Published on Jun 26, 2023
You don’t need a car to have delightful experiences in CoMo. As summer welcome sweeps across Mizzou, enjoy the Career Scoop’s list of the top ten things to check out within walking distance of campus.
A few notes: we’ve calculated the distances using Jesse Hall, and the prices are accurate as of the publication of this article. Also, this list is sorted alphabetically – it’s not a tier list but some suggestions to get you started when exploring the city.
Welcome to CoMo! We hope you fall in love with it like we have.
1. The Blue Note
Distance: 0.5 miles
Price: Varies, but often $10-25
If you enjoy live music, you can’t miss The Blue Note. It’s a historic concert venue that has hosted performances from R.E.M., the Pixies, Red Hot Chili Peppers and much more. You can find a calendar on its website to check out its many offerings from national artists. Or if you’re in CoMo for the summer, you can catch one of its annual Summerfest events.
2. Breakout CoMo
Distance: 0.7 miles
Price: $28 (with a longer option for $33)
“Get into getting out” is the slogan of Breakout CoMo, an escape room frequented by MU students. The program includes five separate rooms, full of puzzles, clues and evolving storylines. Each room can be booked with up to 10 people, so it’s a great place to go with a group or to meet other people.
3. The Canvas on Broadway
Distance: 0.5 miles
Price: $25
For $25, you can book a 2-hour paint session at The Canvas, a woman-owned art studio that offers classes as well as regular facilitated events and painting sessions with professional artists. Everyone of all levels of experience is welcome, and it’s a blast to go with a friend or for an artsy date.
4. Daniel Boone Regional
Library Distance: 0.9 miles from Jesse Hall
Price: Free
DBRL is CoMo’s public library, located less than a mile from campus and open on weekends and until 9 p.m. most weekdays. It has lots of nooks and crannies to hide with a book, and rooms to call your mom in when the dorm study room is full. Students over 18 can get a library card to take home and can attend one of the library’s many regular events, including book sales, signings, cosplays, crafts and more.
5. The Missouri Theatre
Distance: 0.3 miles
Price: Can vary (events have not been announced for 2023-24 yet)
This ornate theatre, owned by MU, is a hub for performing arts in the CoMo area. They feature a concert series from the university that goes on throughout the year, as well as theatre, dance, orchestras and even film showings. It’s perfect for a more elegant night out in a gorgeous location.
6. MKT Trail
Distance: 0.4 miles
Price: Free
For those who like to run, or just enjoy a pretty walk, the MKT trail is a hiking trail right next to campus. It runs nine miles all the way to the Katy Trail, which stretches across all of Missouri. It’s relatively non-strenuous, and runners on the trail are cloistered by a thick forest. It opens right across from the Mark Twain dorm. As always, stay safe and make sure someone knows where you are!
7. The Mud Room
Distance: 0.4 miles
Price: Starts at $14, including taxes and firing
The Mud Room is a pottery and ceramics studio with abundant supplies and colors for students to walk in and start a project, no appointment needed. It’s an amazing way to learn a new skill and walk away with your very own creation. To take what you’re learning to further levels, it also offers classes at $35 for groups of three or more people.
8. North Village Arts District
Distance: 0.9 miles
Price: Free
The North Village Arts District is a vibrant part of town full of murals, shops, studios and performance spaces. It’s fun to browse at any time, but it comes alive on the first Friday of every month for First Friday. On these days, the District bustles with music, art and entertainment, and artists wait in their studios for onlookers to come in and ask questions. It’s a great way to get connected to the Columbia art community and enjoy an awesome evening.
9. Ragtag Cinema
Distance: 0.5 miles
Price: Usually $9-11
Ragtag Cinema is a non-profit movie theatre and a staple of the CoMo community. It’s known for its comfortable environment (they have couches!) and all its movies are introduced by actual employees. In addition to standard showings, Ragtag also puts on series’ to showcase independent filmmakers throughout the year. While you’re there, be sure to check out Hitt Records next door and get yourself something to eat from Uprise Bakery.
10. The State Historical Society of Missouri
Distance: 0.4 miles
Price: Free
Located just off campus, the State Historical Society, or SHSMO, contains collections of art, manuscripts, maps, newspapers, oral histories, photographs and references. It’s a treasure trove of history and knowledge about Missouri. They have public hours Tuesday through Friday, and you can also book an appointment to request specific materials. If you’re a history nerd or just curious about the world you live in, it’s worth a visit.