Location: Springfield
Top Things to do in Springfield
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10 Nature & Parks 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. 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.
3. Fantastic Caverns
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,708 reviews
Discover the timeless beauty of Fantastic Caverns, one of the earth's rarest treasures. There are only four of its' kind in the entire world, and only one in North America. Here, you'll discover one of the world's most beautiful natural wonders; giant columns stretching from floor to ceiling, delicate soda straws glistening with minerals, tiny cave pearls hidden in crystal-clear water. And best of all, you'll see it close-up from the comfort of a Jeep-drawn tram!
Reviewed By jermyc2014
This was the best cave experience I have had.Our tour guide Brent was FANTASTIC just like the cave! Truly a must see if going through Springfield.
4. Frisco Highline Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
5. Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 209 reviews
The Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden is the oldest attraction at the Springfield Botanical Gardens. The 7.5 acre, Mizumoto Japanese Stroll garden was created in 1985 and includes a large koi lake, moon bridge, meditation garden, tea house and traditional Japanese garden landscaping. The Stroll Garden is open seasonally, April -October. Hours of operation are Wed.-Sun. from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Closed Mon. and Tues. There is a small admission fee. Private tours and rentals available.
Reviewed By MidwestKathM - Detroit, United States
On our drive across Missouri, this place hit the spot as we were looking for a place to stretch our legs and relax a bit. Perfect for these COVID times!! The Garden is beautiful and serene with places to relax and contemplate amidst the serene natural surroundings. Japanese maples and other plants and flowers, ponds, waterfall, sand garden, moon bridge, even mud turtles. The trail is not terribly long, but you can go round and round as desired. Reasonable admission fee. Free parking.
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. Springfield Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 136 reviews
The 112-acre Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park includes a number of garden collections made possible mostly by Master Gardeners of Greene County, The Friends of the Garden and volunteers from plant societies. You will also find the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden; Gray-Campbell Farmstead; Dr. Roston Native Butterfly House; access to the South Creek Greenway.
Reviewed By JMCSTL - Maryland Heights, United States
... and enjoy the hard work of those who plant & tend to a large variety of colorful flowers and trees in this surprisingly large municipal botanical garden complex. My wife & I parked on the small parking lot at the northeast corner of the property, and spent the next 90 minutes on a Saturday morning in spring strolling through a dozen or more well maintained garden areas. We could have easily spent twice as long admiring more details of the plants & exploring some of the more remote spaces of the property. The highlights for us were the small but beautifully arranged federated Garden Clubs Perennial Gardens; the extensive Master Gardeners Demonstration Gardens; and the shady & serene Hosta Garden (one of the largest such garden spaces we've seen in our North American travels). The green spaces & trees & miscellaneous garden niches in between are all linked by easy to navigate paved walkways, and Lake Drummond with its architectural spillway on the south side of the Gardens offer another wonderful space to explore & enjoy. The central Botanical Center building has a large parking area and an adjacent playground, plus a gift shop and restrooms for the convenience of visitors. The building anchors the property's major landscape feature: a very large sloping green space stretching south toward the Lake. Springfield Botanical Gardens are a wonderful attraction for residents and visitors alike, and the free admission makes them an even more special community treasure. Based on the plantings & landscapes we saw during our early May visit, I'd say the Gardens would be beautiful any time of the year. We would definitely return if we traveled to Springfield, and we recommend you take the time to do the same.
8. Jordan Valley Park
9. Lake Springfield Park, Boathouse and Marina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By 352douglasr - Springfield, United States
I've gone kayaking several times here this summer, with the last time a couple weeks ago. The employees are friendly and knowledgeable. The area to kayak goes near the Nature Center, so much of it is scenic. Sometimes there are limited amount of kayaks available, so it is wise to call ahead. You can rent by the hour, 4 hours, or by the day. There are various trails that you can hike or jog when you are done kayaking.
10. Sequiota Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 70 reviews
Reviewed By ComestibleCurmudgeon
Excellent for a short or long walk, flat or hilly, sun or shade this is a great park. It is so relaxing to sit in the shade and watch the ducks and geese in the spring fed pond. Very dog friendly.
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