Location: Springfield
Top Things to do in Springfield
Countries
10 Free Things to do in Springfield That You Shouldn't Miss
Springfield is the third-largest city in the state of Missouri and the county seat of Greene County. As of the 2010 census, its population was 159,498. As of 2016, the Census Bureau estimated its population at 167,319. It is one of the two principal cities of the Springfield-Branson Metropolitan Area, which has a population of 541,991 and includes the counties of Christian, Dallas, Greene, Polk, Webster, Stone and Taney.
Restaurants in Springfield
1. Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 419 reviews
The 112-acre Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park contains a number of garden attractions including the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden and Dr. Roston Native Butterfly House; the historic Gray-Campbell Farmstead; picnic pavilions; access to the South Creek Greenway. The park is open sunrise to sunset. The Botanical Center/ welcome center is open Monday-Saturday 8 am - 8 pm and Sunday 11 am - 6pm April - October. The building closes at 5 pm November - March. The majority of the park is free.
Reviewed By jodif773 - Springfield, United States
This is one of the best parks in Springfield!! Beautiful flowers in the spring, great fall colors, and lots of fun areas for kids to play. We also love to ride our bikes along the paved paths.
2. NRA National Sporting Arms Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 168 reviews
Reviewed By Monica58860 - Dousman, United States
Did not expect this attraction at Bass Pro but sure am glad we did find it. So worth a trip up the stairs and into the exhibit. So much cool stuff to see. Highly recommend
3. The Library Center
4. Galloway Creek Greenway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By Toyota1994 - Chicago, United States
Galloway Creek Greenway is a lovely trail very popular in Springfield. The trail packs a lot of nature in a short distance. When I rode it on a Sunday morning in June, there were a number of people on the trail walking, jogging, or bike riding. The trail, which runs approximately 5 miles north-south is asphalt paved and is in pretty good condition except for a few spots. A few sections could be helped with trimming of shrubs which have overgrown into the trail path. The trail crosses a few minor roads, and surprisingly it crosses a rail track once at grade, and then goes under the track at another place. Also, the trail goes by a beautiful Pet cemetery, and several places right next to the creek and wetlands. Do not miss going on the short branch off trail to the James River bridge for beautiful views of the river from the bridge. The trail also has a connection to the Springfield Nature Conservation Area at the south end, though that path is not paved. Also, enjoy visiting the beautiful Sequiota Park about midway on the trail.
5. Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,556 reviews
This huge sporting goods store has over 14,000 items of merchandise in 150,000 square feet.
Reviewed By nancyb890 - Champlin, United States
First visit to this location and it was super great! Each department has an awesome selection of products and I especially like the Archery Hall of Fame and Gun Museum on second level above the hunting dept. Nice employees and loved the homemade fudge!
6. Springfield Conservation Nature Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 313 reviews
Reviewed By G5968MBmichaels - Springfield, United States
Winter with clear view of deer, turkey and bald eagles or spring and fall with ideal temperatures for long walks in peaceful settings; trees , lakes and paths the experience is always rewarding and reminds one to return often. Summer there is abundant shade to make steamy days tolerable under cover by the tall trees. The trails are generally easy while a few hills can be found on the long trail for slight challenge. All routes are always well maintained. The staff is very helpful and willing to answer questions.
7. Frisco Highline Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
8. Mother's Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 99 reviews
Reviewed By Great_Beer_Now - Houston, United States
Springfield, Missouri isn’t necessarily a place that quickly comes to mind when you think of a craft beer city. But any craft beer fan in the Midwest or nearby knows there is one craft brewery that calls Springfield home that is widely known in craft beer circles. That brewery is Mother’s Brewing. I have been drinking and enjoying Mother’s Brewing beer for quite a few years but had never visited the brewery until recently. I was on vacation in Branson and knowing that Springfield was a short drive away, I decided that this was my chance. I headed north and made my way to Grant street, ready to try beer and see what Mothers Brewing was like in person. Mother’s Brewing has a large outdoor space and from what I learned, they host several outdoor events in this area each year. Even when there is no event taking place, it is still common to find food trucks onsite and happy drinkers converging outside while they sip their beers. I also learned that anyone can visit the brewery, you only need to be 21 and up to drink. This means that, yes, you can bring the family along while you do a tasting. Moving to the inside of the brewery, guests will discover that Mother’s Brewing has brewery tours every Saturday and a nice tasting room space where you can order a large serving of your favorite beer or a sampler flight. Look above the bar and you will see small plaques indicating which beers are available at that time. If certain beers have sold out, they will remove the plaque. The small plaques indicate the beer name, style, alcohol level, and price. I like that the price is clearly shown, since this is something often lacking at other breweries. Mother’s Brewing serves its core lineup of beers like Mothers Little Helper, Three Blind Mice, and others and you are almost certain to find them on tap. I recommend asking for one or more of the harder to find beers when you visit. There are some real gems to be discovered here and you can often get them only at the brewery, so take advantage if you get the chance. Oh, and as far as the bar goes, I do need to make mention of the steel construction with the large, imposing Mother’s Brewing logo. It is very cool, indeed! Mother’s Brewing has been serving up fine craft beer for a long time and I’m happy that I took the time to pay a visit to this Springfield brewery. The large outdoor space is more than you would find at most breweries and I surmise that it’s a happening place when they hold an event. But even if there is no event taking place, a visit to the taproom is a must for craft beer fans. One taste of these beers and you will understand why Mother’s Brewing is one of Missouri’s best- known and most beloved purveyors of the craft.
9. Farmer's Market of the Ozarks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
10. Springfield National Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 83 reviews
Reviewed By RandySessions - Derby, United States
I've been to Springfield many times, but I didn't know about this cemetery until this visit. As with any national cemetery it is very overwhelming. Enemies lie together with both confederate and union soldiers, as well as those from more recent time resting together. Wreaths had been placed at most of the gravesites. It was an impressive experience.
