Columbia
🏙️2 attractions

Columbia

Columbia, Missouri

CoMoThe Athens of Missouri

About this city

Also known as: CoMo, The Athens of Missouri

Columbia is a highly progressive, economically robust university city situated in the rolling hills of Boone County, central Missouri, serving as the county seat. Established in 1821 along the historic Boone's Lick Trail, the city's identity and energetic corporate pulse are profoundly defined by hosting the historic flagship campus of the University of Missouri (Mizzou). Columbia boasts an extraordinary blend of world-class academic research, elite collegiate athletic traditions, and a dynamic independent fine arts community centered around its walkable downtown. It effortlessly pairs its booming healthcare and technology software sectors with extensive linear greenway trails and historic pioneer limestone cliffs.

Location & Administrative

County
Boone County
Time Zone
CST
State Code
MO

Transportation & Accessibility

Nearest Airports
COUSTLMCI
Getting Around
Car RequiredBusBike-FriendlyWalkableRideshare-Friendly

Weather & Timing

Best Months
AprMayJunSepOct
Average Temperature
Peak Season
College Football SeasonAutumn
Off Season
Deep WinterHumid Season

Economics & Local Vibe

Population
City proper 126.0K · Metro area 180.0K
Sales Tax
8.48%
Key Industries
Higher Education & Life SciencesHealthcare Services & Insurance HeadquartersInformation Technology & SoftwareCultural Tourism & Festivals

Practical Tourism Metadata

Suggested stay: 1–3 days

Stroll past the iconic 1892 Francis Quadrangle columns to tour the beautiful red-brick architecture of the University of Missouri campus. Browse eclectic boutiques, record shops, and craft breweries in the Historic Downtown District. Hike past deep rocky caverns and limestone cliffs at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park. Walk or cycle the scenic paved pathways of the MKT Nature Trail.

Must-See