The tour was amazing! I totally recommend it if you're in town ! Staff was really friendly, helpful…read moreand cheerful!!

We were looking for a way to beat the heat, and decided on going to Stark Caverns. I hopped online…read moreto purchase tickets, and saw that we would need to purchase one for my 18-month old grandson also. Unfortunately, there were not enough available tickets for all three adults and him. I called out to the Caverns to explain the issue and ask if it would be okay. Matt, who answered the phone, said it would be no problem and to just go ahead and purchase the adult tickets. Upon arrival there was ample parking and it was a beautiful place. We headed into the gift shop and checked in for our tour and checked out all of their wares. Gracie led our tour of the caverns. She was so knowledgeable and just a sweet girl. The tour was a great way to spend part of the afternoon. Everyone in our tour group (ages 1-40+) really seemed to enjoy it! If you have some time to spare, you don't want to miss this family friendly, educational, tour.

We went further down where the water park is located. My kids love this place and today will be the…read morethird time there this week, there is a lot for them to do and most importantly my 4 yr old is so entertained!! Plus they do have little life jackets for the kids so you don't have to lug around so much stuff. The only thing that bothers me about this place is the lifeguards! It's like every single one has a freaking attitude! Can you at least try to pretend to like that you work there? You don't do much but watch out for the kids... I'm here visiting so if I knew a better place with better attitudes I'd be there in a heartbeat!!

Drove here from Columbia to help with the annual "Kickoff for Kids" sponsored by numerous outreach…read moreprograms and the United Way. We helped the Food Bank with their bubble booth. Great park!

Just north/west of the intersection of US-54 and US-63, I found the Katy Trail State Park where I…read morewas hoping to find a power outlet and did but it wasn't operational. Instead, I took the opportunity to use the spot as my third office of the day as there was very cool cellular coverage. After some emails, I did some walking along the trail to clear my head. The park is built on the former corridor of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad. It turns out that it's the longest developed rail-trail in the country at 240 miles long with 26 trailheads and four fully restored railroad depots along the way. This spot in North Jefferson City / Holts Summit has the restored railroad depot with a public toilet. Lots of nature, lots of recreation and lots of opportunity to get away from too much of it all. Parking here is a dirt lot and there are a couple of picnic tables and some shade. A large structure with trail information and sights is here. I enjoyed my time and if I was more of a bicyclist, I would be all over this. I hope you check it out. [Review 19741 overall - 218 in Missouri - 713 of 2023.]

Hiking the Katy trail is always a great time and this trail head is fantastic. Plenty of parking,…read morecovered tables and uncovered. Restrooms as well. Highly recommend using the North Jefferson City trail head. Terrific for meeting folks or using as a place to park and take a bike.

Rock Bridge State Park is one of my favorite Missouri trials because of the views and…read moreaccessibility. This park is wonderful for people of all ages; especially for families! We love exploring the Devil's Icebox Cave and the Sinkhole short trail. There are parts on the trail that are easily accessible by following the wood-planked walkway, but there are also "off the beaten path" trails and spots to ride your bike. Rock Bridge State Park is absolutely beautiful and is a "Must Visit" outdoor spot in Columbia, MO!

I take my granddaughters here every chance I get. Love playing in the water in the caves. And they…read morelove the pathways and steps. I usually end up carrying one or both back out as they are exhausted. Afterwards a nice nap had by all!

Located adjacent to the Capitol Complex, this garden has flowers, pools and walkways. It is…read morecommonly used for graduation photographs, according to my friend who brought us here. And yes, a few folks were taking pictures in caps and gowns today. After the death of Governor Carnahan, the Garden was renamed as a memorial to his work. There is street parking and the garden can be reserved through the Missouri Office of Administration. [Review 19753 overall - 230 in Missouri - 725 of 2023.]

Beautiful lake, with a nice concrete trail around the whole lake. It's okay for kayaking, not much…read moreto it unless you're going to fish. There's some good fish in there. Good place to take your dogs for a walk! It can get pretty busy because it's located along new student housing and apartments but for Columbia it's cool!

Great place to get a wick run. One lap around the lake equates to a mile and a quarter.read more