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Columbia, Missouri near the Katy Trail

Population 84,531

Columbia is not directly on the Katy Trail, but it is easy to reach from the trail and offers a wide range of lodging, eating, and entertainment options. Central Missouri's largest city, Columbia is home to the University of Missouri's main campus (Mizzou), as well as numerous museums and cultural attractions.

Columbia Visitors Bureau
800-652-0987 / 573-875-1231
http://www.visitcolumbiamo.com/

Columbia Chamber of Commerce
573-874-1132
http://chamber.columbia.mo.us/index.asp
Columbia Central Business District
http://www.discoverthedistrict.com/


Bonne Femme River Bridge	Photo: Irene Weinmann
More Photos by Irene Weinmann

Getting There

By trail: The MKT Nature and Fitness Trail connects the Katy Trail to the heart of Columbia. This scenic 9 mile trail takes riders through wetlands and wooded areas. The MKT Trail links to the Katy Trail at mile 169.9, just west of McBaine. ( trail map)

By car: Columbia is on highway 70, between mile markers 123 and 130. The quickest way to get to the Katy Trail from Columbia is Rocheport, which is about 10 miles west of Columbia on highway 70.

Here's a regional map showing the Katy Trail, MKT Fitness Trail, and surrounding towns.

Here's a link to Columbia Missouri on MapQuest

Columbia restaurant listing

Columbia MO Lodging

Follow this link for Columbia MO Hotels and Motels. Columbia B&Bs are listed below.


University Avenue Bed & Breakfast 1315 University Avenue http://www.universityavenuebnb.com/ 573-499-1920		Well-behaved children welcome Pets: No Smoking: Outside only

Columbia MO Bike Shops

CycleXtreme http://cyclex.com/site/intro.cfm		19 South Sixth Street 573-874-7044 Rentals available

Jim’s Bike Shop		800 Vandiver Dr 573-442-7011

Tryathletics http://www.tryathletics.com		1605 Chapel Hill Rd. 573-447-2453

Walt's Bike and Fitness http://www.waltsbikeshop.com		1217 Rogers Street 573-886-9258

Comments about Columbia from other riders

Share your comments about Columbia with other Katy Trail riders! Add your comment/question, or view all comments.

Subject: Is it too muddy Started: Mar 16 2010 2:10PM by robert Johnson , columbia
The MKT that runs from McBaine to Columbia is a muddy mess and the local P and R is replacing two of the bridges so its basically unrideable right now.
Replies: 1 (Last reply: Mar 16 2010 2:10PM by robert Johnson, columbia: "The MKT that runs from McBaine to Columbia is a mu..." )	View This Topic

Subject: Tryathletics is awesome!! Started: Oct 19 2009 1:22AM by Chuck & Kaleb , Raytown, MO
Just wanted to let everyone know that TryAthletics is awesome. On Sunday, October 4 2009, I busted a rear spoke on the KATY just before the Columbia spur. My son and I were able to catch a ride to ... View Full Comment
Replies: 6 (Last reply: Nov 4 2009 8:17AM by Trek: "Sounds like the spoke that broke was the only good..." )	View This Topic

Subject: Columbia Started: Jun 24 2009 1:53PM by Jen R , Independence, MO
Just wondered where people like to stay when the are in Columbia. We are going to come down the MTK trail and check out some of the sites and stay the night before going on. How far is the Quality Inn from the trail and do you have to ride alot in traffic to get there? There will be four of us and one is a 10 year old...don't want to do alot of riding in a bunch of traffic. Any ideas? Thanks!
Replies: 14 (Last reply: Jul 13 2009 10:47PM by BW, LS: "Make sure you are also aware of what is going on a..." )	View This Topic

Subject: Columbia Started: May 14 2009 2:26AM by manhk , plano, tx
Anyone that is cycling near MKT trailhead should make a detour to Columbia to visit their vibrant downtown. Lots of little shops, cafes & restaurants.
Replies: 4 (Last reply: Jun 13 2009 4:18PM by Local from Columbia, Columbia MO: "P.S.: That section is open. If it floods in the ..." )	View This Topic

Subject: The Gathering Place (Columbia) Started: Feb 27 2009 9:50PM
The Gathering Place is currently open. It was closed two years ago, but the ownership has changed hands and it is open! Visit www.gatheringplacebedandbreakfast.com for more information.
Replies: 0	Reply to This Topic

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Columbia, Missouri near the Katy Trail

Getting There

Columbia MO Lodging

Columbia MO Bike Shops