Springfield is in the Ozark Mountains in southwest Missouri. It has all the best parts of a small town and a big city. Springfield is known as the “Queen City of the Ozarks” and has lots of things to see, do, eat, and discover.
In this article, I’ll share my favorite activities, attractions, restaurants and hidden gems as a local. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or traveling through on Route 66, let this be your guide to maximizing your time in Springfield.
A Little Springfield Background
Before diving into the fun stuff, here are a few fast facts to get to know Springfield:
- Population around 168,000 in the city proper
- Surrounded by lush Ozark forests, rivers and lakes
- Affordable cost of living compared to national average
- Vibrant arts, music and entertainment scene
- Outdoorsy culture with hundreds of miles of trails
- Claims to be the birthplace of cashew chicken, Springfield-style
- Centrally located with Branson, Tulsa, Kansas City all within driving distance
The city has an interesting history as both a Wild West frontier town and Route 66 pit stop This heritage still shines through today in attractions like Fantastic Caverns and the Route 66 Car Museum
Now let’s look at the best ways to experience Springfield like one of the locals!
Top Springfield Attractions
For starters, you can’t mention Springfield without talking about Wonders of Wildlife This massive complex houses an aquarium, museum and outdoor zoo in one. It’s a must-see for any first time visitor
Other top attractions include
- Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World – Massive flagship store with free museums inside
- Dickerson Park Zoo – See giraffes, lions, penguins and more up close
- Springfield Cardinals Baseball – Catch a minor league game at Hammons Field
- Drury University’s Stone Chapel – Beautiful historic church with stunning architecture
- Pythian Castle – Take a tour of this 100-year-old castle now used as an event venue
- Fantastic Caverns – Ride through one of America’s few ride-thru caves
- Discovery Center – Hands-on children’s science museum with dinosaur exhibits
- Route 66 Car Museum – Vintage cars and history from the Mother Road heyday
Sights Along Historic Route 66
Springfield is the “Birthplace of Route 66,” so it has a lot of stories about the Mother Road. From one of the oldest parts of Route 66, Commercial Street and Chestnut Expressway, you can take a cruise to see old motels, restaurants, and other sites.
Key stops include:
- Route 66 Steak ‘n Shake – Dine in a 1949 dining car
- Restored Phillips 66 gas station – One of the few left from the early days
- Wild Bill Hickok downtown shootout site – Where a famous Wild West gunfight occurred
- Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Mosque – Beautiful Route 66-era mosque built in the 1920s
- Negro League Baseball plaque – Marks the site of a historic baseball field
Outdoor Activities in the Ozarks
Between the rivers, lakes and forests nearby, Springfield offers plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors. My favorite activities include:
- Kayaking and paddle boarding at Fellows Lake
- Hiking the trails at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield
- Cycling the Ozark Greenways network
- Camping at Lake Springfield Park
- Fishing for trout at Roaring River State Park in nearby Cassville
- Trying out the new ziplines at Wonders of Wildlife
And if you have kids, don’t miss the Discovery Center’s outdoor science park called Dynamo. It has rock climbing walls, fossils to uncover and experiments to try.
Experiencing the Local Arts & Entertainment
Springfield punches above its weight class when it comes to arts and music. Some key places to experience include:
- The Gillioz Theatre – Historic downtown theater hosting concerts, plays and more
- Blue Room Comedy Club – Intimate venue to see up and coming comics
- The Creamery Arts Center – See art exhibits and attend classes
- Cafe Cusco – Local hangout with live music 7 nights a week
- First Friday Artwalk – Downtown art galleries open late on the first Friday of each month
- Summer musicals at Springfield Little Theatre
- Concerts at O’Reilly Hall for the Performing Arts
And for some quirky outdoor art, take a walk along the downtown Sculpture Walk to see large installations.
Where to Eat and Drink Like a Local
Springfield’s food scene has exploded in recent years, with new restaurants popping up constantly. Here are some local favorites to try:
- Black Sheep Burgers – Crazy burgers piled high with toppings
- Cafe Cusco – Artisan pizzas and live music
- European Cafe – Macarons, crepes and gourmet coffee
- Grandpa Joe’s Chocolates – Produces handmade gourmet chocolates
- Leong’s Asian Diner – Home of the original Springfield-style cashew chicken
- Lost Signal Brewing Company – Trendy craft brewery near downtown
- Nonna’s Artisan Bakery & Cafe – Fresh baked pastries made from scratch
- Tea Bar & Bites – Fantastic brunch in an eclectic tea house
Where to Shop for Local Goods
In addition to the shopping at major chains, Springfield has some fun local spots to browse:
- Penny Lane – Funky downtown shop with handmade jewelry and gifts
- Moss & Oak – Cute home decor, accessories and apothecary items
- Green Circle Growers – Local garden center with indoor waterfalls and plants
- Relics Antique Mall – Largest antique mall in the region under one roof
- Springfield Farmer’s Market – Outdoor market with produce, baked goods and crafts
Springfield Events Throughout the Year
All year long, something exciting is happening in Springfield. Here are some of the big annual events:
- Birthplace of Route 66 Festival – Celebrates the history of Route 66 each summer
- Bluegrass & BBQ Festival – Live music and tasty grub in June
- Food Truck Week – Over 50+ food trucks take over Commercial Street
- Park Days – Outdoor music festival with local bands and food trucks
- Summer Carnival – Rides, games, food and entertainment at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds
Final Tips for Visiting Springfield
Hopefully this gives you a great starting point to explore Springfield like one of us locals. Here are a few final tips:
- Stay at a local boutique hotel like Hotel Vandivort for a unique experience
- Grab the free Springfield Route 66 Visitor Guide for discounts
- Expect affordable prices – it’s very budget friendly compared to big cities
- Come hungry! The food scene punches way above its weight class
- Enjoy the friendly Midwestern hospitality – locals are happy to offer tips!
Rain, Rain, GO AWAY! | May Springfield Extravaganza 2024 | Reselling
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