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Columbia Cosmopolitan Recreation Area (Cosmo Park)
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,803 Google reviews · Running trail in Columbia, Missouri · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Columbia Cosmopolitan Recreation Area (Cosmo Park)'s own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Columbia's largest park, with ball fields, tennis courts, a golf course, trails & fishing ponds.
What runners say about Columbia Cosmopolitan Recreation Area (Cosmo Park)
“Very well maintained park.”
“There are also lots of benches and shaded areas, making it a great place for families to spend a few hours.”
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.
This is probably my favorite park in Columbia. There are fields for running/playing football or Fútbol (soccer), a skate park, long trails in the woods for hiking or biking, and a huge playground that my whole family loves. Huge perk is snocones across the street from the entrance.
This park is an absolute delight to visit! It is full of shade all around. Plenty for the kids to play and explore!
Nice trails and sport fields where parents get to watch their kids chase after a ball
Trail conditions & character
“There are also lots of benches and shaded areas, making it a great place for families to spend a few hours.”
“Bathrooms weren't the cleanest but at least they were open.”
Plan your run at Columbia Cosmopolitan Recreation Area (Cosmo Park)
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitecomo.gov
- Phone+1 573-874-7460
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–12 am |
| Tuesday | 6 am–12 am |
| Wednesday | 6 am–12 am |
| Thursday | 6 am–12 am |
| Friday | 6 am–12 am |
| Saturday | 6 am–12 am |
| Sunday | 6 am–12 am |
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