Near Columbia, Missouri youâll find a rare natural landmark. For nearly 400 years it has stood strong, withstanding storms, droughts, floods, vandalism and the progress of humankind. Itâs the McBaine Burr Oak tree.
Estimated to be between 350 and 400 years old, locals know it as âthe big tree.â It stands alone â no other tree is within 1,000 feet. As the largest burr oak tree in Missouri, itâs tied with another in Kentucky for the title of the national champion (largest) of the specie, Quercus macrocarpa. The treeâs trunk, with an impressive 287-inch circumference, is approximately 90 feet tall with a 130-foot spread. It would take four full-grown men to be able to wrap their arms around the trunk.
Since it stands about a half-mile from the banks of the Missouri River, the men of the Expedition would have traveled within sight of the majestic tree. Even then it would have been a large, magnificent landmark at just under 200 years old.
To see the McBaine Burr Oak, take Providence Road south out of Columbia until it turns to Route K. Route K will swing west and in McBaine will turn into Burr Oak Road. About two miles northwest of McBaine, youâll see the tree on your right.
Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area, Columbia, MO, USA
Distance: 3.57 mi (straight line)
Outdoor Experiences RV and Camping General History
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Shelter Gardens, West Broadway, Columbia, MO, USA
Distance: 6.54 mi (straight line)
Outdoor Experiences Galleries and Venues
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The Bistro on The Blufftop at Rocheport, West Highway Bb, Rocheport, MO, USA
Distance: 6.63 mi (straight line)
Wineries Food and Drinks Festivals and Events
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Columbia Farmers Market, West Ash Street, Columbia, MO, USA
Distance: 6.75 mi (straight line)
Festivals and Events Food and Drinks Galleries and Venues Outdoor Experiences Shopping
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212 E Green Meadows Rd ste. 9, Columbia, MO, USA
Distance: 6.98 mi (straight line)
5901 Missouri 163, Columbia, MO 65203, USA
Distance: 7.31 mi (straight line)
Outdoor Experiences Walks and Hikes
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Warm Springs Ranch, Missouri 98, Boonville, MO, USA
Distance: 7.38 mi (straight line)
Farms Festivals and Events Guided Tours
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Meriwether Cafe and Bike Shop, 1st Street, Rocheport, MO, USA
Distance: 7.53 mi (straight line)
Bakeries Coffee Houses Food and Drinks Fun and Sports Outfitters
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600 E Stadium Blvd, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
Distance: 7.55 mi (straight line)
Outdoor Experiences Fun and Sports Food and Drinks Festivals and Events
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605 Elm Street, Columbia, MO, USA
Distance: 7.98 mi (straight line)
Original Grave Marker of Thomas Jefferson, South 9th Street, Columbia, MO, USA
Distance: 8.01 mi (straight line)
1020 Lowry St, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
Distance: 8.08 mi (straight line)
Museums and Interpretive Centers
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225 S 9th St, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
Distance: 8.10 mi (straight line)
Glenn's Cafe, South 8th Street, Columbia, MO, USA
Distance: 8.12 mi (straight line)
voco The Tiger Hotel, South 8th Street, Columbia, MO, USA
Distance: 8.12 mi (straight line)
Boocheâs, South 9th Street, Columbia, MO, USA
Distance: 8.17 mi (straight line)
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