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BEST RATED COLUMBIA, MO PUBLIC PARKS

3 Best Public Parks in Columbia, MO

Expert-recommended Top 3 Public Parks in Columbia, Missouri. All of our parks actually face a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes customer reviews, history, complaints, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost and general excellence. You deserve only the best!

Columbia Cosmopolitan Recreation Area (Cosmo Park) - Columbia, MO Public Parks
Columbia Cosmopolitan Recreation Area (Cosmo Park) - Columbia, MO Public Parks
Columbia Cosmopolitan Recreation Area (Cosmo Park) - Columbia, MO Public Parks
Best Public Parks in Columbia MO - Columbia Cosmopolitan Recreation Area (Cosmo Park) video
7+ YEARS IN TBR
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COLUMBIA COSMOPOLITAN RECREATION AREA (COSMO PARK)

(4.9 Score)
1615 Business Loop 70 West,
Columbia, MO 65202 Directions

Since 1975

Specialty:

✓ Tennis Courts ✓ Gardens ✓ Open Space ✓ Shelters ✓ Stone Benches ✓ Waterfalls ✓ Lawn Areas ✓ Tables ✓ Slides ✓ Walking Trails ✓ Playgrounds ✓ Event Conducting ✓ Dog Parking ✓ Jogging ✓ Bike Riding ✓ Monuments ✓ Statues ✓ Fountains ✓ Bocce ball courts ✓ Bike park ✓ Horseshoe pits ✓ Baseball ✓ Softball fields ✓ Columbia Skate Park ✓ Nature trails ✓ Playgrounds ✓ Remote control car track ✓ Roller hockey rink

"Columbia Cosmopolitan Recreation Area has a wide array of features, including sports facilities, trails, and a dog park. The park hosts the annual Show-Me State Games and various tournaments such as soccer, lacrosse, baseball, golf, and skateboarding. It features the Steinberg Playground, Columbia Skate Park, and L. A. Nickell Golf Course. Additionally, the park serves as a trailhead for the Bear Creek Trail. Dogs have approximately 70 acres to roam leash-free in the Bear Creek Nature Area within the Columbia Cosmopolitan Recreation Area. Visitors can enjoy fishing in the lake, and access to the nature area is available from the Skate Park parking lot. Columbia Cosmopolitan Recreation Area offers ample opportunities for kids to have fun.

2026 Update: Columbia Cosmopolitan Recreation Area has a major complex within the park, offering numerous baseball and softball fields for leagues and tournaments. It has a large, modern skate park facility for skateboarding and inline skating. This park has reservable picnic shelters and event spaces available for family gatherings, parties, and community events."

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Contact:

(573) 874-7460

Mon-Sun: 6am - 12am

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Stephens Lake Park - Columbia, MO Public Parks
Stephens Lake Park - Columbia, MO Public Parks
Stephens Lake Park - Columbia, MO Public Parks
Best Public Parks in Columbia MO - Stephens Lake Park video
9+ YEARS IN TBR
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STEPHENS LAKE PARK

(4.9 Score)
2001 East Broadway,
Columbia, MO 65201 Directions

Since 2001

Specialty:

✓ Playgrounds ✓ Restrooms ✓ Shelters ✓ Volleyball ✓ Kids Grounds ✓ Walking Trails ✓ Jogging ✓ Gardens ✓ Grassy Fields ✓ Tables ✓ Open Space ✓ Slides ✓ Amphitheatre ✓ Basketball ✓ Stone Benches ✓ Lake ✓ Event Conducting Areas ✓ Bike Riding ✓ Basketball courts ✓ Sand volleyball courts ✓ Fitness stations ✓ Parking lots ✓ Water Fountains ✓ Picnic tables ✓ Grills ✓ Boardwalk

"Stephens Lake Park is known for its 11-acre fishing and historical significance. The park has reserved shelters, art sculptures, playgrounds, and walking trails. Stephens Lake Park is famous for numerous collections of trees, including red oak, conifers, fruit, and nut trees. Stephens Lake Park received Level II accreditation from the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program, which is managed by The Morton Arboretum. Stephens Lake Park is the center for outdoor winter sports, concert series, and community festivals. The park also has a Hindman Memorial Garden, Children’s Grove, and demonstration rain gardens. The fishing lake is also in the park; you can enjoy fishing with your kids.

2026 Update: Stephens Lake Park offers a designated swimming beach area and allows for non-motorized boating, kayaking, and fishing on the lake. Lake Park has several picnic shelters, seasonal festivals, fitness classes, and event spaces for gatherings, weddings, and community celebrations."

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Contact:

(573) 874-7460 (573) 442-5862

Mon-Sun: 6am - 11pm

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Albert-Oakland Park - Columbia, MO Public Parks
Albert-Oakland Park - Columbia, MO Public Parks
Albert-Oakland Park - Columbia, MO Public Parks
Best Public Parks in Columbia MO - Albert-Oakland Park video
7+ YEARS IN TBR
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ALBERT-OAKLAND PARK

(4.8 Score)
1900 Blue Ridge Road,
Columbia, MO 65202 Directions

Since 1964

Specialty:

✓ Kids Grounds ✓ Pavilions ✓ Frisbees ✓ Skatepark ✓ Tables ✓ Dog Parking ✓ Grassy Fields ✓ Swings ✓ Shelters ✓ Event Conducting ✓ Walking Trails ✓ Playgrounds ✓ Slides ✓ Fishing ✓ Jogging ✓ Hiking ✓ Sports Areas ✓ Gardens ✓ Soccer fields ✓ Basketball court ✓ Tennis court ✓ Sand volleyball courts ✓ Pickleball courts ✓ Parking areas ✓ Water play ✓ Splash areas

"Albert-Oakland Park has a 79-acre parkland with Columbia's largest municipal pool, two 18-hole disc golf courses, lighted baseball/softball fields, a basketball court, a lighted tennis court, and much more. The park has a trailhead for the 4.8-mile Bear Creek Trail. Albert-Oakland Park also contains outdoor pools and a pool bathhouse. Albert-Oakland Park has a mini picnic area with free shelters for enjoying the shade, along with water play areas available. They provide two 18-hole disc golf courses and six dedicated pickleball courts. The park is also a safe and comfortable place for kids to enjoy themselves and have fun with their families. The park offers a free parking option.

2026 Update: Albert-Oakland park has many tree areas, ponds, attracting birds and wildlife for nature observation. It has large open fields that provide space for soccer, frisbee, flying kites, and other outdoor activities."

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Contact:

(573) 874-7460 (573) 474-5331

Mon-Sun: 6am - 11pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

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COLUMBIA COSMOPOLITAN RECREATION AREA (COSMO PARK) REVIEWS

Amazing! There's a hill to climb and the steps are large tires from earth moving equipment. The dinosaur theme is cool without being overbearing. The usual playground equipment and lots of room for running around. Several picnic shelters and BBQ grills. Very well maintained. The park is in the sports complex which features baseball diamonds and other playing fields.

Love this park! So much for the kids to do with multiple play areas and even one for toddlers that's separate. There's a sand area with dinosaur bones to uncover. There's a couple covered areas with tables and grilles to cook. Great place for a birthday party.

A great playground in Columbia Mo! Lots of equipment to play on, tennis courts, soccer fields, baseball and softball too.

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STEPHENS LAKE PARK REVIEWS

Beautiful, very accessible park. There's a great loop around the lake, and there are also trails that lead further away which I'm still exploring! The place is versatile in that there is something for people of all ages: swimming, fishing, play equipment, walking/running/biking trails, BBQ areas, open grassy areas.

Nice park with good shelters and a nice trail for a brisk walk around the lake. Kids enjoyed the splash park and the beach.

A great place in the middle of Columbia! There's always so many different people using the park for different things ; parties, biking, jogging, walking, fishing, playing on the playground, jumping across the big rocks, and enjoying the views.

ALBERT-OAKLAND PARK REVIEWS

This park has truly matured into a much sought-after attraction. With its winding trails guiding you through frisbee golf, taking you to the tennis courts past the baseball fields and to the basketball courts and of course In the Heat of the summer pause to dive into Oakland's swimming pool. Both on and off course, whether you're a sports enthusiast or a lover of purely raw nature or just curious about everything in between This old Park is surely to stun you if you just take a moment to actually look and see. And for you late evening walker's slow your pace so the growing family of deer will come within feet of you without fear.

My Granddaughter did the Girls On The Run 5K in this park. Such a beautiful, clean park. She also enjoyed playing on the playground equipment. Lots of parking spaces.

Great place to go for a walk! The trail is paved (concrete) and some parts have shade. And the distance is perfect for a stroller walk with my baby. There are tennis court, disc golf, baseball field etc…all sorts of things! I want to try the swimming pool area too! Good for walking my dog too.

TBR® Inspection Score Report

COLUMBIA COSMOPOLITAN RECREATION AREA (COSMO PARK) Total Inspection Points: 118/120
Legitimate Ratings: 9
Reviews Accuracy of : 9
Acknowledgments: 10
Business Hours: 10
Business Images: 10
Exact Services: 10
Experience: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Social Media: 10
Video: 10
Website Source: 10
Website Standard: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

STEPHENS LAKE PARK Total Inspection Points: 117/120
Reviews Accuracy of : 8
Legitimate Ratings: 9
Achievements: 10
Acknowledgments: 10
Business Images: 10
Exact Services: 10
Experience: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Page Maintenance: 10
Social Media: 10
Website Source: 10
Website Standard: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

ALBERT-OAKLAND PARK Total Inspection Points: 115/120
Legitimate Ratings: 8
Reviews Accuracy of : 8
Acknowledgments: 9
Business Hours: 10
Complete Info: 10
Exact Services: 10
Experience: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Page Maintenance: 10
Social Media: 10
Video: 10
Website Standard: 10