Looking for a fun place to stop while visiting central Missouri? You have to check out Rock Bridge Memorial State Park in Columbia!
This state park is known for its unique geological features including sinkholes, caves, and underground streams. It’s a beautiful example of the karst topography that is so prevalent in this region of the US.
Something special about the park is that you can actually explore the inside of certain sections in the caves. Making this easily one of the best things to do in Columbia.
This cave system is home to over 80 identified species, making it one of Missouri’s most biodiverse caves. Most notably, it is the only known habitat of the pink planarian (a type of flatworm) in the world!
If you’re ready to learn more about this unique state park, then keep on reading!
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Where is Rock Bridge Memorial State Park?
Rock Bridge Memorial State Park is located just a few miles south of Columbia, Missouri.
It’s right off Interstate 70 so if you’re just driving through the state, this is an awesome road trip stop that won’t take you too much time or take you off your route too much.
State Park Fees
Like most Missouri State Parks, Rock Bridge is completely free to visit.
Parking is free and there is no entrance fee.
Best Things to Do in the Park
The two main attractions in the park are the Rock Bridge and Devil’s Icebox.
Luckily, these two natural wonders can be accessed by a short hiking trail, called the Devil’s Icebox Trail.
This trail is less than a mile round trip and consists of mainly wooden boardwalks through the forest.
There is approximately 80 feet of elevation gain on this trail and there are a lot of steps so keep that in mind. But overall, this hike is relatively easy.
Viewing the Rock Bridge
When you set out on the Devil’s Icebox Trail, you will quickly come upon a boardwalk that continues straight, and wooden stairs that go up to your right.
To see the Rock Bridge you’ll want to take the path that goes straight. I recommend checking out the Rock Bridge first then doing the rest of the trail.
It’s only about a minute or two walk until you see the massive rock bridge in front of you. You’ll likely see and hear flowing water from the creek under the bridge.
Exploring the inside of the cave is permitted year-round.
Although you can see through to the other side of the cave, you will want a light source with you because in the center of the cave it will be pretty dark and hard to tell what you’re walking into.
You’ll be walking on rocks that will be very slick from the creek running through. There will also be puddles of water that could easily soak your whole shoe if you step in the wrong place.
From underneath the bridge, you’ll be able to see various cave formations and there’s even a section in the cave that you can hike up and crawl into.
Viewing Devil’s Icebox
After you’ve explored the Rock Bridge, you’ll want to find your way back to the main trail and take the wooden stairs all the way up where you’ll find overlooks of the Rock Bridge and eventually an overlook of the Devil’s Icebox.
Devil’s Icebox is a unique geological feature in Rock Bridge State Park that is known for its cool, constant temperature which sits around 55°F even during the warmer months.
You get a great view of the Devil’s Icebox from above, but for the full experience you’ll want to take the boardwalk steps all the way down to the bottom where you’ll find the cave entrance to the Icebox.
Immediately on your descent down, you’ll be hit with a rush of cool air. This will probably feel pretty good especially if you’re visiting Columbia on a warm day.
The boardwalk continues down to the bottom where you can crouch down and partially go inside the cave.
You can cross the little stream in the cave and walk across the rocks to get to the open part of the cave that you saw from the overlook above.
This is also the site where you can take a guided tour through the cave system, but it is closed to the public to protect the endangered gray bats during the summer. The opening you can see from above in the cave is as far as you can go.
Other Hiking Trails
The main trail to the Rock Bridge and Devil’s Icebox can definitely get more packed with people than all the other trails in the park. So if you’re looking for more solitude or have more time to explore the park, check out some of the following trails:
- Sinkhole Trail
- 1.5 miles
- Light elevation gain
- A few sinkholes viewable from the trail
- Spring Brook Trail
- 3 miles
- Rocky terrain & steep inclines at times
- A few stream crossings required
- High Ridge Trail
- 2 miles
- Grassland prairie views
- Leads you up to the highest point in the park
If you only have time to do one short hike in the park, definitely make it the Devil’s Icebox Trail. That’s what this park is known for and arguably the coolest things to see in the park.
Best Time to Visit Rock Bridge State Park
Spring, Summer & Fall
Each season offers something unique to see at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park.
Spring is a beautiful time of year offering mild temperatures, wildflowers, but more rain.
In summer everything in the park is so green and you’ll see beautiful moss growing on all the rocks. However, ticks and other bugs are most abundant in summer so be cautious of that.
Fall in Missouri is known for its beautiful foliage as the leaves turn golden yellow, orange, and red.
I also want to note that it can potentially be dangerous to visit the Rock Bridge and Devil’s Icebox during/after heavy rains. The creek running under the bridge and through the cave system can flood and become hazardous if you’re caught in the middle of it.
Things to Bring to Rock Bridge State Park
- Shoes you don’t mind getting wet
- Flashlight
- Water
- Map of trail
- Bug spray (if visiting in the summer)
Other Things to Do in Columbia
Columbia is a small college town, but in addition to Rock Bridge Memorial Park there are a few other great things to do in Columbia.
- Finger Lakes State Park
- Beautiful and free state park offering kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and a few hiking trails
- Midway Antique Mall
- Massive antique store full of various collectibles and vintage trinkets. You can easily spend hours walking around this store
- Museum of Art and Archeology
- Free museum with over 16,000 objects spanning 6 continents and 5,000 years. This museum offers visitors a global perspective on human creativity and cultural development
Hotels in Columbia, Missouri
Need a place to stay for the night when visiting Rock Bridge Memorial State Park? Check out one of the following hotels in Columbia:
If you’re on a budget, Motel 6 or Super 8 will be your best bet. Both go for less than $70 a night.
The Broadway and By The Way Motel are both mid-range hotels located in the center of the city perfect for exploring the other sites of Columbia.
Townplace Suites is another great option that’s conveniently located down the street from Rock Bridge.
Is Rock Bridge Memorial State Park Worth Visiting?
In my opinion, yes. I think Rock Bridge is totally worth visiting.
Whether you’re just driving through the state on Interstate 70 or live in a nearby city, I know you will enjoy a visit to this state park if you’re into hiking and spending time outside.
It’s very accessible and the hike to get to the Rock Bridge and Devil’s Icebox are fairly easy that anyone can do. Perfect for families and people of all ages.
If you do decide to visit this park, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it just as much as I did. It’s a great way to escape into nature for awhile and view some unique rock formations. Rock Bridge Memorial State Park is definitely one of the best things to do in Columbia.
I hope this post helped you prepare for your trip to the park or gave you an idea of a fun day trip to take in Missouri. Thank you so much for reading!
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