Location: Springfield
Top Things to do in Springfield
- 1. Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park
- 2. NRA National Sporting Arms Museum
- 3. Springfield Cardinals
- 4. Springfield Conservation Nature Center
- 5. Johnny Morris' Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium
- 6. Discovery Center of Springfield
- 7. Fantastic Caverns
- 8. Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden
- 9. Springfield Botanical Gardens
- 10. Dickerson Park Zoo
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10 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 based on 310 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 freedomawaits - Springfield, Missouri
This place is an outdoor garden getaway! There is an indoor area with traveling/rotating themes. It's nice and cool for a summer's day or warm when it gets cold outside. There's a small playground nearby. There's a large lawn perfect for picnicking and kite flying. There's a beautiful flower garden walkway maintained by local garden clubs. The path flows into a path that surrounds a small lake normally full of geese. There's a small shuttle that travels around every 30 minutes on Saturdays to help those who struggle walking enjoy the beauty along with a guided tour. It has local history with the Greene House in the back. The connecting Japanese Stroll garden (for a fee) completes this hidden gem.
2. NRA National Sporting Arms Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 120 reviews
Reviewed By 310tinag - Greenville, North Carolina
Loved reading the history of the firearms and seeing them displayed. There was also an impressive archery wing. Most impressed with the authenticity and the historical relevance of the displayed items. Would go back giving the opportunity. The grandsons loved it as it had to do with guns and knives and things of that sort! The entrance space is deceiving at first sight. There is a lot to take in!!! LOVED IT!!!
3. Springfield Cardinals
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 422 reviews
Reviewed By ifonlyicoulddoitall - Springfield, Missouri
Went last spring when a friend gave my husband and I some tickets they couldn't use. It was so much fun watching the players from the St Louis Cardinals playing as they were getting back in good health to go back to the majors and some really good players in the making !! It was also $1 brat night which was the icing on the cake. It would be a great place to take kids for their first baseball game.
4. Springfield Conservation Nature Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 274 reviews
Reviewed By Michael P - SPRINGFIELD MO, United States
A lot of people travel the 60&65 freeway into and leaving Springfield and never realize this park even exists. It goes down to wetland environment on the north shore of lake Springfield. It is a snapshot of what the James River Valley looked like before the city existed.
In Many times of the year visitors have seen Bald Eagles and other rare birds.Abundant Deer and other wildlife.
5. Johnny Morris' Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 256 reviews
Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium is the largest immersive wildlife attraction in the world. Explore a 1.5-million-gallon aquarium adventure showcasing 35,000 live fish, mammals, reptiles and birds and a wildlife museum offering a tour of the wildest places on earth. The 350,000-square foot experience features more than 1.5 miles of immersive trails and exhibits.
Reviewed By Blewzman - Bella Vista, Arkansas
Make sure you budget enough time! We moved at a good pace and spent 3 hours between the Wildlife museum and the aquarium. Amazing amount of history and artifacts plus beautiful mounts. Be prepared to get lost in the expansive world of Johnny M and his collection.
6. Discovery Center of Springfield
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 178 reviews
Reviewed By kmeads05 - Springfield, Missouri
My grandchildren are 6 and 8 yrs old and we frequent the Discovery Center whenever we can't play outside. It never get old and is a great learning opportunity. PLUS you can buy great yearly passes! $75 a year for 2 grandparents and 2 grandchildren..excellent value!
7. Fantastic Caverns
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 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 Richard J - Bowling Green, Kentucky
It was a cold rainy day so we thought the Caverns would not be busy, we were wrong. Only had to wait 15 minutes until our tour. My wife, I and out 3 grand boys got to sit in the jeep that pulls the wagon. This is a short cave but it last 50 minutes. Out guide was above average and made this a delightful time. Suggest this for all ages. Cavern stays 60 degrees so was warmer inside the out that day.
8. Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 166 reviews
The Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden is open from April 1 through October 31 annually. The operating hours are 10 AM to 7 PM April - September and closes at 6 p.m. in October. Admission is $3/adults; children 12 and under are free. The Garden sits on 7 1/2 acres and contains three large ponds, several canals, a waterfall, Tea House and several other structures. The grounds are maintained by Springfield-Greene County Parks Department supported extensively by local volunteers. At the Ticket Booth, you can buy fish food for the Koi. Special events throughout the season include: Cherry Blossom Kite in April; Japanese Fall Festival in September and Romance in the Japanese Garden. For information about weddings, call the main Botanical Center.
Reviewed By thompsonnelda - Smithville, Missouri
A somewhat disappointing visit in late fall as few blooms. It does make for a nice quiet stroll with a few places to sit and enjoy the the serene setting. Would have been nice to understand the idea/concept or culture behind the Japanese garden, maybe in the form of a handout or brochure. Probably not a place for young children. Might go back for a special event but otherwise skip it. It is a part of the Nathaniel Green park and the botanical garden which is free. But this garden charges $3 person when we were there.
9. Springfield Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 100 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 johnmM754OI - Chesterfield, Missouri
Didn't even realize that Springfield had a botanical garden, but it's very nice. Has lots of nice paths for walking and/or jogging. Interesting exhibit of local butterflies, which we were told would be released right after our visit. don't miss the adjacent Japanese garden
10. Dickerson Park Zoo
Overall Ratings
4 based on 410 reviews
Dickerson Park Zoo is where people and animals connect. Enjoy getting outside and enjoying the natural beauty of the area while seeing and learning about animals from Africa, Tropical Asia, South America, Australia and North America. See the reptiles at the Ambler Diversity of Life center, ride the Titus Express miniature train, get up close and personal with the giraffes on the giraffe deck (giraffe feeding an additional fee but observation deck is free) and visit the petting zoo. Cafe and gift shop also available.
Reviewed By LouiseLavictoire - Kendal, United Kingdom
This is a great little zoo. We've been multiple times on the annual pass and it's well worth the membership fee. Some of the exhibits are a bit tired but it seems like they're doing improvements over the winter so looking forward to seeing what...MoreThank you! And, thank you for noticing our improvements. We are working to make the zoo fabZOOlous for our guests. Glad to hear you and your family enjoy it.
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