(Re)Discover COMO: First Fridays, Finger Lakes State Park, Rocheport Day Trip

This installment of "(Re)Discover COMO" originally appeared in the April 2025 "Art & Culture" issue of COMO Magazine.

(Re)Discover COMO is a monthly feature sponsored by the Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau highlighting places, events, and historical connections that new residents and visitors can discover, and not-so-newcomers and long-time residents can … rediscover.

First Fridays

Food, art, music, more art, more food, a family- and kid-friendly atmosphere. And did we already say food and art?

First Fridays is the monthly event in Columbia’s North Village Arts District that showcases that area’s diverse and vibrant art and culture center. A free art crawl on the first Friday of each month from 6 to 9 p.m. gives visitors access to galleries, shops, and other businesses that are open with music, art demonstrations, children’s activities, food, and more.

More than businesses participate in the end-of-week celebration of Columbia’s creative and artistic talent. Parking is free in the parking garages after 6 p.m.

Food, drink, and plenty of entertainment are included in the free and open-to-the-public art event.

First Friday is held in the fast-growing, vibrant North Village Arts District (NVAD).

The roughly nine-block-square area, one block north of Broadway, is the perfect fit for a walkable, engaging, art-filled experience on First Fridays and every day.

Finger Lakes State Park

The roar of ATVs and off-road motorcycles combines with the peacefulness of rolling hills at Finger Lakes State Park at 1505 Peabody Road. Built in a former coal-mining area, the park is one of two ATV parks in the state parks system. Finger Lakes’ trails and motocross track are popular with users who come for the day, but they often fall under the spell of the spacious campground, leafy trees, and hilly terrain. The park is also the site of the challenging 3.8-mile Kelley Branch Mountain Bike Trail and a 4.5-mile water trail.

New last year: The park now offers a beach wheelchair that visitors with mobility issues can use during normal beach hours.

The spacious campground has 30-amp and 50-amp sites that are reservable. (Before occupying a site, check with the park staff or follow the directions on the posted card or signs.)

Water to the campground is shut off and the showerhouse is closed during the off-season (November through March). Potable water is available at the park office.

There are dozens of fishing spots for a variety of fishing methods and fish species. Grab a park map or just go exploring with rod and reel or an old-fashioned cane pole (and a can of fat nightcrawlers!).

The park gate closes at 10 p.m. during the on-season (April through October) and 9 p.m. during the off-season (November through March).

Rocheport Day Trip

Southern Living magazine has called Rocheport, just a short drive west of Columbia, one of the “Best Tiny Towns” in America. The close-knit Missouri River community offers a variety of activities such as biking and hiking, shopping in quaint stores, staying in cozy bed and breakfasts, experiencing great dining, and enjoying beautiful scenery.

The Missouri Division of Tourism promotes Rocheport as an ideal place for a day trip or weekend stay, with a list of places to play, stay, and eat.

As you check out these selections, you’ll discover plenty more spots to suit anyone’s fancy.

Sip award-winning wine and tour The Blufftop at Rocheport — The Tasting Room, a world-class vineyard in the heart of mid-Missouri.

Hit the water and reserve a guided float trip with a naturalist and river historian to paddle down the Missouri River. Take in the picturesque scenery and learn how the river has evolved since Lewis and Clark’s expedition in the 1800s.

Whether you prefer to walk, run, or pedal, the Katy Trail State Park is renowned among outdoor enthusiasts. As you make your trek through Rocheport, you’ll find cafes and restaurants, antique shops, and art galleries not far from the trail.