Enjoy the Columbia area parks and activities
James V. Thornton II, posted April 18, 2007
The recent and short bout of warm weather, along with contemplating the significance of Earth Day, got me thinking about all of the activities that I enjoy. I am an avid outdoor enthusiast and really appreciate that the Columbia area has many options available that allow me to make the most of the outdoors. When looking at Columbia, here are some places that are a must.
Finger Lakes
The first park that comes to mind is Finger Lakes State Park north of Columbia. That could be because this is one of the more beautiful places to canoe that I have ever seen. According to the Missouri State Parks and Historic Sites Web site, the park was originally an old coal-mining site. Once the pits filled up with water, a long lake formed with several branches to explore. The park offers a “one and a half-mile long corridor” of water along with a sand beach.
Finger Lakes is also known for its off-road motor vehicle trails. The Missouri State Parks Web site said there are more than 70 miles of trails. There is a fee to use the trails and certain rules to follow.
Rocky Fork Conservation Area
Right next to Finger Lakes is Rocky Fork Conservation Area. The area offers a lake for fishing in addition to shooting ranges. Rifle range targets are set at 25, 50 and 100 yards. Rocky Fork also has a place to shoot clay pigeons; you just have to remember to bring your own thrower. The park also reminds you to pick up after you shoot — empty hulls and shells are litter.
Rock Bridge Memorial State Park
Another great place to go is Rock Bridge Memorial State Park on Highway 163 south of town. Devil’s Icebox, sinkhole, and Connor’s Cave are two of the main attractions. A boardwalk leads all the way to the Devil’s Icebox. There are also more than 15 miles of hiking trails around the park.
If you are headed to Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, you can register to go on a wild cave tour (WCT). A WCT usually lasts from eight to 10 hours from. This includes a 30 to 45-minute orientation at the beginning. There are a variety of tours with different difficulty levels offered throughout the spring and fall. The park currently has a list of tour dates, registration information and what you need to go on a WCT.
You can contact Rock Bridge Memorial State Park by phone at 573-449-7402, or via e-mail at rock.bridge.memorial.state.park@dnr.mo.gov. You can also visit the park Web site.
Cosmo-Bethel Park
If you like to fish, especially trout, then Columbia has the place for you at Cosmo-Bethel Park on Bethel Church Road, right behind Rock Bridge High School. The city of Columbia along with the Missouri Department of Conservation has established a winter trout program. You can find information at the city of Columbia Web site.
Each November, the lake is stocked with 2,400 trout approximately 10 to 12 inches long. From Nov. 1 until Jan. 31, the trout are for catch-and-release only and anglers must use artificial baits and no scented baits. After Jan. 31, state trout regulations apply.
MKT
Something else that the city of Columbia has set up, in cooperation with Boone County, is the MKT trail. The MKT trailhead is at Flat Branch Park in downtown Columbia. There are also several other places where you can get on the trail (see below). You can run, jog, walk or bike all 8.9 miles of the trail if you like. At that point, it meets up with the Katy Trail in McBaine, which is south of Columbia on Route K.
You can get on the trail at any of these Columbia locations:
- 101 S. 4th Street
- 501 Providence Rd.
- 800 S. Stadium Blvd.
- 2701 Forum Blvd
- 366 Scott Blvd.
Twin Lakes
Another great aspect of Columbia is that it is a dog-friendly town. One of my favorite places to go is Twin Lakes Park. There Columbia has set up a no-leash area so you can get your dog out of the backyard, off the leash and let it run free with other dogs. I like taking my golden retriever, Ellie, out there, so she can play with other dogs. She also enjoys the running and swimming.
Twin Lakes is located at 2500 Chapel Hill, just down the road from Jazz’s restaurant. A couple other leash-free areas in town include Hinkson Woods Conservation Area and Grindstone Nature Area. Hinkson Woods is right beside the MKT trail at the Forum Blvd. location. Grindstone Nature Area is at 2011 Old Highway 63 South.
Capen Park
Last, but not least, is Capen Park, located off Rock Quarry Road on 1600 Capen Park Drive. It is a short walk and even shorter drive from campus and offers enjoyable hiking trails. There are bluffs further inside the park to go rock climbing, but it is not a gym. You must bring you own equipment. Capen Park also has a bridge that connects it with the Grindstone Nature Area.
Columbia gives you plenty of places to go and things to do while celebrating the great outdoors. Head out there this Spring or on Earth Day for your adventure in the making.
