Boone County’s landscape shifts between rolling foothills, expansive prairies, and scenic bluffs overlooking the Missouri River. The landscape combines open expanses with striking river views; protected areas and trails also offer distinct experiences. The 2025 county master plan inventory appendix lists Rock Bridge Memorial State Park at 2,272 acres.

Riverbanks and Trails in Boone County

Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area is in Boone County, on the southwestern edge of Columbia, near McBaine. Along the Missouri River and Perche Creek, it has more than 10 miles of shoreline. The KATY Trail State Park runs through part of Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area.

Rock Bridge Memorial State Park offers opportunities for climbing, hiking, and biking in a scenic setting. It therefore caters to a range of interests in outdoor activity: hiking and biking are available alongside the option to climb.

The Devil’s Icebox Boardwalk crosses a 125-foot-long natural tunnel.

Three Creeks Conservation Area in Boone County covers about 1,500 acres. It is named after Turkey Creek, Bass Creek, and Bonne Femme Creek, which flow through the area. An eight-mile multi-use trail is open to biking, hiking, and horseback riding. Hiking and biking are common to Rock Bridge and the multi-use trail at Three Creeks; Rock Bridge also offers climbing, while the Three Creeks trail is also open to horseback riding.

The Columbia MKT Trail features different points of reference: the 8.9-mile spur runs from the Katy Trail west of McBaine to downtown Columbia. Its length and endpoints help orient visitors, while the activities available on the Three Creeks multi-use trail are clearly specified.

Local History and Products

Boone County was originally known as Boone’s Lick Country. The name referred to a nearby salt lick operated by Daniel Boone’s sons. The name’s origin therefore points to both a specific place and its operators.

To book a guided tour of Historic Boone Village or Maplewood House, you must make a reservation at least two weeks before your planned visit.

Columbia Farmers Market is a producer-only market: all goods on offer come from the farmers and artisans who grow or make them themselves. Most vendors are in or near Boone County. The market thus connects the goods’ origins with the people who produce or make them themselves—a direct link to local production that goes beyond the type of product.

Discover more destinations: Columbia, Rocheport, Adair County, Cedar, Jasper, Mississippi County, New Madrid County, Oregon County.

For the broader travel overview: Missouri.