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Top Outdoor Activities In Columbia, Missouri

Step into the vibrant heart of Columbia, where Tiger Town energy pulses through bustling streets and scenic parks. Outdoor activities in Columbia offer an unbeatable way to discover local art, historic districts, and lively hangouts in The District. Whether you are a visitor or a longtime resident, these adventures showcase must-see sights and hidden gems. Get ready for unforgettable moments as you view Columbia from a fresh perspective.

Adventurers exploring in Columbia!

Outdoor Experiences in Columbia, Missouri

Our expertly curated list of outdoor activities brings out the best of Columbia's adventurous spirit! Each experience is crafted to highlight unique corners of the city, from iconic university landmarks to colorful alleyway murals. Whether you are seeking family friendly fun or planning an epic day trip with friends, our outdoor activities promise excitement at every turn. Dive into new challenges and explore what makes Columbia truly special—your next top experience awaits!

Top Rated
Columbia: Columns, Curtains, and Comics Scavenger Hunt card image
green star 5.0 (802 reviews)

Columbia: Columns, Curtains, and Comics Scavenger Hunt

Downtown, Columbia, Missouri

Columbia, Missouri blends college-town buzz with big cultural punch—golden domes,...

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Legends of Mizzou: A Campus Challenge card image
green star 5.0 (70 reviews)

Legends of Mizzou: A Campus Challenge

University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri

Did you know Columbia is home to more than just Tigers? We will lead you to quirky art,...

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Columbia Missouri Bar Hunt card image
green star 5.0 (60 reviews)

Columbia Missouri Bar Hunt

Downtown, Columbia, Missouri

Discover Columbia's vibrant nightlife with a self-guided, gamified bar crawl featuring...

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More Hunts Nearby

Can't find what you're looking for in Columbia? Check out these great scavenger hunts within 30 miles.

21.6 mi away
Beak Seekers: The Fulton Campus Clue Hunt card image
green star 5.0 (64 reviews)

Beak Seekers: The Fulton Campus Clue Hunt

Westminster College, Fulton, Missouri

Experience a self-guided Westminster College tour with an app-led scavenger hunt featuring...

See Top Rated Columbia Hunt
21.6 mi away
Fulton‘s Folly: Fantastic Finds Scavenger Hunt card image
green star 5.0 (272 reviews)

Fulton‘s Folly: Fantastic Finds Scavenger Hunt

Downtown, Fulton, Missouri

Join our exhilarating scavenger hunt through Downtown Fulton, unlocking Missouri‘s...

See Top Rated Columbia Hunt
22.1 mi away
Boonville Booty Brigade Scavenger Hunt card image
green star 5.0 (270 reviews)

Boonville Booty Brigade Scavenger Hunt

Downtown, Boonville, Missouri

Uncover Downtown Boonville‘s hidden gems in our thrilling scavenger hunt! Discover...

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23.1 mi away
 Fayette Scavenger Hunt Scavenger Hunt card image
green star 5.0 (271 reviews)

Fayette Scavenger Hunt Scavenger Hunt

Downtown, Fayette, Missouri

Fayette‘s no cattle tale! Join our downtown scavenger hunt, uncovering historic gems &...

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26.9 mi away
Jefferson City Missouri Bar Hunt card image
green star 5.0 (65 reviews)

Jefferson City Missouri Bar Hunt

Downtown, Jefferson City, Missouri

Discover Jefferson City's nightlife with a self-guided, gamified bar crawl featuring...

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27.2 mi away
The Great Jeff City Chase Scavenger Hunt card image
green star 5.0 (823 reviews)

The Great Jeff City Chase Scavenger Hunt

Downtown, Jefferson City, Missouri

Journey around beautiful Jefferson City, finding all the best landmarks and hidden gems.

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27.7 mi away
Jefferson City Ghost Hunt card image
green star 5.0 (68 reviews)

Jefferson City Ghost Hunt

Downtown, Jefferson City, Missouri

Experience a self-guided Downtown tour in Jefferson City with an app-led, gamified ghost...

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28.2 mi away
Mexico Mischief & Saddle Soirée Scavenger Hunt Scavenger Hunt card image
green star 5.0 (273 reviews)

Mexico Mischief & Saddle Soirée Scavenger Hunt Scavenger Hunt

Downtown, Mexico, Missouri

Saddle up for adventure in Mexico, MO! Discover hidden gems and historic sites on our...

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about outdoor activities

An Epic Columbia, Missouri experience

Feel the thrill as you take on Columbia Missouri Scavenger Hunt after hunt or immerse yourself in University of Missouri Scavenger Hunt challenges—all while uncovering street art gems and historic plazas alongside friends.
Gather your team for trivia quests, hilarious photo dares, and bold scavenger tasks that rack up points in our app—compare results instantly and celebrate your victories together!
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How Our Columbia, Missouri Outdoor Activities Work

Our expert team has scouted over 3,050 cities—including 50+ Midwest destinations—to create unforgettable outdoor experiences tailored just for you. Each activity includes clear instructions, route maps packed with local trivia questions, creative photo tasks at public art installations or historic markers, plus themed puzzles designed by pros.

You will explore on foot using our award-winning app: solve clues at murals or monuments; complete wild photo challenges; earn points; unlock achievements; then compare scores citywide! Every adventure is designed so teams can compete while discovering hidden secrets throughout their journey.

Man on a scavenger hunt walking tour
Hunt Map Columbia
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Top Outdoor Attractions In Columbia

Columbia's top attractions come alive when explored through engaging outdoor activities. Stroll past the legendary columns on campus, snap photos by vibrant street art in The District, and soak up the peaceful beauty around Stephens Lake Park. Every route reveals something new—a craft beer stop here, a historical plaza there—making sightseeing both thrilling and memorable for all ages. Click on each location to see related activities.

1

Museum of Art and Archaeology

Stroll through the iconic Columns, a must-see in Columbia's heart. These neoclassical pillars stand as proud sentinels, offering a glimpse into the area's rich heritage.
2

David R. Francis Quadrangle Historic District

Honor Boone County heroes at the WWI Memorial. This three-part monument features a doughboy statue—an outdoor tribute to those who served.
3

Beetle Bailey Statue

Visit Memorial Union Tower to honor Missourians lost in WWI. Walk through it's archway as a sign of respect—an outdoor tribute steeped in history.
4

Jesse Hall Auditorium

Discover Columbia's outdoor gems on a CoMo Adventure. Stroll through The District Excursions, spot local art in the alley, and enjoy Boone County charm. Locals love the murals hidden downtown.
5

Missouri Theatre

Enjoy Mid-Missouri Getaway vibes as you wander Rock Bridge Trails or relax at Stephens Lake Park. Visiting Columbia? Locals say spring brings wildflowers along the paths for a sensory treat.
6

Francis Memorial

Discover Columbia's outdoor charm on a stroll through The District Excursions. Feel the energy of Tiger Town, spot vibrant murals, and enjoy the buzz of live music drifting from nearby venues.
7

The State Historical Society of Missouri Center for Missouri Studies

Discover Columbia's outdoor gems with a stroll through The District Excursions or unwind at Stephens Lake Park. Feel the Boone County charm and spot local art in the alleyways for a true CoMo adventure.
8

George A Wauchope Old Missouri

Discover Columbia's outdoor spirit with a stroll through The District Excursions. Locals love spotting vibrant murals and catching live music drifting from nearby venues. Feel the Boone County charm in every step.
9

Having a Brew with Beetle Bailey

Wander the Rock Bridge Trails for a true Mid-Missouri getaway. The cool air under the natural rock arches is a local favorite. Keep an eye out for hidden wildlife along these recommended Columbia attractions.
10

Ellis Library

Stephens Lake Park is where locals unwind by sparkling water and lush lawns. Try spotting turtles sunbathing or join in on outdoor yoga classes—true Columbia relaxation with a dash of The District energy.
11

Museum of Art and Archaeology

Step into Art in the Alley for an outdoor gallery experience like no other in Tiger Town. Murals change often, so each visit feels fresh—a favorite spot for creative selfies and urban exploration.
12

The Columns

Experience Boone County charm at Flat Branch Park, where shaded paths wind past bubbling creeks and quirky sculptures. Locals love relaxing here after exploring The District’s nearby attractions.
13

Switzler Hall

Take a break at Peace Park, nestled near Mizzou Hub. Listen to birdsong as you wander tree-lined paths—locals say it is perfect for quiet reflection between CoMo adventures or campus events.
14

Tropical Liqueurs

Explore The District, Columbia's vibrant heart. With it's eclectic mix of shops and eateries, it is a must-see for visitors. Enjoy live music and art galleries in this Mid-Missouri getaway.
15

Logboat Brewing Company

Venture into Rock Bridge Trails for a CoMo adventure. This natural wonder offers hiking and stunning views, making it a top outdoor activity in Columbia.
16

Broadway Brewery

Enjoy outdoor activities at Stephens Lake Park. Known for it's serene lake and walking paths, it is a perfect spot for relaxation and nature appreciation.
17

Son of a Gun

Discover Art in the Alley, where creativity thrives. This hidden gem showcases local talent through vibrant murals, offering a unique cultural experience in Columbia.
18

Flat Branch Pub & Brewing

Stroll through Mizzou Botanic Garden for a peaceful escape. This lush garden offers diverse plant collections and tranquil scenery, perfect for nature lovers visiting Columbia.
19

Hexagon Alley

Step into history at Boone County Historical Society Museum. Explore fascinating exhibits that reveal Columbia's past, offering an educational outing for all ages.
1

Museum of Art and Archaeology

Stroll through the iconic Columns, a must-see in Columbia's heart. These neoclassical pillars stand as proud sentinels, offering a glimpse into the area's rich heritage.
2

David R. Francis Quadrangle Historic District

Honor Boone County heroes at the WWI Memorial. This three-part monument features a doughboy statue—an outdoor tribute to those who served.
3

Beetle Bailey Statue

Visit Memorial Union Tower to honor Missourians lost in WWI. Walk through it's archway as a sign of respect—an outdoor tribute steeped in history.

See our Top Outdoor Activities By Neighborhood

From downtown hotspots to charming corners near Rock Bridge Trails, Columbia neighborhoods burst with opportunities for outdoor adventure. Each area offers it's own flavor of fun—perfect for exploring with friends or family. For more details on what to do in each part of town, click on these neighborhoods to see the related activity.

28.2 mi away
Downtown card image
green star 5.0 (1 reviews)

Downtown

Downtown, Columbia, Missouri

Explore Downtown Columbia's rich heritage and lively atmosphere. Visit landmarks like The Francis Quadrangle and Museum of Art and Archaeology. This area offers a...

See Top Rated Columbia Hunt
28.2 mi away
University of Missouri card image
green star 5.0 (1 reviews)

University of Missouri

University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri

The University of Missouri neighborhood is a top Columbia attraction, blending historic landmarks like Switzler Hall with vibrant student energy. Explore unique things...

See Top Rated Columbia Hunt
star star star star star
12,000+ Reviews For our Hunts

See what people say about our outdoor activities in Columbia

Thousands have trusted our outdoor activities in Columbia—and their glowing reviews speak volumes! One happy guest raved, 'We discovered so many new places while laughing nonstop.' With five-star ratings across the board, locals and visitors agree that our experiences deliver excitement and lasting memories.

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Such an engaging walking tour of downtown! I loved using the app to guide us through all these historic locations.
Ryan A.
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This experience is perfect for tourists wanting to see iconic sights in Columbia. Highly recommend it for anyone visiting!
Megan W.
star star star star star
A wonderful way to explore downtown Columbia! The Conversation spot was fascinating, and we learned so much along the way.
Daniel L.
star star star star star
This scavenger hunt was a hit with my family. We loved seeing the Neff Hall Chinese Stone Lions and bonding over our discoveries.
Laura M.
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We had an amazing time at the WWI Memorial. It's a great thing to do if you're looking to learn more about local history.
Chris G.
star star star star star
Exploring downtown Columbia was such a unique experience. The app made it easy to navigate and find interesting spots.
Jessica D.
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The Columns were stunning! This self-guided tour was a perfect outdoor activity for enjoying the fresh air in Columbia.
David B.
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What a fun date idea! We wandered around Francis Quadrangle and enjoyed the beautiful scenery while learning some cool facts.
Sarah W.
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This experience in downtown Columbia was fantastic. I loved uncovering hidden gems and learning about local landmarks.
Michael S.
star star star star star
I had a great time exploring the Memorial Union Tower on this walking tour. It was a fun way to discover Columbia's history.
Emily J.
star star star star star
Using the ScavengerHunt.com app made our exploration of downtown so enjoyable. A must-do for anyone visiting!
Daniel W.
star star star star star
What a great thing to do in Columbia! I loved how interactive it was, making it easy to explore at our own pace.
Megan L.
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We had so much fun on this walking tour of downtown Columbia. It felt like an adventure through time!
Brian H.
star star star star star
This experience was truly memorable, especially wandering around The Conversation and appreciating the art!
Laura G.
star star star star star
The self-guided tour around Neff Hall Chinese Stone Lions was an awesome way for tourists to see local points of interest.
Chris M.
star star star star star
Exploring downtown Columbia was such a treat. I loved uncovering its rich history through this engaging tour.
Jessica D.
star star star star star
A fantastic outdoor experience in downtown Columbia. The Memorial Union Tower was stunning and perfect for photos.
David B.
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This was a great family activity! The kids enjoyed learning about Francis Quadrangle while we explored together.
Sarah W.
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What a fun date idea in the heart of Columbia. We loved discovering hidden gems while wandering around the WWI Memorial.
Michael S.
star star star star star
I had a blast exploring the Columns during our walking tour in downtown Columbia. Such a unique way to see the city's history.
Emily J.

FAQs.

LOCAL INSIGHTS

Fun Columbia Facts and Hidden Gems

Columbia began as a humble trading post along Boone's Lick Trail before blossoming into today's energetic college town known as Mizzou Hub. It's legacy lives on in lively music venues and eclectic art galleries scattered throughout downtown.

Did you know Stephens Lake Park was once farmland? Now it is a beloved gathering spot perfect for picn
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Charlie and Mike Harding, Founders of ScavengerHunt.com
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