You could go biking on the Katy Trail- or walking if you dont have bikes

http://www.bikekatytrail.com/

I was also going to say hike or bike on the Katy trail.

I live in STL and Columbia was always a pit stop on the way to KC! I dont know anything other tha the gas stations and quick places to eat.

there are some historic towns nearby that are supposed to be really nice - I will see what I can find out....

Hello! I'm a University of Missouri grad, so I'm pretty familiar with the area.

Hopefully for your teen you've got your university visit planned on a home football weekend...if you do, make sure to go to the game (Sat). You may also look at the MU athletics website (www.mutigers.com) to see what sports teams have home games and if any are on the Sunday you're there. As for you, I definitely recommend the Katy Trail as well! Something else oddly popular in the area is hot air ballooning, especially in the fall, but I'm not sure where you would arrange it...

For food, you should definitely experience the "college eats" near campus at Shakespeare's Pizza (serves by the slice or pies and is so-missed by ex-college students, they've started shipping frozen ones), Booches (famous greasy slider burgers), or The Heidelberg aka the 'Berg (good for appetizers). Nicer places to try are Addison's (a steakhouse near campus) and Murry's (further away but has good food and jazz music).

I think the historic town mentioned earlier is Hannibal...it's a German town that will be celebrating Oktoberfest at the many wineries...may be a bit rowdy with drunk students if you visit in September/October.

Hope that helps!

Jayna
travels at www.ususbaby.com

like 2travel:

Agree with Jayna experience the college eats.

Columbia is a really nice town - one of our sons is a Univeristy of Missouri grad but we didn't spend a lot of time sight seeing with him on our visits.

Wish you well on your college visits and good luck to your son.

Sandy

Have passed through and stayed in Columbia many times on the way to Denver--about half way for me. IF it IS a football week-end get your motel reservations NOW and be prepared to pay a premium. That little thing sneaked up on me one trip.

Thanks everyone for the good information! Its actually an away football game that weekend (darn, I didn't have much leeway with the dates!), but according to the website given, I think the basketball team has a home game
The Katy trail looks good, and I've found bike rentals nearby. We'll definately check out the food at Shakespeare's Pizza, Booches, & the Heidelberg. If time, we'll try Addison's or Murray's.
Does anyone recommend a good place to stay near campus? I've heard Columbia has good ethnic restaurants - true? Is the ice cream good at the university ice cream lab - should we make time to try it?

I've actually never stayed at a hotel in Columbia...but they were building the Stoney Creek Inn right near our place when I graduated. It's really close to campus, but I don't know how the rooms are.

Buck's Tiger Stripe ice cream is definitely fun to eat...but I don't remember it tasting particularly different...I wouldn't say it's a HAVE to do but could be fun if you're on that side of campus.

Ethnic foods? Hmmm...I'll have to keep thinking on that one...

Jayna
travels at www.ususbaby.com

I'd highly recommend the Stoney Creek Inn. Stayed there on business last year. It's very comfortable and the people who run it are nice. Looked like the best bet in the area.