Don’t Worry About Big Airports, Fly to Columbia, MO!
My Columbia post may contain links for which I earn a commission.
Landmarks and the Technical Part
Columbia, Missouri (IATA: COU ICAO: KCOU)The Columbia Regional Airport, elevation 889′ is approximately 10 miles SE of the city of Columbia in Boone County Missouri. It’s a towered, public airport owned by the city of Columbia. There is both AVGas and JetA on the field 24/7. The airfield has two runways (2/20 and 13/31) both are concrete and reported in good condition. Runway 2/20 has 2 at (elev. 882.2′) with 20 at (elev. 886.1′) is 7401 x 150. Runway 13/31 is 5500 x 100 with 13 at (elev. 888.2′) and 31 being 885.6′.
Columbia Regional Airport does have limited commercial traffic but because it’s almost squarely in between St. Louis and Kansas City it made the list. Not only is it centrally located it’s just minutes from I-70. If you want an airport with no commercial traffic but find the central location useful Jefferson City, the state capital, is just 14 nautical miles SSE. If you landed at Jeff City and are driving up it’s about 17 miles.
The commercial traffic is provided by American Eagle and goes to both Dallas/Fort Worth and Chicago O’Hare.
Transport
National, Alamo, and Enterprise rental desks are conveniently located in the Columbia Regional Airport terminal. Also available are Taxis, Ubers, limos and an airport shuttle.
Where to go for the Finer Things!
If you’re here to tour the college campus be ready to be impressed! It’s been voted one of
America’s most beautiful campuses and the University of Missouri doesn’t disappoint. It’s a large complex filled with grand buildings, beautiful fountains, and themed gardens. The Museum of Anthropology is a part of the University of Missouri’s downtown campus.
The Museum of Art and Archeology is also a part of the University located on the garden level of Ellis Library. Admission to both museums is free.
Maybe you came for a football game, well, Faurot Field is right on campus. Welcome to the ZOU!
Things to do in and around Columbia!
Anthropology and Archeology not your thing? Well, how about Cars? A nearby attraction might pique your interest. About a 30 minute drive away in Fulton you will find the Auto World Museum. It’s located just off of Highway 54 but it’s only open Friday through Sunday. Starting with a 1896 Horse and Buggy to a yellow 1955 Studebaker Speedster up to the 1997 Mizzou Sun Tiger II. You get the full visual of the history of life with automobiles.
For the outdoor type the Rock Bridge State Park is a must see. Beautiful natural formations, including 12 caves, the rock bridge, sinkholes and an underground stream. In addition the multiple hiking trails including the popular Spring Brook Trail Loop via the Devil’s Icebox Trail make this a perfect day outing.
The German influence in central Missouri is very prominent. You can find old steins in local antiques stores and eat genuine German cuisine in many of the small towns around as well as in Columbia.
German hopscotch in Hermann, Missouri. One of my favorite small towns in central Missouri not too far from Columbia.
Local Pubs and Dining in Columbia
Are you dropping off your young adult at the University? Going yourself? If so, you’ll want to see where they (or you) could be hanging out. You need to visit Harpo’s, the Campus Bar & Grill, or The Penguin Piano Bar, if you want to dance and sing at the top of your lungs.
Wanting something a little more laid back? Try The Roof, or the old warehouse setting of the Flat Branch Pub & Brewing. The Roof is exactly where you would think it would be, on the roof of the Broadway Hotel. Outdoor fire pits, local craft beer, great food and live music are part of the appeal. Shiloh Bar & Grill has a patio and live music but can get pretty busy and noisy depending on what’s going on in town. Truman’s Bar and Grill is a popular sports bar for both food and drink.
Need a business lunch or a nice dinner? CC’s City Broiler ranks pretty high on the steak scale as does Murry’s. Looking for something a little spicier? Cajun and Creole are served at Glenn’s Cafe. Even hotter? HuHot Mongolian Grill for the heat.
The best bet according to rankings for Seafood lover’s would be the Cajun Crab House Seafood Restaurant or The Hungry Crab. CC’s City Broiler also comes up in several reviews so that might be a great choice to have the best of both worlds.
In conclusion-If there ‘s somewhere you’d like to explore, add your email to our list at JeTTreks.com and we’ll do the research for you.
Once again fly high, land safe,
jo@jettreks.com