The Columbus City Center holds the city's main shopping and downtown area, but also takes up a large space along the northern side of the city. On the north side of the city is the Columbus East Bank Recreation Park, a large park on the shore of Columbus Lake with developed areas and open fields backed by dense trees. The recreational area offers meadows to run and play in, with over 2 miles of paved walking trails, a playground, and multiple picnic spots. There are covered and uncovered picnic spots, with a pier for fishing, a boat launch, and natural fishing holes to swim in. Dogs do not have to be on a leash inside the park, but remember to bring water and clean-up bags for them.

The Mississippi U for Women and College Street neighborhood is on the southern side of the city, mostly taken up by the rural forests and the women's college. The park of choice for most residents is Luxapalila Park, a riverside park along the Luxapalila River. With gorgeous views of the river from open fields, the park is backed by thick trees and nature trails throughout the park. The park has spots for fishing and swimming, and doesn't require pups to remain on a leash. If you plan on staying in the neighborhood, the Shadowlawn Bed and Breakfast is a dog-friendly place to stay with Fido. The hotel allows dogs up to 35 pounds to stay in guest rooms for a fee per night.

West Point is a small community in Missouri, 13.5 miles west from the city of Columbus. Although a good distance away, the town is still popular among Columbus residents thanks to Marshall Park, a dog-friendly area that doesn't require dogs to be on a leash. Even better, the park offers lots of space, shaded areas to sit and picnic under, and recreational fields. There's fenced-in tennis courts, 4 soccer fields, and enclosed baseball fields available. Surrounding the recreational fields are picnic tables, restrooms, a pavilion, dirt trails, trash bins, nighttime lights, and benches. The park connects to the Catherine "Kitty" Bryan Dill Memorial Parkway, a 4.2-mile paved trail that explores the city, connecting to amenities like benches and trash bins. The trail is dog-friendly, although dogs do have to be on a leash.