The city of Springfield, Missouri, is filled with plenty of attractions and things to do that are perfect for friends and family. From museums to aquarimens to hiking trails, Springfield is one of the hidden gems in the United States. It is the third largest city in Missouri and the county seat of Greene County. It is famous as the origin of Highway 66, and its history extends back to the Civil War. 

Known as the pulse of the Ozarks, the city sits on the Springfield Plateau of the Ozarks and is near a mountainous area, giving access to outdoor recreation activities. The city has almost 100 city parks and 140 miles of outdoor bike trails. It’s the headquarters of Bass Pro Shops and the Wonders of Wildlife.

The city also features many historic neighborhoods, including historic business districts and Victorian neighborhoods. Whatever you’re into, there’s sure to be something in Springfield for you! Let’s take a look at some of the top things to do in Springfield:

Visit The Springfield Museums

Visiting museums in Springfield, Missouri, is a great way to experience the city’s culture. These include Springfield Art Museum, Wonders Of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium, History Museum on the Square, Route 66 Car Museum, Air & Military Museum-Ozarks, Railroad Historical Museum, and Missouri Institute of Natural Science.

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And if you’re interested in the history of Springfield and the surrounding area, visit the Springfield Historical Museum. Of course, if you’re interested in natural history, the Springfield Science Museum is also worth visiting.

Go On A Scenic Drive

If you’re in town for more than one day, take a scenic drive through and around Springfield. There are so many scenic drives in Missouri that attract visitors from all over the world. There’s no shortage of roads where you can explore outside of town and see the beauty of the Ozarks. 

Take the drive of Blue Buck Knob, near Cabool, to Siloam Springs. Cabool is the gateway for visitors to explore Mark Twain National Forest. A 45-minute drive that ends at highway 14. Drive through hills, creeks, and beautiful views.

Drive alongside Route 66 on the Mother Road or the Glade Top Trails in Southeast Springfield, which is a National Forest Scenic Byway. Take the gravel road on Sugar Camp National Forest Scenic Byway and begin the drive near Roaring Rivers State Park on Highway 12.

Take A Riverboat Cruise

If you’re looking to get out of the city and into the state, a riverboat cruise is an excellent way to do so. One of America’s Most Entertaining Lake adventures can be found on Table Rock Lake. Cruise, dine, and be entertained on a Missouri riverboat cruise. See a beautiful view from Table Rock Lake and a themed showboat of the 1800s. The Showboat Branson Belle takes guests on a two-hour cruise across the waters of Table Rock. Enjoy panoramic views of the Ozark Mountains and shop around at White River Landing. Enjoy shows featuring singers, dancers, and live brands performing hit songs from the 1960s. 

Set sail on the Hannibal riverfront on The Mark Twain. It’s a family-owned business and has been since 1997. Start the cruise from Hannibal, Missouri. They offer different riverboat cruise options, including Sightseeing Cruise or Dinner Cruise. The Mark Twain Riverboat has something for someone.

A riverboat is a great way to experience the outdoors and the state’s history. Of course, some riverboat cruises also feature dinner, entertainment, and other in-port activities. These are a great way to spend a few hours away from the city and relax.

Onondaga Cave State Park

Located on the Meramec River, Onondaga Cave State Park is a Missouri state park established in 1982. The activities at the park include cave tours, camping, fishing, hiking, and swimming. Descend into the depths of the cave and explore a world of wonder. Check out towering stalagmites, dripping stalactites, and active flowerstones. It made the cave a National Natural Landmark, and this is why Missouri is often called The Cave State. You can take guided tours underground or explore the Bluff Natural Area to get a view of the Meramec River. You can canoe or fish on the river.

The cave is owned by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. It offers the opportunity to hike, fish, swim, and relax. It’s known for its Bluff Natural Area, which rises 200 feet out of the water. 

Springfield Conservation Nature Center 

Located within the city limits of Springfield, Missouri, The Springfield Conservation Nature Center is 80 acres of the Ozark Outdoors. It’s a great place to connect with nature and learn the importance of conservation. It provides free educational activities and resources on conservation. Indoors, nature exhibits, programs, and a nature-related gift shop. You can enjoy 3 miles of hiking through a variety of natural communities. 

The Nature Center is a great place to connect with nature and enjoy hiking trails. There’s a Visitor Center that features information and scheduled programs. You can also get hunting and fishing permits there. There’s a self-guided exhibit area and a 150-seat auditorium, classrooms, and restrooms. The grounds also include picnic areas and a pull-through for bus and RV parking. Camping, hunting, and fishing are not allowed.

Don’t Forget Baseball!

Springfield is the home to the Springfield Cardinals, who are a Minor League Baseball team. That makes visiting this city a must if you’re a baseball fan, whether you’re a fan of the Cardinals or another team. 

The Springfield Cardinals play at Hammons Field in downtown Springfield. Hammons Field is a minor league ballpark with a capacity of 8,000 seats, 28 luxury suites, five party decks, six food and beverage outliers, and a club lounge. In 2004, Missouri State averaged 3,759 fans per game.

The team is owned by the World Champion St. Louis Cardinals and was founded in 2005. The team’s home venue has been Hammons Field. The Cardinals won three Texas League North 1st Half Divisions titles, two Texas League North 2nd Half Division titles, two Texas League North championships, and one Texas League championship.

Enjoy home runs, strikeouts, hotdogs, giveaways, and on-field contests. You won’t be disappointed by the Springfield Cardinals’ top players. More than 100 St. Louis Cardinals players got their start at Hammons Field.

Enjoy food at low prices on promo nights and fun themes for each game. Signup for crowd-pleasing on-field contests.

Go To Mark Twain National Forest

Mark Twain National Forest consists of 1.5 million acres of beautiful public land that lives in 29 counties in Missouri. It includes healthy, working forests and restores Missouri’s national communities. 

There’s a wide range of popular recreation opportunities. The forest has over 750 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Mark Twain National Forest is a wonderful place to visit for outdoor enthusiasts. There are more than 350 miles of perennial streams for canoeing and kayaking, and the campgrounds that include primitive and wilderness camping for solitude. This is one place you should visit in Missouri.

Practice Your Rock Climbing Skills

If you’re interested in rock climbing in Springfield, try visiting Zenith Climbing Center in Springfield, Missouri. It is located in midtown and a great place to practice your skills or learn something new. Lessons are available for all levels of climbers. It’s equipped with state-of-the-art Waltopia climbing walls, training and systems area, a yoga studio, and a gift shop. 

No matter your experience level, you don’t need a reservation to come out and climb. Their focus is to promote sport climbing as one of the main elements of a healthy lifestyle.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for fun and adventure, Springfield is filled with so many different exciting things to do. From museums to nature centers to national parks, Springfield provides a great place for those looking to have fun during the day and on the weekends. 

Points of Interests

Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium

History Museum on the Square

The World’s Largest Fork