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Looking to escape St. Louis for the weekend without driving half a day? Mid-Missouri has you covered — think quirky roadside art, secret caves, massive trees, and some seriously unexpected campus finds.
Whether you’re into offbeat history or just want to stretch your legs in nature, the Columbia–Jefferson City corridor makes for the perfect 2–3 hour road trip.
Here’s your friendly guide to a weekend full of oddball sights, fresh air, and photo ops your Instagram will love.
The University of Missouri Has Secrets (Really Cool Ones)
Columbia, MO is home to Mizzou — but even if you’re not wearing black and gold, this campus has some surprisingly fun and weird attractions worth wandering through.
Snap a Selfie With The Columns
Standing proud in the center of campus, these six massive stone columns are all that’s left of Academic Hall, which burned down in 1892. They’re beautiful, iconic, and weirdly powerful in person. Bring a good camera and tripod #ad to capture these historic columns. It’s a great backdrop for group pics or artsy sunset shots.
Visit the Veterinary Museum of Missouri
Tucked away inside the vet med building, this tiny museum is packed with antique instruments, weird exhibits, and a surprisingly rich history of animal medicine. Perfect quick stop if you’re curious (or just want AC and cool facts). Planning to explore multiple campus spots? Grab a comfortable pair of these cute Brooks walking shoes. #ad
Meet the Chinese Stone Lions
No, you’re not hallucinating — two ancient stone lion guardians sit right outside Neff Hall on the Mizzou campus. These guys were a gift from China in the 1930s and are among the rarest outdoor Asian artifacts on a U.S. college campus.
They’re quiet, a little mysterious, and definitely photo-worthy. No official website, but just plug “Neff Hall” into your GPS and stroll by.
The Blind Boone House: Music, Grit & Legacy
In downtown Columbia, stop by the home of John William “Blind” Boone, a legendary ragtime pianist and composer. The house has been beautifully restored, and the story of Boone — a Black musician who toured the U.S. despite intense adversity — is genuinely inspiring.
Pro tip: Check in advance for tours or events — they’re small but worth it.
Free Printable: Click here to download our free Blind Boone Walking Tour Guide – includes nearby stops and fun facts!
Thomas Jefferson’s Tombstone? Yep, Right Here.
So I found out Missouri has Thomas Jefferson’s original tombstone. I know, sounds weird, right?
It’s on the University of Missouri campus, near the Special Collections library. Not exactly where you’d expect to find a founding father’s grave marker.
The whole story gets told by John Hamilton Works Jr., who’s actually Jefferson’s 7th-generation descendant. Pretty wild that it’s still in the family, so to speak.
If you’re ever on campus, it’s worth checking out. Not many people know it’s there, so you can be the one dropping random historical facts at parties.
Learn More of Thomas Jefferson’s Tombstone
Nature Time: Iceboxes, Giant Trees & Floating Boats
If you need to get outside and stretch your legs, Mid-Missouri delivers in the weird nature department too.
Devil’s Icebox at Rock Bridge State Park
This cave gets cold, like jacket-in-July cold. Walk the wooden platforms and explore the nearby sinkholes and trails. If the conditions are right, you might spot bats or waterfalls. This place feels like something out of a fantasy novel.
Update: The cave tours have been suspended until further notice to protect the bats within Devil’s Icebox Cave from white nose syndrome, caused by a fungus that affects bats but not humans. For more information about Devil’s Icebox Cave, call the park office at 573-449-7402. For more information about the disease, go to https://whitenosesyndrome.org/.
The McBaine Bur Oak: A Literal Legend
There’s this massive oak tree out by McBaine that’s been around for like 400 years. I’m talking huge – you’d need four people holding hands just to wrap around the trunk.
It’s called the McBaine Burr Oak, and locals just call it “the big tree.” Makes sense when you see it. The thing stands totally alone – no other trees even close to it. It’s actually tied for the biggest burr oak in the whole country.
Here’s what’s cool: Lewis and Clark probably saw this tree when they came through. It would’ve been around 200 years old then, so still pretty impressive.
The tree’s about 90 feet tall with branches spreading out 130 feet. That’s bigger than most houses.
If you want to see it, head south on Providence Road from Columbia until it becomes Route K. Follow that west through McBaine where it turns into Burr Oak Road. Keep going about two miles and you’ll spot it on your right. Can’t miss it.
Pretty amazing to think this thing was here before Missouri was even a state.
BoatHenge: Because Why Not
My friend texted me a picture last week and I thought he was messing with me. “There’s a Stonehenge made of boats in Missouri.” Yeah right.
Turns out he wasn’t kidding. Some guy named Lowell Davis built this thing out in Savannah using old boats instead of stones. It’s exactly what it sounds like – a bunch of boats stuck in the ground in a circle, just like the real Stonehenge.
I had to see it for myself. It’s on his property with a bunch of other weird art stuff. The boats are all different sizes and colors, some pretty beat up. Looks like something you’d build if you had too much time and a lot of old boats lying around.
Davis apparently likes making art out of junk. This is just one of his projects. The whole place is kind of like a folk art museum, but outside and free.
It’s about an hour north of Kansas City. Easy to miss if you’re not looking for it, but once you know it’s there, you can’t really ignore a circle of boats standing on end.
Makes for a good road trip story. Most people have never heard of it, so you get to be the person who knows about the weird boat thing in Missouri.
Final Thoughts: Make This a Road Trip You’ll Talk About
Mid-Missouri isn’t flashy. But it’s full of moments that stick — weird statues, cool caves, music legends, and photo ops you won’t find anywhere else.
Perfect for:
- Weekend day trips
- Cheap adventures
- Families, couples, and solo explorers
So fill up the tank, pack some snacks, and let Mid-Mo surprise you.
Before you head out, make sure you’re prepared for a full day of exploring with this great day pack. #ad It’s a #1 best seller and for good reason.
Perfect Day Trip Companion
This lightweight crossbody bag (just 0.6 lbs!) keeps all your essentials organized for exploring. Front zippered compartments fit your phone, power bank, and iPad mini, while interior pockets handle keys, makeup, and tissues. The side mesh pocket holds your water bottle.
Smart Features That Matter
- Hidden earphone port lets you listen to music hands-free
- Adjustable strap (31″-39.5″) with phone pouch – wear it left or right shoulder
- Breathable back panel keeps you comfortable during long walks
- Fits phones up to 7″ screen size
Built to Last Made with durable, breathable materials perfect for campus tours, hiking trails, or city exploring. Plus you get a full year warranty for peace of mind.
Compact but Roomy: 7″ x 3.5″ x 15″ – everything you need without the bulk.