About the Area
Columbia is a city of about 120,000 people and lies midway between Missouri’s largest metro areas: St. Louis and Kansas City. It is home to nationally-recognized public schools including two top-ranked high schools and other colleges and educational centers. It is home to the University of Missouri (also known as ‘Mizzou’) and two other post-secondary institutions, Stephens College and Columbia College. Columbia has an exciting mix of entertainment and culture to offer visitors and residents alike. Historic and cultural sites include the Walters-Boone County Historical Museum, the Jewell Cemetery State Historic Site, and the University of Missouri Museum of Art and Archaeology. Nearby recreational areas include Finger Lakes State Park, Big Muddy National Fish and Wildlife Refuge, Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, and the 225-mile-long Katy Trail State Park.