Free & Cheap Things to Do in Columbia

Arts & Culture

A free university museum housing over 16,000 objects from six continents spanning five millennia — from ancient Egyptian artifacts to medieval European paintings to contemporary American works. One of the most wide-ranging and impressive free art and archaeology collections at any American university, open to the public at no charge.

Address: Ellis Library (East Wing), University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211

Tip: Open Tuesday–Friday 10am–4pm, Saturday–Sunday noon–4pm, closed Mondays. Free parking on campus on weekends. The museum is inside Ellis Library — enter from Lowry Mall or the accessible Hitt Street entrance.

History & Culture

The historic heart of the University of Missouri campus features six iconic Greek Revival columns — all that remains of Academic Hall after it burned in 1892 — standing as one of Missouri's most recognizable landmarks. The surrounding Francis Quadrangle contains 12 historic buildings and, remarkably, the original tombstone of Thomas Jefferson on loan from Monticello.

Address: Francis Quadrangle, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211

Tip: Open and accessible year-round at no charge. The columns are especially dramatic at dawn or dusk. Pick up a free self-guided walking tour map at the MU Visitor Center to explore the full historic campus.

Outdoors

Columbia's premier free trail follows the old Missouri-Kansas-Texas railroad bed for nearly 9 miles through the heart of the city, connecting downtown's Flat Branch Park to the edge of the Katy Trail State Park. The all-weather crushed limestone surface is perfect for walking, running, or cycling, and the route passes through natural areas, parks, and neighborhoods.

Address: Flat Branch Park, 4th & Cherry St, Columbia, MO 65201

Tip: Start at Flat Branch Park in downtown Columbia for easy parking and access. The trail connects to the famous Katy Trail at McBaine — bring a bike and you can ride all the way to the Missouri River bottomlands. Well-maintained restrooms and water stations along the route.