Springfield is known for three things: serving as the home of Missouri State University, being the birthplace of Route 66, affectionately known as the “Mother Road,” and serving as the gateway to the Ozarks, which is why it is dubbed “Queen City of the Ozarks.” While these are the main reasons why travelers flock to the third-largest city in the state, these barely scratch the surface of what it actually has in store for visitors. Natural attractions feature plenty of activities for outdoor enthusiasts such as hiking and fishing. Stone Chapel, the oldest stone building in the area, is worth a visit for history buffs. Meanwhile, Dickerson Park Zoo is there to bring families close to the wild. Springfield offers amazing accommodation options as well, including pet-friendly Airbnbs and hotels with pools. These and many more invite visitors to the state’s beautiful city. Scroll down for the top things to do in Springfield, Missouri.
1. Embark on an interesting tram ride to Fantastic Caverns
Did you know that there is such a thing as a ride-through cave and that the only one in North America is located in Springfield? This activity, which welcomes adults and children alike, takes guests through a beautiful cave dotted with minerals, natural pillars and formations, and an underground water source. As the tram takes guests through the cavern, a guide provides interesting information about the area, including its significance as a cultural institution and interesting history. The cavern was discovered in 1862 by a farmer named John Knox and his hunting dog. This activity is a great option for those who have always wanted to try out spelunking but never got around to doing so. The tour runs for approximately 55 minutes.
Fantastic Caverns
Address: 4872 N Farm Rd 125, Springfield, MO 65803, United States
Website: Fantastic Caverns
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Adults: 28 USD; Children 6 - 12 years: 17 USD; 5 years and below: Free
2. Dig deep into the history of the Knights of Pythias at Pythian Castle
Pythian Home of Missouri, more popularly known as Pythian Castle, was built over a hundred years ago. This historic landmark was originally constructed by the Knights of Pythias as an orphanage, as well as a retirement home for the elderly members of the order. In World War II, it was converted into a hospital and entertainment area for American soldiers. Mornings are reserved for history tours, while evenings are intended for ghost tours.
3. Remember the veterans of war at Springfield National Cemetery
Springfield National Cemetery was originally established to serve as the final resting ground of Union soldiers from the Civil War but was later expanded to accommodate Confederate soldiers. Over the years, the cemetery has expanded to accommodate the remains of war veterans from different eras.
Springfield National Cemetery
Website: Springfield National Cemetery
Address: 1702 E Seminole St, Springfield, MO 65804, United States
4. Enjoy child-friendly activities at Chesterfield Family Center
At Chesterfield Family Center, you will be able to enjoy the activities from your local center during your visit to Springfield. Among the activities that you and your family can try out here are swimming and rock climbing, and there’s a child’s play area for parents who are worried about the safety of their little ones. There’s also an on-site game room. Fitness-minded folks can appreciate the fact that the center comes with its own gym, indoor cycling, and weights room.
Chesterfield Family Center
Address: 2511 W Republic Rd, Springfield, MO 65807, United States
Website: Chesterfield Family Center
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 5am - 9pm; Sat: 7am - 8pm; Sun: 10am - 6pm
5. Spot the animals at Dickerson Park Zoo
Dickerson Park Zoo is a family-friendly attraction that allows its visitors to catch sight of over 500 variety of animals from different parts of the globe, with magnificent beasts such as Asian elephants, tigers, wolves, and mountain lions and adorable creatures such as goats and alpacas that children and kids at heart can have a close encounter with at the petting zoo. A playground and a train ride, which is open seasonally, are also on-site to provide other forms of entertainment to younger guests of the zoo.
Dickerson Park Zoo
Address: 1401 W Norton Rd, Springfield, MO 65803, United States
Website: Dickerson Park Zoo
Opening hours: 9am - 4pm (daily)
Price: Adults: 15 USD; Children 3-12 years: 10 USD
6. Explore marine life at Wonders Of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium
Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium, or simply Wonders Of Wildlife, is split into two sections. The aquarium portion features not only a wide variety of fish, but also reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and birds in a variety of environments, including but not limited to a forest, a swamp, and even a shipwreck. The museum, meanwhile, features taxidermied animals placed in dioramas that depict their natural habitats. The establishment is named after Johnny Morris, the founder of the outdoor brand Bass Pro Shops, the headquarters of which hosts the wildlife attraction.
Wonders Of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium
Address: 500 W Sunshine St, Springfield, MO 65807, United States
Website: Wonders Of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 5pm; Fri: 10am - 7pm; Sat: 9am - 7pm; Sun: 10am - 6pm
Price: Adults: 32.95 USD; Children: 17.95 USD
7. Catch a show at Gillioz Theatre
The historic Gillioz Theatre near Park Central Square was built in the 1920s and retains the intricate architecture from the era. The building, however, is more than just a well-preserved relic from the past. It continues to host performances and activities today, including theatrical performances, concerts, and film festivals. Be sure to check their website before you head here to discover what activities are scheduled in this venue during your visit.
Gillioz Theatre
Address: 325 Park Central E, Springfield, MO 65806, United States
Website: Gillioz Theatre
8. Watch a game at JQH Arena or Hammons Field
Sports fans can check out the schedules of either JQH Arena or the Hammons Field so you can catch a local game while you’re in Springfield. JQH Arena is known for hosting basketball games, as well as special events such as concerts. Meanwhile, Hammons Field is recognized as one of the most beautiful minor league baseball stadiums in the country. The stadium is also the home of the Springfield Cardinals, a baseball team who competes as part of the Texas League’s North Division.
JQH Arena
Address: 685 S John Q Hammons Pkwy, Springfield, MO 65807, United States
Website: JQH Arena
Hammons Field
Address: 955 E Trafficway St, Springfield, MO 65802, United States
9. Hike through Frisco Highline Trail
Traversing Frisco Highline Trail allows trekkers to enjoy fantastic views of the Ozark Mountains, or simply the Ozarks, one of the most well-known natural attractions in the area. Besides mountain views, you can also see farmlands, wildflowers, and streams along the way. The miles of hiking trail link Springfield to Bolivar. The partially paved trail runs for 35 mi (56 km). Make sure to bring plenty of water with you because there are only a few water fountains available along the nature trail.
Frisco Highline Trail
Address: Springfield, MO, USA
10. Tour the interactive Discovery Center Of Springfield
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
This destination is a must for families who want to take their kids to an educational attraction with special exhibits while they’re in Springfield. Discovery Center Of Springfield, or simply Discovery Center, provides young learners with hands-on experience thanks to its interactive exhibits that explore physics, chemistry, health, and energy concepts. There are attractions for kids of all ages here so there’s bound to be something that would catch your little one’s attention during your visit.
Discovery Center Of Springfield
Address: 438 E St Louis St, Springfield, MO 65806, United States
Website: Discovery Center Of Springfield
Opening hours: Fri - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mon - Thu)
Price: Adults: 12 USD; Children 3 -15 years: 8 USD; Seniors (60+): 10 USD; Military personnel with ID: 7 USD
11. Try the local brews of 4 By 4 Brewing Company
Fans of local breweries should not miss out on dropping by 4 By 4 Brewing Company. This brewery takes pride in coming up with innovative and unique flavors of beers, and they offer samplers to give you the chance to try these out. Popcorn is served with their beer. If you want to spend some time just kicking back, you will love how there are games available including board games, corn hole, and table tennis, which groups can play while they drink and enjoy the food.
4 By 4 Brewing Company
Address: 2811 E Galloway St, Springfield, MO 65804, United States
Website: 4 By 4 Brewing Company
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 2pm - 10pm; Fri: 11am - 10pm; Sat: 12pm - 10pm; Sun: 12pm - 8pm
12. Soothe your soul at Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden
Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden is the oldest section of Springfield Botanical Gardens in Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park. This attraction features a meditation garden with pond and a moon bridge. The picture-perfect view of the botanical center is completed by beautiful landscaping, making it resemble traditional Japanese gardens. If you wish to explore nearby areas, you can visit the native butterfly house in Springfield Botanical Gardens or head over to the tranquil Lake Drummond, which is just 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) from here.
Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden
Address: 2400 S Scenic Ave, Springfield, MO 65807, United States
Website: Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
13. Marvel at the amazing gun collection at NRA National Sporting Arms Museum
Gun and hunting enthusiasts will want to check out NRA National Sporting Arms Museum, located in the Bass Pro headquarters. This establishment, as the name suggests, features a nice collection of firearms including revolvers, rifles, shotguns, and even military firearms. Bows are on display here as well. The highlight of the museum is arguably Theodore Roosevelt’s firearms collection. This museum offers free admission to guests and welcomes even non-NRA members.
NRA National Sporting Arms Museum
Address: 1909 S Campbell Ave, Springfield, MO 65807, United States
Website: NRA National Sporting Arms Museum
Opening hours: 10am - 7pm (daily) (closed on Christmas)
Price: Free admission
14. Be amazed at the vintage car collection of Route 66 Car Museum
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Okay, car lovers... What is your dream car of all time? Annnnd go!
Posted by Route 66 Car Museum on Thursday, July 26, 2018
This automobile museum is a must-visit for car fanatics. Aptly located along Route 66, the museum showcases the personal car collection of Guy Mace, a Springfield businessman. It features nearly 75 classic cars available for public viewing. These cars are categorized into four groups: brass era, classics, sports, and celebrity. Comic book enthusiasts will get a kick out of the Batmobile on display. The museum also features a unique gift shop that has on display a number of automobilia, vintage tin toys, baseball caps, tools, old signs and so much more.
Route 66 Car Museum
Address: 1634 W College St, Springfield, MO 65806, United States
Website: Route 66 Car Museum
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Adults: 15 USD; Children under 10: 5 USD; Seniors/Veterans: 13 USD
15. Explore great antiques at Relics Antique Mall
Relics Antique Mall, the largest antique mall in the state, is a must-visit for antique collectors or anyone on the lookout when shopping for vintage items. Think of the store as a large indoor flea market that offers just about anything and everything including furniture, jewelry, art pieces, and collectible items. Make sure to set enough time here, especially if you’re determined to find great bargains, as this place is huge. The store has its own tea house where visitors can grab meals or snacks.
Relics Antique Mall
Address: 2015 W Battlefield Rd, Springfield, MO 65807, United States
Website: Relics Antique Mall
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 6pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm
16. Witness vintage military equipment at Air & Military Museum-Ozarks
This museum features a number of restored vintage military land and air vehicles and equipment, many of which visitors can interact with. They are more than welcome to have their photos taken while they’re sitting in the Jeep or the helicopter. You can have a personalized dog tag customized for you as a souvenir from your trip to the museum. The establishment welcomes donations of military memorabilia.
Air & Military Museum-Ozarks
Address: 2305 E Kearney St, Springfield, MO 65803, United States
Website: Air & Military Museum-Ozarks
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 12pm - 4pm (closed on Sun and Mon)
Price: Adults: 5 USD; Children 6 to 11 years: 3 USD
17. Showcase your detective skills at 417 Escape Artist
Tired of the same old escape rooms? Head over to 417 Escape Artist for a challenge. The escape rooms here are unique to the establishment, having been designed specifically by the owner. Work together with your family and/or your friends in solving the puzzles and riddles so you can solve the case and bust out of the room. Each of the themes has varying levels of difficulty so you can choose which one you feel best suits the skill level of your group.
417 Escape Artist
Address: 2147 W Republic Rd, Springfield, MO 65807, United States
Website: 417 Escape Artist
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 12:40pm - 6pm
18. Explore the beauty of Sequiota Park
Sequiota Park is a wonderful little green oasis in the urbanized section of Springfield. At the heart of this nice park is a beautiful lake, and there are miles of trails around the body of water. Sequiota Park is actually a trailhead of Galloway Creek Greenway Trail. There are picnic areas in the area where lots of families can take a breather or enjoy a meal outdoors after exploring the surrounding area. The park is also home to caves but these are not open to the public to protect the endangered grey bats that have made these caverns their home.
Sequiota Park
Address: 3500 S. Lone Pine Rd, Springfield, MO 65804
Website: Sequiota Park
Opening hours: 6am - 11pm (daily)
19. Go back in time at 1984 Arcade
Visit this establishment and be transported back to 1984. From the interior’s decors to the actual games, this establishment practically screams the 1980s, complete with Pac-Man and pinball machines. Guests can play any of the games at no extra pricing besides the admission fee of 10 USD.
1984 Arcade
Address: 400 S Jefferson Ave, Springfield, MO 65806, United States
Website: 1984 Arcade
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 4pm - 11pm (closed from Sun - Tue)
Price: 10 USD
20. Arrange a picnic at Jordan Valley Park
Jordan Valley Park is intended as a community gathering space for people to rest and relax. There are picnic areas where visitors can enjoy a packed meal. Besides other year-round attractions such as the playground, the sculpture garden, and the meadows, there are seasonal activities that guests can enjoy. During summer, kids can play at the interactive water fountain. In winter, the park gets dressed up with beautiful lights for the holidays. Maximize your excursion in the area and visit the nearby Route 66 Springfield Visitor Center for shopping for souvenirs, local delicacies, and more.
Jordan Valley Park
Address: 635 E Trafficway St, Springfield, MO 65802, United States
Website: Jordan Valley Park
Opening hours: 5am - 11pm (daily)
21. Dine with your partner at the famous Avanzare Italian Dining
Avanzare Italian Dining is an upscale restaurant that takes pride in serving authentic Italian food that you can enjoy from your first bite to your last. The restaurant follows an open-kitchen cooking style to allow guests to watch as their food is prepared. Apart from its delicious pizza and fantastic cuisine, the restaurant also has a great wine selection, so you can pair your meal with a glass of wine that has a flavor profile that matches your food. Make sure to try the crab ravioli and the short rib ravioli.
Avanzare Italian Dining
Address: 1908 S Glenstone Ave, Springfield, MO 65804, United States
Website: Avanzare Italian Dining
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 4:30m - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 4:30pm - 10pm
22. Take a mandatory photo at World's Largest Fork
Visiting this attraction is a must in Springfield, especially if you love quirky attractions. The fork stands at 35 feet (10.7 m) and weighs 22,046.2 lbs (10,000 kg). According to stories, the fork once used to be in a restaurant but was transferred to its current location when the establishment closed down.
World's Largest Fork
Address: 2215 W Chesterfield St, Springfield, MO 65807, United States
Explore the sights and sounds of Springfield
Springfield in Missouri contends that it is the best among the 30-odd cities with the same name scattered across the United States, and its broad array of attractions helps put its case forward. Its coffee shops and restaurants are also enjoyed by many. Why stick to reading about the Missouri city’s claim when you can head there and see and experience the best things to do in Springfield, Missouri, for yourself?
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