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10 Things to Do in Columbia

Updated: Oct 29, 2018

With the fall semester in full swing, Mizzou students are looking forward to the fall weather this season. With some research online and enthusiasm about getting to know this city, discover the places and activities that Columbia has to offer outside of campus. Here are the top 10 places to see and things to do this fall semester in and around Columbia.


1. Throw back with root beer floats to Mugs-Up Drive In

Nothing says fall weather like a drive in-style restaurant. Mugs-Up is a family owned restaurant in Columbia that specializes in root beer floats. Text friends to join, bundle up, catch up with some car conversation and blast some music with a root beer float in hand.


2. Hike the Pinnacles

This photo speaks a thousand words. Pinnacles Youth Park, commonly known as “The Pinnacles,” sits on about 70 acres of rock formations and creeks below. This is the perfect spot for a short hike with beautiful views and capturing the fall foliage in Columbia with a camera. Just be prepared for the steep incline - get ready to feel the burn!





3. Embrace getting lost in the corn maze at Shyrocks Callaway Farms

Photo credit: Callawayfarms.com

From September 14 to November 4, Shyrocks Calloway Farms will have an open corn maze. Grab a roommate or someone to get to know in the residence hall and make a fun night out of navigating through a corn maze together. Then hop on the hayride and enjoy the scenery. On the way out, pick out a pumpkin to decorate an apartment, house or residence hall room just before Halloween!



4. Be a foodie with Columbia Culinary Tours

Two things that any college student loves: food and social time. Columbia Culinary Tours combined those two favorites and have created a unique, memorable food experience. The tour takes participants through some of the best spots to eat in downtown Columbia. During these tours, students who attend have the opportunity to meet the owners and chefs and sample of menu highlights.








5. Visit the Farmers Market

photo credit: FeastMagazine.com

Support locally grown produce by taking a stroll through the Boone County Farmers Market. The Farmers Market is located in the parking lot of the Columbia Mall. After picking up some fresh produce, go inside the Columbia mall to cool off in the AC and shop around.






6. Take a pup to Garth Nature Area

photo credit: TheWanderingsHous.com

Want to take a favorite furry friend for an adventure? Or just want to pet a bunch of dogs? We won’t judge. Head to Garth Nature Area, a three-acre fenced dog park with a pond and picnic tables. The area is home to birds and other wildlife and features multiple winding trails for humans and pets to explore.




7. Get spooked at a haunted house

Photo credit: necroplanet.com

Love scary movies? Experience that thrill in real life. One of the most popular things to do in the fall season is to go to haunted house. Fearfest is built on a 46-acre farm and is home to three spooky attractions. Note: Fearfest opens in October.


8. Relax at the Shelter Gardens

photo credit: AroundColumbia.blogspot.com

After going to Fearfest, take time to relax outdoors. Shelter Gardens is an award-winning five-acre garden in Columbia. This gardens includes a sensory garden for the visually impaired, a Vietnam Veterans memorial, a waterfall, and reflecting pool and rock garden.





9. Get some fresh air at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park

Photo credit: boa247.com

A perfect spot for Rocky Mountain Tiger students missing hikes in the mountains! Walk, fish, bicycle, camp or step into a serene, dark cave here. Rock Bridge spans over 2,000 acres of land. There is a large cave system with a rock bridge, sinkholes, a spring and an underground stream at Devil's Icebox.




10. Attend the Roots N Blues N BBQ Festival

Photo credit: Kenton Schoen - ColumbiaMissourian.com

The 12th Annual Roots N Blues N BBQ Festival will be held in Columbia September 28 - 30 at Stephens Lake Park. The festival features more than 30 international, national, regional and local artists. In addition to the live music, students and community members who attend can enjoy some BBQ from local and regional vendors. The festival offers different ways to enjoy the weekend. It begins with a kick-off event Thursday night, a half Marathon and 10K on Saturday morning and concludes with a Gospel Celebration on Sunday. 


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