Ashland MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Ashland, Missouri.
1. Ashland City Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION AND RELAXATION
Ashland City Park is a popular recreational area offering various outdoor activities for locals and visitors. The park features playground equipment, picnic areas, and sports facilities for families to enjoy. Visitors can spend a pleasant day outdoors while taking advantage of the park's clean and well-maintained grounds.
2. Mid-Missouri Arts Alliance
LOCAL ART AND CULTURE
The Mid-Missouri Arts Alliance serves as a cultural hub in Ashland, showcasing works from local artists. Visitors can explore various exhibitions, participate in workshops, and connect with the local creative community. The alliance plays an important role in promoting arts appreciation and education in the Ashland area.
3. Rock Bridge Memorial State Park
NATURAL WONDERS AND HIKING
Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, located near Ashland, offers spectacular natural features including a rock bridge, sinkholes, and underground streams. Visitors can enjoy hiking, spelunking, and horseback riding through the park's diverse terrain. The Devil's Icebox cave system is a particularly popular attraction within the park.
4. Jose Jalapenos Authentic Mexican Restaurant
LOCAL MEXICAN CUISINE FAVORITE
Jose Jalapenos is a beloved Mexican restaurant in Ashland offering authentic cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant is known for its flavorful dishes, generous portions, and friendly service. Locals and travelers alike enjoy the restaurant's vibrant menu and cultural dining experience.
5. Woody's Pub and Grub
CASUAL DINING AND ENTERTAINMENT
Woody's Pub and Grub serves as a popular gathering spot for Ashland residents and visitors seeking good food and a lively atmosphere. The establishment offers a variety of pub fare along with a selection of beverages in a casual, welcoming environment. Patrons can enjoy meals while socializing or watching sporting events on the venue's screens.
6. Trail Boss BBQ
AUTHENTIC MISSOURI BARBECUE
Trail Boss BBQ delights customers with its flavorful, slow-cooked meats and homestyle sides that showcase Missouri's barbecue tradition. The restaurant's smoky offerings have earned it a reputation as one of Ashland's must-visit dining establishments. Visitors appreciate the genuine flavors and hearty portions that make for a satisfying meal experience.
7. Finger Lakes State Park
OFF-ROAD ADVENTURES AND RECREATION
Finger Lakes State Park, near Ashland, features unique terrain created from reclaimed coal mining land with numerous finger-shaped lakes. The park is especially popular for ATV and off-road motorcycle enthusiasts who can explore over 70 miles of trails. Visitors can also enjoy swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating in the park's scenic waters.
8. Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area
WILDLIFE AND BIRD WATCHING
Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area offers 4,400 acres of wetland habitat along the Missouri River near Ashland. The area serves as an important stopover for migratory birds, making it a premier destination for birdwatchers and wildlife photographers. Visitors can observe diverse species while enjoying the peaceful natural surroundings throughout different seasons.
9. Columbia's Cosmopolitan Recreation Area
WATER RECREATION AND LEISURE
Columbia's Cosmopolitan Recreation Area, commonly known as Cosmo Park, is the largest park in the region with over 500 acres of recreational space. The park features numerous athletic fields, tennis courts, playgrounds, and the popular Steinberg Skate Park. Visitors from Ashland and surrounding areas enjoy the extensive trail system and the Rainbow Softball Complex that hosts tournaments throughout the year.
10. Three Creeks Conservation Area
SCENIC HIKING AND NATURE
Three Creeks Conservation Area encompasses over 1,500 acres of scenic woodland and stream valleys a short drive from Ashland. The area features the convergence of three creeks—Bass Creek, Turkey Creek, and Bonne Femme Creek—creating a diverse ecosystem. Hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders can explore miles of trails while enjoying dramatic limestone bluffs and peaceful creek crossings.
11. Missouri River
HISTORIC WATERWAY ADVENTURES
The Missouri River offers recreational opportunities and scenic beauty near Ashland with access points in neighboring communities. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, and paddling on America's longest river while taking in views of bluffs and floodplains. The river also provides historical context as part of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail with interpretive sites nearby.
12. Katy Trail State Park
HISTORIC RAIL-TRAIL EXPERIENCE
Katy Trail State Park is America's longest developed rail-trail, with access points near Ashland providing opportunities for cycling, walking, and running. The trail follows the former corridor of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad and offers beautiful views of the Missouri River and rural landscapes. Visitors can explore the trail's 240 miles while learning about local history from interpretive signage along the route.
13. Pierpont General Store
HISTORIC COUNTRY SHOPPING
Pierpont General Store is a charming historic establishment located just outside Ashland that offers a nostalgic shopping experience. The store features local products, homemade treats, and unique gifts in a building that dates back to the early 20th century. Visitors enjoy the friendly atmosphere and the opportunity to step back in time while browsing the carefully curated merchandise.
14. Capen Park
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES AND VIEWS
Capen Park offers dramatic limestone bluffs and panoramic views of Hinkson Creek valley just a short drive from Ashland. The park is popular with rock climbers who test their skills on the natural cliff faces, while hikers enjoy the connecting trail system. Visitors appreciate the park's natural beauty and the opportunity to observe wildlife in a scenic setting so close to urban areas.
15. University of Missouri Campus
HISTORIC ACADEMIC GROUNDS
The University of Missouri campus features historic architecture, beautiful gardens, and numerous cultural attractions just a short drive from Ashland. Visitors can tour the iconic columns, explore the Museum of Art and Archaeology, or visit the Mizzou Botanic Garden. The campus comes alive during sporting events, especially football games at Memorial Stadium, drawing visitors from throughout the region.