 South Highway 163, Columbia, MO 65203, Phone: 573-449-7402

Shelter Gardens is an award-winning garden located on 5 acres of land behind the corporate headquarters of the Shelter Insurance company. The gardens include several unique aspects, such as a sensory garden that is designed for blind and visually impaired guests. Additionally, the garden is home to a Vietnam War Veterans memorial, a waterfall and reflecting pool, a large sundial, a replica one-room school, and much more. The garden has many varieties of trees, shrubs, and flowers and this beautiful space is a popular location for weddings and photography sessions. During the summer, Shelter Gardens hosts free concerts for the community.

Address: 1817 W. Broadway, Columbia, MO 65203, Phone: 800-743-5837

Ragtag Cinema is a local, non-profit, and independent movie theater that the non-profit Ragtag Film Society calls home. The society promotes film and media arts by supporting local works, film festivals, and more. The film society examines films from all around the country and world to determine what to show each month. The theater puts on an average of 12 movies or events each month and the films represent a wide range of cultures, backgrounds, and viewpoints. Uprise Bakery is housed in the same building and offers sandwiches, soups, and homemade baked goods. Guests are welcome to enjoy food from Uprise or something from the bar while they are watching their film.

Address: 10 Hitt Street, Columbia, MO 65201, Phone: 573-441-8504

Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:

The Mizzou Botanic Garden is a garden on the campus of the University of Missouri that is often visited by students, faculty, and staff who wish to relax or have a quiet place to study or read. The garden changes seasonally and has more plants added each year. The Botanic Garden features many different gardens, such as the Siberian Iris Garden, the Asiatic & Oriental Lily Garden, the Native Missouri Tree Collection, and the Butterfly Garden, among many others. The gardens are spread across a wide section of the campus and also include access to the Columbia Recreation Trail. The trail crosses the southern end of the campus and is open to hikers, bikers, and nature lovers.

Address: General Services Building, Columbia, MO 65211, Phone: 573-882-4240

The Missouri Symphony Society is a non-profit organization that promotes the awareness of classical music by sponsoring and presenting high-quality professional musical performances and by working to educate Missouri's young people. The Missouri Symphony Orchestra is made up of more than 50 musicians. During the summer, they host the Hot Summer Nights Festival, which is the largest classical and pop music festival in the region. The symphony's performances typically occur in the historic Missouri Theatre. The society presents a variety of concerts and events throughout the year, and current calendar and ticketing information can be found on their website.

Address: 203 S. 9th Street, Columbia, MO 65201, Phone: 573-875-0600

The Columbia Civic Orchestra is a volunteer orchestra group that is devoted to promoting and preserving symphony music. The symphony doesn't have its own venue but performs at a variety of facilities around the city. Some of the locations they perform at include churches, schools, and theaters. For a special treat at a nice venue, catch a performance when the orchestra is at the historic Missouri Theatre. Many of the performers are local residents of Columbia and the orchestra group often participates in activities that promote the growth of local talent. Guests can purchase tickets to current shows on the orchestra's website.

Address: P.O. Box 7119, Columbia, MO 65205, Phone: 573-825-4552

Finger Lakes State Park is a 1,100-acre state park located on reclaimed land that was previously exploited for the strip mining of coal. The park has one of only two ATV parks in the Missouri state park system. The trails and motocross track are popular amongst ATV and dirt bike riders. In addition to motorized fun, the park has a somewhat challenging 2.75-mile mountain bike trail and a 4.5-mile water trail that can be explored by kayak or canoe. For guests who are hoping to spend the night, there is a spacious and relaxing campground where visitors can pitch a tent or park a camper.

Address: 1505 E. Peabody Road, Columbia, MO 65202, Phone: 573-443-5315

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

Shryocks Callaway Farms is a working farm where visitors can come to work, learn, and play. The farm grows corn, soybeans, and wheat as their main cash crops and has activities all year round but is very popular in the fall when they have a huge life-sized corn maze as well as group hayrides, pumpkin patches, and more. Groups can reserve private campfires where they can roast marshmallows or hotdogs. The property's large red barn is an area landmark and serves as the farm's headquarters. The barn serves a variety of refreshments, offers merchandise for sale, and houses one of the farm's most popular attractions – a three-story gumball rollercoaster.

Address: 2927 County Road 253, Columbia, MO 65202, Phone: 573-592-0191

Columbia Culinary Tours is a food-based tour company with tours that are perfect for foodies or anyone who is interested in learning about the history and culture of Columbia while enjoying some of the town's best food. The tour stops at five to seven restaurants and specialty food stores and guests have the opportunity to meet the owners, managers, and chefs of the establishments as well as sample some of their food. There are several tour options, including the Brunch Tour and the Craft Beer and Food Pairing tour. Guests can arrange private group tours, which are a popular choice for special events such as bridal showers and bachelorette parties as well as small groups looking for a more intimate experience.

Phone: 573-808-6880

The Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area is an area of preserved nature bordering the Katy Trail State Park. The park contains a variety of ecosystems, such as cropland, forest, and wetlands as well as two streams – the Missouri River and Perche Creek. The area features restored wetlands that have been rehabilitated and preserved and now provide a habitat for birds and wildlife. The area offers fantastic opportunities for viewing wildlife and hunting. The park is bordered by limestone bluffs that are especially beautiful when dressed in fall foliage. Some of the park's most popular activities include fishing, hiking, camping, hunting, and bird watching.

Address: 6700 W. Route K, Columbia, MO 65203, Phone: 573-445-3882