- The list below includes 41 free or cheap things to do in or near Columbia, Missouri, including 28 different types of inexpensive activities like Parks, Movie Theaters, Music Venue and Art Museum.
 - From Shelter Gardens to Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in Columbia and in nearby cities within 25 miles like Boonville, Fulton and Jefferson City.
 
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            Lunch buffet or dinner at a restaurant that cooks chicken and fish in a clay charcoal oven        
    
    
        22.8 Miles 
    
    
        
        
            Located on 31 acres of bluffs overlooking the Missouri River, Harley Park was donated in 1887 by the Harley family. The park features playgrounds, baseball fields, picnic shelters, prehistoric Indian Mounds, open grassy areas and restroom facilities.        
    
    
        25.6 Miles 
    
    
        
        
            The Capital 8 Theatres showcases first-run new film releases on four screens. The theatres offer a free rewards cards for discounted concession items and has fun snack deals for children.        
    
    
        25.8 Miles 
    
    
        
        
            Ha Ha Tonka State Park's most notable feature is the stone ruins of a castle built by a Kansas City businessman who purchased the area known as 'ha ha tonka' which means 'laughing waters'. It could have referred to the springs below the castle.        
    
    
        25.8 Miles 
    
    
        
        
            Situated next to Turkey Creek, which empties into the Missouri River, Carl R. Noren River Access provides visitors with an area to relax and watch the river. There is a pedestrian bridge that visitors can cross over.        
    
    
        27.0 Miles 
    
    
        
        
            For ice-skating and hockey, the Ice Arena-Washington Park is a family friendly place for fun. The concession stand sells inexpensive snacks and hot chocolates and there is a warming area and music as you play.        
    
    
        27.2 Miles 
    
    
        
            
        
                                    92%
                388 votes
                            
			
            
                
                201 West Capitol Avenue, Jefferson City, MO 65101
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            The third capitol building in Jefferson, the Missouri State Capitol was built in 1917, with a height of 238 feet, with a bronze statue of Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture.        
    
    
        27.3 Miles 
    
    
        
        
            Built in 1871, the Governor's Mansion is opened for organized tours and is available for all types of other public events.        
    
    
        27.3 Miles 
    
    
        
            
        
                                    79%
                14 votes
                            
			
            
                
                109 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101
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            Cole County was one of the first seats of government in Missouri. At the Cole County Historical Museum, visitors can see exhibits related to that early history including inaugural gowns of governor's wives, along with paintings, pictures, and archival records.        
    
    
        27.3 Miles 
    
    
        
            
        
                                    93%
                364 votes
                            
			
            
                
                115 Lafayette St., Jefferson City, MO 65101
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            Since the Missouri State Penitentiary first opened in 1836, the 47 acre prison has seen many felons including the assassin that killed Dr. Martin Luther King, and the first train robber. On a tour of the penitentiary, visitors can learn about these felons, the 1954 riot, and the great escapes.        
    
    
        27.3 Miles 
    
    
        
            
        
                                    33%
                3 votes
                            
			
            
                
                201 W Capitol Ave Stop 13, Jefferson City, MO 65101
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            The Missouri State Museum showcases the 'Show Me State' with artifacts and exhibits of the state's history. The staff offers tours of the Capitol building and the museum has recently received a Heritage Advocate Award.