Anyone who has spent time in Columbia — or CoMo as we often call it — will tell you how much fun it is. Whether you’re here on a football Saturday grilling and hanging with friends before you cheer on the Tigers, or an August 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 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.
When you plan your campus visit to Mizzou, make sure you take some time to explore the city. We love it here, and we think you will, too!
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 more.
Restaurants
You won’t get bored here. Whether you’re craving a slice from Shakespeare’s Pizza or a plate of Pad Thai from Bangkok Gardens, you’re sure to find a restaurant to suit your tastes downtown. Start your day with breakfast at Ernie’s Café, 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.
Columbia boasts beautiful city parks, and Rock Bridge State Park is just outside of town. We have caves, forests, streams and cliffs for outdoor adventurers. Our trails are a great way to get all around Columbia and beyond — the MKT Trail starts right next to campus and links cyclists and pedestrians to the Katy Trail, a 225-mile-long state park trail which stretches across the entire state.