Excellent Excursions

When you visit Columbia, build more memories through short day trips to unique destinations nearby. From historic sites to retail venues and pocket communities, these excursions give you more options to explore. And, if you can’t visit them all, put them on your list for the next time you’re in the area.

Arrow Rock 40 miles from Columbia; 28 miles west on I-70, exit 98, 13 miles northwest on Highway 41 660-837-3608 ArrowRock.org

The village of Arrow Rock is a designated National Historic Landmark. You can see many historic buildings and sites here, but check out the museums, look through the shops, enjoy a bite to eat and catch a show at the Broadway-caliber Lyceum Theatre.

Boonville 25 miles west of Columbia on I-70, exits 101, 103, 106 660-882-3967 GoBoonville.com

Boonville has more than 400 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, the Isle of Capri Casino off of the Missouri River and Warm Springs Ranch, open April–October, home of the Budweiser Clydesdales. There’s also shopping, dining, theater and more.

Centralia 20 miles north on Route B/124 573-682-2272 CentraliaMo.org

Explore history at the Historical Society Museum and the 1864 Civil War battlefield site of Centralia. Stop by Chance Garden, home to the Rose Garden and listed on the National Historic Registry.

Clark 25 miles north on Highway 63, right on Route P

Look through the antique shops and other shops in the area or visit the farms in the Amish Community to find quilts, produce, baked goods, plants, furniture and other items. Please respect the Amish culture and refrain from taking photos of individuals.

Fulton 30 miles from Columbia; 21 miles east on I-70, exit 148, 9 miles south on Highway 54 573-642-7692 VisitFulton.com

Visit America’s National Churchill Museum that features a 17th-century church from London and eight sections of the Berlin Wall (re-opening fall 2021). Explore Fulton’s historic downtown Brick District, Serenity Valley Winery’s 60 scenic acres, the Auto World Museum, Crane’s Country Store and Museum and the Katy Trail, among other Callaway County attractions.

Jefferson City 30 miles south of Columbia on Highway 63 573-632-2820 VisitJeffersonCity.com

Take a free tour at the Missouri State Capitol, Governor’s mansion or Jefferson Landing State Historic Site, or stop by one of Jeff City’s many other attractions—the historic State Penitentiary, Runge Nature Center, Missouri Military History Museum and Central Dairy.

Rocheport 15 miles from Columbia; 11 miles west on I-70, exit 115, 4 miles north on Route BB Rocheport-MO.com

Visit shops and galleries, enjoy fine dining, bike or hike the Katy Trail and explore history in Rocheport. Make a stop on the way at Les Bourgeois Winery and Bistro, which overlooks the Missouri River and has one of the best spots to watch the sun go down.

LOCAL TIP

When you visit Jefferson City, stop by the Missouri Capitol and view Thomas Hart Benton’s “A Social History of the State of Missouri” mural on the wall’s of the House Lounge. It’s one of this Missouri native’s most notable works. Katy Trail, Rocheport

Missouri State Capitol, Jefferson City