Columbia Information

Columbia Facts

History Overview
Prior to Lewis and Clark’s expedition in the early 1800s, Osage and Missouri indians roamed much of the parts of Missouri. The settlement known now as Columbia was called Smithton. A lack of water supply moved the settlement east across the Flat Branch and thus renamed it Columbia in 1821. The city was organized in 1892 and became incorporated in 1949. Columbia continues to be a growing city of national recognition for it’s cost of living, education, retirement and other amenities.

Culture & Recreation

Columbia has big city entertainment and a great appreciation for the arts ranging from local to international opera and ballet companies to modern music superstars. Columbia also provides many recreational parks and other fun activities to keep in shape no matter what your age.

Arts & Culture
Mizzou Arena
Columbia Mo Music Scene
The Blue Note
Deja Vu
Missouri Symphony Society
The University Concert Series
Museum of Art & Archaeology
Enns Entomology Museum
Museum of Anthropology
City of Columbia Office of Cultural Affairs Artists’ Registry
Columbia Art League
The Walters-Boone County Historical Museum
Maplewood Barn Community Theatre
Columbia Entertainment Company
Theater Reaching Young People & Schools (TRYPS)
Discover the District
The Salute to Veterans Memorial Day Celebration & Air Show
Preforming Arts in Childrens Education

Recreation
Columbia Parks & Recreation Department
Katy Trail State Park
MKT Nature & Fitness
Missouri Department of Tourism
Missouri Department of Natural Resources
Missouri Department of Conservation
Show-Me STATE GAMES
Missouri State Parks

Libraries
Daniel Boone Regional Library (Public)
Ellis Library (MU library)
Columbia College (Stafford Library)

Community

Columbia offers “Big Town” amenities, for a relatively small town. One can find a variety of businesses, several hospitals, a number of radio stations and plenty of restaurants and accomodations.

Restaurants
Addison's American Grill
Bambino's Italian Cafe
Boone Tavern & Restaurant
Cherry Street Artisan
Classy's Resturant
El Rancho
Ernie's Steakhouse
Flat Branch Pub & Brewing
Harpo's
Hoss's Market & Rotisserie
Jack's Gourmet Restaurant
Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwich Shop
Les Bourgeois Vineyards & Wine Garden
The Pasta Factory
Shakespeare's Pizza
Sophia's
The Colosseum Bistro
The Wine Cellar & Bistro
Village Wine & Cheese
W.G. Grinders

Accomodations (Hotels & Motels)
Best Western Columbia Inn
Fairfield Inn Columbia
Days Inn Conference Center
EconoLodge of Columbia, Inc.
Hawthorn Suites LTD
Holiday Inn Select Executive Center
Regency Hotel Downtown
Stoney Creek Inn & Conference Center
Super 8 Motel Lake of the Woods
Candlewood Suites
Drury Inn
Hampton Inn
Holiday Inn Express
Ramada Convention Center Columbia
Wingate Inn