About Columbia

CoMo is Where the Heart Is ❤️

Anyone who has spent time in Columbia — or CoMo as we sometimes call it — will tell you how much fun it is. Whether you’re here on a football Saturday grilling and high-fiving before you cheer on the Tigers, or a July night dancing in the streets during a Summerfest outdoor concert, this lively college town is the place to be. Mizzou’s campus is right next to downtown Columbia, within walking distance of of student-friendly restaurants, clothing stores, ice cream shops and music venues. It’s also right in the middle of the state, and only a two-hour drive to Kansas City or St. Louis.

Jesse dome at night

Dog in front of Sparky's

Ragtag entrance

Downtown

For more than three decades, The Blue Note has attracted top musicians of all genres: indie-rock, rap, metal, jazz, blues — you name it. Ragtag Cinema shows independent and international films in a hip, fun and cozy setting. Want to go shopping? Downtown is packed with designer boutiques, shoe stores, jewelers, florists, book stores, sweets shops and purveyors of eco-friendly products and novelty items.

Group eating pizza at tables

Restaurants

You won’t go hungry here. Whether you’re craving a slice from Shakespeare’s Pizza or a plate of pad thai from Bangkok Gardens, you’ll find something to suit your palate downtown. Start your day with breakfast at Ernie’s Cafe, the Broadway Diner or Café Berlin, and wind up your evening at Flat Branch Pub & Brewing, Broadway Brewery or The Heidelberg, with tons of lunch, dinner and dessert options in between.

Bridge over creek on the MKT trail

The great outdoors

Columbia boasts multiple city parks as well as Rock Bridge State Park and Stephens Lake. We have caves, forests, streams and cliffs for outdoor adventurers. The MKT Trail takes cyclists and hikers all through Columbia and links to the 225-mile Katy Trail, which stretches across the state.

jesse-columns-sky-med

Experience Mizzou in Person

Come see for yourself what Mizzou has to offer.

Schedule a Visit Take Online Tour →