Columbia, Missouri, is a weirdly competitive place for entertainment. You've got the college bars downtown, the hiking trails at Rock Bridge, and the constant buzz of Mizzou sports. But for a lot of us who grew up here or stuck around after graduation, there’s one spot that basically defines a Saturday afternoon: Midway Golf and Games. It’s not just a driving range, and it’s definitely not one of those sterile, corporate "fun centers" that feel like they were designed by a committee in a boardroom. It’s got a bit of grit, a lot of variety, and it’s arguably the most versatile hangout in Boone County.
Honestly, if you haven’t been out toward the 40 West area lately, you might not realize how much the place has evolved. It’s a sprawl. You’ve got people working on their slice at the range, kids screaming (happily, mostly) on the go-kart track, and groups of friends realizing they are much worse at axe throwing than they thought they'd be.
The Evolution of Midway Golf and Games
It used to be simpler. For a long time, Midway was the place you went when you wanted to hit a bucket of balls without the stuffy atmosphere of a private country club. But the owners leaned into the "and Games" part of the name in a big way over the last few years.
They realized something pretty smart: golfers have families, and those families don't always want to watch Dad hit 100 wedges into the dirt. By expanding into a full-blown entertainment complex, they turned a niche sports spot into a destination. It’s a transition that mirrors what we’re seeing nationwide with "eatertainment" venues, but Midway manages to keep a local, Missouri feel. It doesn't feel like a franchise. It feels like Columbia.
Not Your Average Driving Range
Let’s talk about the golf first because that’s the soul of the place. The driving range is huge. It’s long enough that even the big hitters aren't going to run out of room, which is a common gripe at smaller city ranges.
They also jumped on the Toptracer technology trend. This was a game-changer. If you aren't familiar, Toptracer uses high-speed cameras to track your ball flight, giving you data on distance, ball speed, and launch angle. It's the same tech you see on PGA Tour broadcasts. You can play virtual courses or compete in points-based games with your friends.
It turns a solitary practice session into a social event.
You can rent a hitting bay, grab some food, and actually play golf even if you're a total beginner. The gamification of the range has lowered the barrier to entry for a lot of people who find 18 holes of "real" golf a bit too intimidating or time-consuming.
The "And Games" Part of the Equation
If you aren't there for the golf, you're probably there for the chaos. And I mean that in the best way possible.
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The go-karts are usually the big draw for the younger crowd (and the adults who refuse to grow up). The track at Midway Golf and Games has enough twists to keep it interesting without being so technical that you're constantly spinning out. It's fast. It's loud. It smells like gasoline and adrenaline.
Then there’s the mini-golf.
Mini-golf is a staple of American summer, but Midway’s 18-hole course is actually well-maintained. You won't find many raggedy green carpets or broken obstacles here. It’s challenging enough to cause some minor family arguments over the scorecard but easy enough that a six-year-old can still sink a lucky putt.
The Rise of Axe Throwing and Laser Tag
A few years ago, adding axe throwing would have seemed bizarre. Now? It’s a must-have.
Midway added axe throwing lanes that are surprisingly popular for corporate team-building and bachelor parties. There is something deeply satisfying about thudding a hunk of sharpened steel into a wooden target. It’s primal. It’s also a great way to vent frustration after you just shanked ten balls in a row on the driving range.
The laser tag arena is another heavy hitter. It’s a multi-level, 6,000-square-foot combat zone. They use a high-tech system that tracks stats, so you can see exactly who in your group is the "sniper" and who was basically just a walking target. It’s dark, it’s foggy, and it’s intense.
Food, Drinks, and the 40-Hole Bar & Grill
You can’t stay at a place like this for four hours without eating. The 40-Hole Bar & Grill on-site handles the hunger.
We’re talking "elevated pub food." The burgers are solid, the wings are messy, and the beer is cold. They’ve got a good selection of local craft brews, which is a nice nod to the vibrant brewing scene in Mid-Missouri.
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- The Patio: This is arguably one of the best spots in Columbia to watch a sunset. It overlooks the range and the mini-golf course.
- The Atmosphere: It's loud, energetic, and unpretentious.
- The Menu: Expect things like loaded fries, giant pretzels, and sandwiches that require extra napkins.
One thing people often overlook is that Midway is a legit venue for events. They do a lot of graduation parties, company outings, and birthday bashes. They have dedicated spaces that allow you to have a "home base" while your group wanders off to play different games.
Why This Place Works in the Digital Age
You’d think with everyone glued to their phones or VR headsets, a place with go-karts and physical golf would struggle. It’s actually the opposite. People are starving for "third places"—those spots that aren't home and aren't work.
Midway Golf and Games offers a tactile experience. You can’t replicate the vibration of a go-kart steering wheel or the "clink" of a perfectly struck golf ball on a screen.
It also bridges the generational gap. You’ll see a grandpa teaching his grandson how to grip a club in one bay, while a group of college students is having a mini-golf tournament in the next. It’s one of the few places in Columbia where different demographics actually mix without it feeling forced.
Managing the Logistics
If you’re planning a trip, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Weekends are packed. If you want a Toptracer bay on a Saturday night, you might be waiting a bit. It’s usually smarter to go on a weekday evening if you’re looking for a more chill vibe.
Pricing is generally tiered. You can buy individual tickets for things like go-karts or laser tag, or you can look into "bundle" passes that give you more bang for your buck. If you’re bringing a family of four, those bundles are the only way to go unless you want to blow your grocery budget for the week in two hours.
The Local Impact
Midway isn’t just a fun spot; it’s an economic anchor for the western edge of Columbia. While most of the city’s growth has been focused on the south and east, Midway keeps the 40 West corridor relevant. They employ a lot of local students and contribute to the tax base in a way that often goes unnoticed.
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They also host various charity events and golf tournaments throughout the year. It’s a community-minded business, which is something you don't always get with the big national chains like Topgolf (though rumors of a Topgolf-style competitor coming to town are always floating around).
Misconceptions About Midway
A lot of people think Midway is "just for kids." That’s probably the biggest mistake you can make.
While it's definitely kid-friendly, the addition of the axe throwing, the high-tech driving range, and a full-service bar makes it very much an adult playground too. It’s a popular spot for first dates because there’s always an activity to fall back on if the conversation hits a lull.
Another misconception is that you have to be "good" at golf. You don't. Half the people on the range are just trying to make contact with the ball. Nobody is judging your swing; they’re too busy trying to fix their own.
Making the Most of Your Visit
To really get the full experience at Midway Golf and Games, don't just stick to one thing. Start at the range to burn off some energy, then head over to the bar for a drink and some appetizers. End the night with a round of mini-golf as the lights come on.
- Check the Weather: Most of the attractions are outdoors. If it's a typical Missouri humid afternoon, aim for a late-evening visit.
- Wear Practical Shoes: This isn't the place for flip-flops if you're planning on doing the go-karts or axe throwing.
- Download the App: If you’re using Toptracer, having the app ready to go makes it much easier to track your stats over time.
- Look for Specials: They often have "happy hour" style deals on range balls or game bundles during the week.
The reality is that Midway Golf and Games has managed to survive and thrive because it understands what Columbia wants: a place that's fun, relatively affordable, and doesn't take itself too seriously. Whether you're a serious golfer looking to shave a few strokes off your handicap or just someone who wants to drive a go-kart way too fast, it delivers.
It’s a landmark in its own right. Next time you’re driving down I-70 and see those giant netting poles rising up from the horizon, don't just drive past. Pull off, grab a bucket of balls, and remember what it’s like to actually play outside.
Practical Next Steps
- Book Ahead: If you have a group of 10 or more, call ahead to reserve a bay or a table. It saves a lot of headache.
- Safety First: Listen to the marshals at the go-kart track; they aren't being buzzkills, they’re just trying to make sure nobody flips a kart.
- Pace Yourself: It’s easy to get "activity overload." Pick two or three things you really want to do rather than trying to cram everything into one hour.
- Check the Calendar: They often have live music on the patio during the summer months, which adds a whole different layer to the experience.