Columbia, Missouri Weekend Escapes: 10 Short Road Trips Nearby

on

10 Easy Road Trips Near Columbia, Missouri (All Outside Boone County)

If you live in or around Columbia, Missouri and you’re itching to get out of town for a day, you’re in the perfect spot. Within about an hour’s drive, you’ve got caves, historic prisons, small-town diners, wineries, and wide-open farm country—pretty much everything you’d want in a classic Midwestern road trip. The best part? Every single place on this list is outside Boone County

1. Explore the Historic Missouri State Penitentiary (Cole County – Jefferson City)

If you like history with a little edge, this one is tough to beat. Just a short drive south of Columbia, in Jefferson City, the old Missouri State Penitentiary offers guided tours that are equal parts spooky and fascinating. The prison opened in the 1830s and once held some of the most notorious inmates in the state. You’ll walk through:
  • Old cell blocks that feel frozen in time
  • The gas chamber (yes, really)
  • Historic sections that show how prisons used to operate
Some tours even focus on ghost stories if that’s your thing. It’s a great road trip from Columbia when you want something different from the usual shopping and restaurants. Just make sure to book ahead, especially on weekends.

2. Climb to the Top of the Missouri State Capitol (Cole County – Jefferson City)

Since you’re already in Jeff City, you might as well make a full day of it. The Missouri State Capitol sits on a bluff overlooking the Missouri River and is one of the prettiest state capitol buildings in the country. You can:
  • Tour the building and see the House and Senate chambers
  • Check out art by Thomas Hart Benton
  • Climb up to the dome (on certain tours) for epic river views
Across the street, the Missouri State Museum gives you a crash course in Missouri history, from Native American stories to the Civil War and beyond. If you time it right, grab lunch or dinner downtown and stroll along the riverfront trail before heading back to Columbia.

3. Sip and Relax at a Callaway County Winery (Callaway County – Near Fulton & Portland)

When you picture wine country, you might think California—but Callaway CountyFulton and Portland, you’ll find small, laid-back wineries with:
  • Scenic views over rolling hills
  • Live music on weekends (especially in warmer months)
  • Outdoor seating perfect for sunsets
This is an easy half-day or full-day road trip from Columbia. Pack a light jacket, bring a designated driver, and kick back with a glass of Missouri red or a crisp white while watching the sun dip over the fields. It’s date-day perfection—or a relaxing friends’ outing.

4. Step Back in Time in Fulton’s Historic Downtown (Callaway County – Fulton)

Fulton is one of those small towns that surprises you. It’s known worldwide for Winston Churchill’s “Iron Curtain” speech, but it also makes a solid road trip destination for a relaxed day out of Columbia. In downtown Fulton, you’ll find:
  • Brick streets and historic storefronts
  • Local cafés and bakeries
  • Shops with antiques, gifts, and Missouri-made items
Swing by Westminster College’s campus area to see the Churchill-related sites and a section of the Berlin Wall. Then wander back into town for coffee or ice cream before heading home. If you like a mix of history and small-town charm, Fulton hits the sweet spot.

5. Ride the Katy Trail and Visit the River Town of Rocheport’s Neighbor, Boonville (Cooper County – Boonville)

You’ve probably heard of Rocheport, but for this list we’re heading just a bit farther west into Cooper County to explore Boonville. Boonville sits right on the Katy Trail, one of the most popular bike trails in Missouri. From here you can:
  • Bike or walk along the old rail line with river and bluff views
  • Visit the historic downtown area
  • Check out old homes and buildings that go back to the 1800s
If you bring your bike, you can ride a stretch of the Katy Trail and then reward yourself with lunch in town. Even if you’re not a biker, a simple stroll and a drive around the historic neighborhoods make it a relaxing day trip.

6. Discover River Views and Quiet Streets in Glasgow (Howard County – Glasgow)

Heading north and west from Columbia, you’ll find Glasgow in Howard County, a small river town that feels a bit like stepping into a postcard. Here’s what makes it worth the drive:
  • Pretty views of the Missouri River from the bluff
  • Old brick commercial buildings and historic homes
  • A slower pace that’s perfect when you need a break from city life
Take your time strolling the streets, snapping a few photos, and enjoying the view from one of the overlooks. Bring a picnic and find a shady spot by the river if the weather’s nice. This is one of those little towns that reminds you why small-town Missouri is special.

7. Visit the World’s Largest Pecan (Yes, Really) in Brunswick’s Neighboring Region (Chariton/Howard Area Access via Howard County)

While the “official” world’s largest pecan is in Brunswick (across the river in Chariton County), it’s an easy add-on when you’re already exploring Howard County and the surrounding area. Why include it in a Columbia road trips list?
  • It’s quirky and fun—classic roadside attraction vibes
  • It pairs nicely with a day spent driving scenic back roads
  • You can tell your friends you took a photo with a giant pecan
The drive from Columbia through Howard County and across the river is peaceful, with views of farmland, timber, and the big Midwestern sky. Sometimes the journey really is a big part of the experience.

8. Eat Your Way Through Small-Town Audrain County (Audrain County – Mexico & Beyond)

If you’re a fan of classic diners and small-town comfort food, point your car northeast toward Audrain County, especially the town of Mexico, Missouri. Mexico has:
  • Local cafés serving hearty breakfasts and strong coffee
  • Casual lunch spots with burgers, tenderloins, and pie
  • Friendly folks who don’t mind giving you tips on their favorite spots
You can make a loop from Columbia that takes you through smaller communities in Audrain County as well—ideal if you enjoy just driving, spotting old barns, and stopping wherever looks interesting. Sometimes the best “thing to do near Columbia” is as simple as a good meal and an easy drive.

9. Hunt for Antiques and History in Huntsville & Moberly (Randolph County)

North of Columbia, Randolph County offers a mix of history, small towns, and old-school charm—especially around Moberly and Huntsville. Here’s how to turn it into a laid-back road trip:
  • Start in Moberly and wander through local antique or thrift stores
  • Check out any downtown murals or historic markers
  • Drive over to Huntsville and explore the quiet streets and older homes
This kind of trip is perfect when you don’t need a big attraction, but you do want:
  • A change of scenery
  • A chance to stretch your legs
  • An excuse to browse for vintage finds or unique decor
If you enjoy poking around in old shops and imagining the stories behind what you find, Randolph County is a fun little detour from everyday life in Columbia.

10. Slow Down in Tipton or California, Missouri (Moniteau County)

To the southwest, Moniteau County is home to towns like Tipton and California, Missouri—both great choices when you want an easy, no-stress day trip. In this area, you can:
  • Drive quiet, winding back roads through farm country
  • Walk around small downtown squares
  • Pop into local shops or grab a simple lunch
There’s something really soothing about spending an afternoon where everything moves just a little slower. If life in Columbia has you racing from one thing to the next, a few hours down in Moniteau County can feel like a reset button.

Tips for Planning Your Out-of-County Road Trips from Columbia

To make these short Missouri road trips even better, keep a few simple tips in mind:
  • Fuel up first: Gas up in Columbia so you’re not worried about finding a station right away.
  • Check hours: Small-town museums, wineries, and attractions sometimes have limited or seasonal hours.
  • Pack a cooler: Toss in water, snacks, and maybe a picnic lunch so you can stop at a park or overlook.
  • Bring a light jacket: Old buildings, riverfronts, and breezy hilltops can feel cooler than you expect.
  • Leave room to wander: Some of the best finds are the ones you didn’t plan.
If you like, you can string a couple of these stops together—Capitol + Penitentiary in Jeff City, or Fulton + Callaway wineries, for example—and turn a quick day trip into a full, satisfying adventure.

Final Thoughts: Road Trips Near Columbia, MO Are Closer Than You Think

It’s easy to get stuck in a routine—same coffee shop, same grocery store, same route across town. But within about an hour of Columbia, Missouri, and just outside Boone County, you’ve got:
  • Historic sites in Cole and Callaway Counties
  • River towns and trails in Cooper and Howard Counties
  • Quiet country drives in Moniteau and Randolph Counties
  • Small-town eats and charm in Audrain County
Next time you have a free Saturday or even just a long afternoon, pick one of these out-of-county trips, toss a bag in the car, and go see what’s waiting just down the highway.

What About You?

Have you taken a favorite day trip from Columbia, MO to one of these surrounding counties? Did I miss a hidden gem in Audrain, Callaway, Cole, Cooper, Howard, Moniteau, or Randolph County? Share your ideas in the comments—I’d love to hear where you like to go when you need a quick escape from Columbia. And if you found this list helpful, please share it with a friend who’s always saying, “There’s nothing to do around here.” You might just inspire their next mini-adventure.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

Comments

Post a Comment