life
ROBINSON'S RAMBLINGS
Columbia’s Marina GOOD TIMES AT COOPER’S LANDING.
BY JOHN DRAKE ROBINSON · PHOTOS BY L.G. PATTERSON
R
ecently, I rode my bicycle
“Backyards and Beyond” glamping tent
down the Katy Trail and
package ready to rent.
stopped at one legendary gathering place. At the
The entire property sits along the
longest nonstop canoe race. Kayaks and pleasure boats remain rare sights between Kansas City and St.
Katy Trail and the magnificent Missouri
Louis. Other states have successfully
bottom of Boone County, between
River, the longest river on the continent,
turned the river into a playground,
Rocheport and Hartsburg, Cooper's
which means you can get there by bike
even as they siphon water and sell it off.
Landing serves the Missouri River as
or boat. But most people take the easy
Missouri has been slow to engage the
country store, campground, music
drive to this beautiful spot.
river’s recreational potential.
venue and marina. What a great setting to bring family
From a food truck, I received a hearty helping of the world's best river fare.
But hold onto your paddle. Years ago, before I became Missouri
and friends: a bonfire; great music
I sat on a picnic bench and listened to
tourism director, then-U.S. Secretary
from the bandstand; plenty of picnic
live music, performed by disciples of
of the Interior Bruce Babbitt stood on
tables; your favorite beverages and
Jerome Wheeler, the dearly departed
the banks of the Missouri River and
snacks served from the open window
Missouri River muse. A solitary pleasure
shared his vision for a Missouri River
of the store; easy parking and plenty
boat arrived at the marina. Then a
trail. He was concerned about the river’s
of campsites for tents and RVs. They
kayak appeared from the west. If it were
future. I trusted Babbitt because of his
even offer glamping, the glamorous
summer, I’d guess she was a contestant
open frankness. To wit, as a presidential
camping alternative, with a brand new
in the Missouri River 340, the world's
candidate he faced the question: INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/APRIL 2022 31
