Mike Cooper
has pioneered this premier stretch of wooded land along the Missouri River
into what is now considered to be an oasis for boats and fishermen on
the Missouri river, and outdoor enthusiasts biking, hiking, or nature-walking
along the Katy Trail. Don't be surprised to see Mike feeding a baby Lovebird,
or point out the sounds of birds and animals unique to the area.
Mike Cooper, an outdoorsman,
had a dream: a dream of an earlier wild river that was just beginning
to be changed by the hand of American westward expansion. Our country
grew westward, first, with the help of the French trappers, followed
by Lewis and Clark, Surveyors and Settlers. Mike has become a historian
for the towns of Nashville and Providence that once sat near where his
store and marina are located. Why? Because it was the thriving, bustling
river port that supplied the small town of what is now the city of Columbia,
Missouri (one of the top ten places to live in the United States
based on a number of Money Magazine issues). Go to the History
page and learn about Ira P. Nash, the earliest surveyor and settler
of the site of Nashville. Learn about the spring freshet of 1844 that
destroyed Nashville and led to the founding of Providence. Check our
newsletter and
find information about Lewis and Clark events and news about issues
concerning Local Communities, the Katy Trail, and the Missouri River.
Cooper's will continue
to improve access to the Missouri River to make it safer and more enjoyable
for everyone. Cooper's Landing is also Mike's home, and all visitors
are treated like friends. It seems like he's on a permanent vacation
located in the middle of nature, but it takes hard work to maintain
such a wide range of services for his customers. Even though he's always
busy, he is also ready to take a break and share with you the natural
beauty of the area, the history of Nashville, how the fish are biting,
what's for dinner, and offer you an icy cold beer (at a reasonable price).
The atmosphere is so relaxed, people tend to 'let their hair down' on
the nights when there is live music. Mike is interested in promoting
local musicians
and provides facilities all year round for them to perform and record
live music. And whatever you do, dress comfortable and casual!
Please keep in mind that
alcohol is served on the premises. It's understandable that families
planning a vacation may not want to choose a campground that sells alcoholic
beverages (wine, wine coolers and beer). On the other hand, those of
you who don't mind a fun, lively atmosphere at night, be assured that
Mike will not tolerate boisterous intoxication that is disruptive to
his other visitors. For your planning purposes, Cooper's Landing is
more tranquil both day and night during the week days. Fridays and Saturdays
are reserved for live entertainment
to celebrate the tough work week, sweaty day biking on the
trail, or getting the biggest fish of the day out of the Missouri River!
Mike's dream is coming true
because he's not the type to give up. After the big flood of 1993 almost
floated his store away and the river waters returned to their banks,
he remodeled to make an even better business that included the Gathering
Room, a great place for people to meet and have fun year round.
He has also been able to enlarge and improve his boat ramp and make
a new boat service dock. Finding a full-service marina on the
Missouri River is not as easy as finding one on the highway. Cooper's
Landing now provides a much needed service to fishermen and boaters
who enjoy the challenges and beauty of the Missouri River. He still
has more plans and it's fun to watch Cooper's Landing grow . During
the official Lewis and Clark Bicentennial years, Mike's marina, store,
lodge and camp grounds will truly be an experience of a lifetime.
