Columbia: History, Art and Nature

Columbia offers a range of options for travelers interested in culture and nature. When looking for hotels, it helps to first consider what you want to shape your stay: history, art and archaeology, or outdoor activities. Each option offers a different focus. You can assess Columbia based on whether you are more interested in a regional history tour, wide-ranging exhibitions, or a nature experience centered on a specific activity.

History, Art and Archaeology

Boone History Village offers visitors a tour through more than 200 years of Boone County history. The Museum of Art & Archaeology offers a different perspective: its permanent and temporary exhibitions span six continents and six millennia. The continents represent the geographical scope, and the millennia the historical span. This places a regional history tour alongside an exhibition framework that extends well beyond a single region. When choosing cultural experiences, you can weigh whether you are more interested in the history of Boone County or the museum’s broad perspective.

The combination of permanent and temporary exhibitions is also relevant when planning a museum visit. If a particular temporary exhibition is a deciding factor for you, check what will be on display at your planned visit. Admission to the Museum of Art & Archaeology is always free; however, check the admission policy again before your visit, as it may change.

Lake, Hiking and Biking

Stephens Lake Park has an 11-acre lake where fishing and swimming are possible. Both activities take place on the same lake, but suit different preferences. Consider whether fishing or swimming is more appealing to you during an outdoor stay. This makes the nature options here revolve around a specific water activity, rather than just a general idea of the landscape.

Rock Bridge Memorial State Park offers opportunities for hiking and biking in a scenic landscape. Here, the landscape becomes part of the nature experience alongside the activity. Compared with Stephens Lake Park, the focus shifts from fishing and swimming to getting around on foot or by bike. When comparing outdoor activities, you can therefore consider the specific choice between lake activities and hiking or biking in scenic surroundings.

Interests as a Starting Point for Your Hotel Search

An interest in Boone County history leads to a different cultural focus than the museum’s broad perspective; when it comes to nature, lake activities are an alternative to hiking or biking. If several of these topics appeal to you, choose the one that matters most for your trip and consider the others as additional interests.

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