Whenever I tell people I’m from Columbia, Missouri, it is usually met with mixed reactions. Sometimes they have family in St. Louis or Kansas City and vaguely know of Columbia. Sometimes they went to the University of Missouri, just like me. Sometimes they have no idea where Missouri is, much less Columbia. I can never get too upset at that. By all accounts, Missouri is settled comfortably in its Midwestern status, not much of a vacation hotspot or birthplace of anything hip. Things like cat cafes and boba tea have only recently come to the area. But the state still has plenty to offer to both lifelong residents and visitors alike.
Columbia, Missouri is a college town of about 100,000 residents, with the population spiking during the school year and dipping in the summertime. Home to the University of Missouri, Columbia College, and Stephens College, the city plays host to scores of young adults looking for both higher education and a good time. At the same time, it offers a relaxed pace of life for families and retirees, with amenities like a robust healthcare system and top ranked public schools.
One of the crown jewels of Columbia is the MKT Trail, a 9 mile limestone paved trail that begins in downtown and snakes through the southwest quadrant of town. It ties into several neighborhoods, and even to a multiplex movie theater. Most of the trail is covered in shade trees, allowing for a respite from summer heat. During the weekends, the MKT Trail is lousy with runners and bikers, some with pets, strollers, and ride-along trailers. There are restrooms and water fountains spaced out frequently along the trail, which can save one’s hide in the worst case scenarios.
Just outside of town, the MKT Trail connects to the Katy Trail, a rail trail. This is where the fun really begins; stretching across the state of Missouri from Kansas City to St. Louis. There are countless small towns along the Katy Trail with amenities like restaurants, convenience stores, restrooms, and campgrounds. Cooper’s Landing (12 miles south of Columbia) is a river port right off the trail, and offers boat docking, camping, lodging, and bike rentals. During the summer, live music and a good time can be found here.
Columbia is rated Silver by the League of American Bicyclists based on its bike network connectivity, percentage of bike commuters, and bicycle education, among other factors. It was one of four communities to be part of the Federal Highway Administration’s Non-Motorized Transportation Pilot Program. This grant program’s goal was to promote active transportation in each respective community. Each city has taken a varying approach to this, and Columbia used the funds to start Getabout Columbia. This initiative served to bring the parks and public works departments of Columbia together, resulting in a growing network of bike lanes and trails.
One of the events initially funded by this grant is Bike, Walk, and Wheel week. It takes place in early May and aims to promote activities like biking to work, walking to school, and other active transportation endeavors. Different events are held each year, ranging from women-only bike rides, to a Strong Towns presentation, to farmer’s market rides.
Although Columbia is a relatively small and somewhat nondescript place, it still has a lot going for it. The university’s presence is a big draw for larger cultural events, including an indie film festival and a blues music festival. People from all around the world come to Columbia for work and studies, and often stay because of the quality of life the city offers: big enough for all your daily needs, but small enough to feel a sense of community. Even though I have moved away, I still feel fond nostalgia for my hometown and all the riding I did there. So if someday you are cruising along on the Katy Trail, consider making a pit stop in Columbia; you might be pleasantly surprised.
Eunice Wang 