Springfield is a city with incredible history and an array of stunning landmarks and tourist spots. Take a tour of its architectural and historic possessions, take in its beauty and charm, devour the local food, shop for the vintage and antiques, and party hard and mingle with the locals. All this and much more can be explored and experienced in 48-hours. Soak in its grandeur with this 48-hour itinerary guide-
Image By JERRYE & ROY KLOTZ MD [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Day 1 in Springfield
9:00am- Breakfast at Aviary Cafe and Creperie!
Begin your day 1 in Springfield with a hearty and mouth-watering breakfast at the Aviary Cafe and Creperie. The cafe serves savory and sweet crepes along with traditional bistro food. The atmosphere is friendly and inviting. The food menu changes regularly and is made from scratch. A perfect spot to start your day in Springfield!
Address: 400 E Walnut Street #100, Springfield, MO 65806, United States
Phone: 1 417-866-6378
Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday: 8:00am-8:00pm; Thursday to Saturday: 7:00am-9:00pm; Sunday: 8:00am-8:00pm
10:00am- Hands-on learning experience at Discovery Center of Springfield!
After you’ve fueled up, it’s time to start exploring the city. The first stop is the Discovery Center of Springfield which features four floors filled with hands-on, interactive exhibits, ranging from building blocks to gigantic eyeball. It covers topics, such as history, art, culture, science and technology. Some of the exhibits showcased here include high wire bicycle, dinosaur bones, cultures of the world, Van de Graff generator, anti-gravity mirror, BodyWorks, ChromoZone Lab with cells, Wonderland and Wind Tunnel, just to name a few. The center offers a unique learning experience for people of all ages.
Address: 438 E St Louis Street, Springfield, MO 65806, United States
Phone: 1 417-862-9910
Opening hours: Tuesday to Thursday: 9:00am-5:00pm; Friday & Saturday: 9:00am-6:00pm; Sunday: 1:00pm-5:00pm
Distance from the Aviary Cafe and Creperie: 0.4miles or 2minutes drive
11:00am- Partake of Springfield history at History Museum on the Square!
Next, make your way over to History Museum on the Square that features several exhibits and displays chronicling the local history of Ozark from the prehistoric times until the 1900s. Exhibits highlight the early settlements in the area, homestead, Civil War upheaval, and the period of growth and development exhibits. It include a Civil War uniform, equipments, mastodon bones, over 20,000 historical photos from the city’s beginnings, and over 30,000 documents and books. Know everything about Springfield from its foundation to the twentieth century!
Address: 155 Park Central Square, Springfield, MO 65806, United States
Phone: 1 417-832-1200
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 10:30am-4:30pm
Distance from Discovery Center: 0.2miles or 1minute drive
12:00pm- Get artsy at Springfield Art Museum!
Next, visit the Springfield Art Museum, which is one of the oldest cultural institutions in Springfield. It houses 12 galleries of fine art work that depict several thousand years of culture. Highlights include the 19th, 20th and 21st century collections, including American paintings, prints, sculptures and watercolors. It is also well-known for its exhibition- Watercolor USA, which is held every year. Works from artists all around the country are on display at this exhibition. From classics to modern art, you’ll find it all under one roof at this museum!
Address: 1111 E Brookside Dr, Springfield, MO 65807, United States
Phone: 1 417-837-5700
Opening hours: Tuesday & Wednesday: 10:00am-6:00pm; Thursday: 10:00am-8:00pm; Friday & Saturday: 10:00am-6:00pm; Sunday: 1:00pm-5:00pm
Distance from History Museum on the Square: 2.2miles or 7minutes drive
1:00pm- Stop for Lunch!
Satisfy your appetite with Mexican fare at Mexican Villa (1408 S National Ave) or Italian fare Bambinos Cafe on Delmar (1141 E. Delmar Springfield). Taste Thai or Asian food at Thai Pepper (1411 E Sunshine St) or Rama Thai Cafe (1129 E Walnut St). For barbecue and American fare, stop by Whole Hog Cafe (224 W Sunshine St).
2:00pm- See the wonders of nature at Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center!
Visit the Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center, 114-acre center with a popular butterfly house and a variety of gardens. It houses 36 botanical gardens, including Butterfly garden, Azalea garden, Rose garden, Lily garden, Wildflower garden and English garden, to name a few. The butterfly house features over 25 varieties of native butterflies. Take a leisurely walk through many gardens and enjoy the smells and sights of the native flora!
Address: 2400 S Scenic Avenue, Springfield, MO 65807, United States
Phone: 1 417-891-1515
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 8:00am-8:00pm; Sunday: 11:00am-6:00pm
3:00pm- Explore the agricultural heritage at Rutledge-Wilson Farm Community Park!
Yep, some more nature and walking! Wander through the Rutledge-Wilson Farm Community Park, a 207-acre park with demonstration gardens, animals, a milking barn, farm-themed playground, prairies, 1-mile paved trail, a gift shop and a visitor’s center. Visitors can meander through the different mazes, take a cow-train ride through the park, children can enjoy pony rides, take a stroll along the trail, see the crops and demonstration gardens, climb up on the vintage tractor and get-up with animals in the barn. Several festivals are held year-round, including pumpkin-painting, dace-painting, temporary tattoos, crafts and much more.
Address: 3825 W Farm Rd 146, Springfield, MO 65807, United States
Phone: 1 417-837-5949
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00am-5:00pm
Distance from Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center: 3.3miles or 7minutes drive
4:00pm- Catch a show at Gillioz Theatre!
Visit the Gillioz Theatre which is an architectural marvel offering entertainment and unique performances, including music events, live shows, vaudeville shows, movies, Broadway productions, film festivals, and much more. Enjoy an hour of fun and entertainment!
Address: 325 Park Central E, Springfield, MO 65806, United States
Phone: 1 417-863-7843
Distance from Rutledge-Wilson Farm Community Park: 6.1miles or 12minutes drive
5:00pm- Shopping at Battlefield Mall!
Shop for something casual or snazzy at the Battlefield Mall! The mall features more than 150 stores. Anchor stores include Macy’s, Sears, two Dillard’s and JCPenney. Other retailers include White House Black Market, Coach, Forever 21, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Bath and Body Works, Sephora and Ann Taylor, just to name a few. Shop to your heart’s content!
Address: 2825 S Glenstone Avenue, Springfield, MO 65804, United States
Phone: 1 417-883-4111
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 10:00am-9:00pm; Sunday: 11:00am-6:00pm
Distance from Gillioz Theatre: 4.2miles or 10minutes drive via S Jefferson Avenue
6:00pm-Step back into 80’s at 1984 Arcade!
Next, head to 1984 Arcade that features arcade games and videos from the 80s. There is an entrance fee charged at the door and then you can play unlimited. Play the games like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Space Invaders, Frogger, Pole Position, pinball and many more.To refuel your energy, grab some snacks from the snack bar on-site. A blast from the past experience awaits!
Address: 1984 N Arcade Avenue, Springfield, MO 65803, USA
Phone: 417-831-3665
Opening hours: Wednesday to Saturday: 4:00pm-11:00pm
Distance from Battlefield Mall: 4.1miles or 10minutes drive
7:00pm- Take a tour of the Pythian Castle!
Take a 90-minute history or ghost tour of the imposing Pythian House of Missouri. Knights of Pythias built this castle and later it was given to the U.S. Military. It is rated as one of the haunted sites in the state by the Paranormal Task Force. It features a dungeon, a tower room, buffet rooms, sleeping rooms and a ballroom. A must-see for history, architecture and ghost stories! Guide will tell you about the history of the castle and relay tales of spooky happening!
Address: 1451 E Pythian Street, Springfield, MO 65802, United States
Phone: 1 417-865-1464
Distance from 1984 Arcade: 2.4miles or 7minutes drive
9:00pm- Dinner & Drinks!
Start your night excursion with a visit to Springfield Brewing Co., a popular craft brewery in Springfield that offers pils and ale, along with tasty pub grub. It offers an extensive selection of craft beers. Enjoy night guzzling ales and chow down pub fare, including steaks to biscuits and gravy, and everything in between. If you need finest brew, this is the spot you need to haul at!
Address: 305 S Market Avenue, Springfield, MO 65806, United States
Phone: 1 417-832-8277
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday: 11:00am-10:00pm; Friday: 11:00am-11:00pm; Saturday: 9:00am-11:00pm; Sunday: 9:00am-10:00pm
Or
Craving for Mexican food, stop by Jose Locos (853 N Glenstone Ave). For American cuisine, make your way over to Houlihan's Restaurant and Bar- at DoubleTree (2431 N Glenstone Ave) or Andy's Frozen Custard (2119 N Glenstone Ave). Taste the Asian or Thai cuisine at Rama Thai Cafe (1129 E Walnut St).
11:00pm- Finish the night in style!
End your day 1 in Springfield at the Ernie Biggs, a lively dueling piano bar. Enjoy live piano performances and other musical acts, as you gush down a few beers. Enjoy Karaoke and DJ music on Tuesday & Wednesday nights. A great place to dance, sing, mingle and have a few drinks!
Address: 312 South Avenue, Springfield, MO 65806, United States
Phone: 1 417-865-4782
Opening hours: Wednesday: 9:00pm-1:30am; Thursday to Saturday: 7:00pm-1:30am
Distance from Springfield Brewing Co.: 0.3miles or 2minutes
Day 2 in Springfield
After yesterday’s jam-packed schedule you would want to rest for a few hours, but when in Springfield you’ve got to make the most of every minute!
8:00am- Breakfast at Gailey's Breakfast Cafe!
Start your morning with traditional American breakfast at the Gailey’s Breakfast Cafe. Popular dishes on the menu include sausage gravy & biscuit, sweet potato hash brown, eggs benedict and pumpkin waffle.
Address: 220 E Walnut Street, Springfield, MO 65806, United States
Phone: 1 417-866-5500
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 7:00am-2:00pm
9:00am- Pay homage to the War Veterans at Springfield National Cemetery!
Visit the Springfield National Cemetery that is a resting place of the heroes from the different wars, including Civil War, Battle of Springfield, Battle of Wilson’s Creek, Revolutionary War and Battle of Pea Ridge. Spend an hour remembering the brave men and women who lost their lives protecting the country. Several Medal of Honor recipients’ burials are also here, whose headstones are etched in gold.
Address: 1702 E Seminole Street, Springfield, MO 65804, United States
Phone: 1 417-881-9499
Distance from Gailey’s Breakfast Cafe: 3.8miles or 9minutes drive via S Jefferson Avenue
10:00am- Stroll through the Springfield Conservation Nature Center!
Next, take a stroll through the 79-acres of Springfield Conservation Nature Center. The center features native forests, Ozark glades, woodlands, creeks, prairies and small lakes. It also has 3 miles of trails which are stroller-friendly and paved. Relax and take in nature, spot wildlife like turtles, deer, mink, turkeys, frogs and birds, and indulge in outdoor activities like mountain biking, hiking, wildlife watching, fishing and horseback riding. Soak in an array of sights and sounds as you stroll through the park!
Address: 4601 S Nature Center Way, Springfield, MO 65804, United States
Phone: 1 417-888-4237
Distance from Springfield National Cemetery: 3.9miles or 8minutes drive
11:00am- Honor the Sports legends at Missouri Sports Hall of Fame!
Next, head to the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame that features more than 4,000 displays and exhibits of sports memorabilia. Outside the Hall of Fame is the Legends Walk of Fame that highlights teh statues and busts of popular sports personalities, including Jack Buck, Stan Musial, Ozzie Smith and Lou Brock. A great spot to visit for all sports fans!
Address: 3861 E Stan Musial Dr, Springfield, MO 65809, United States
Phone: 1 417-889-3100
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 10:00am-4:00pm; Sunday: 12:00pm-4:00pm
Distance from Springfield Conservation Nature Center: 3.7miles or 6minutes drive via US-60E
12:00pm- Explore the Military history at Air and Military Museum-Ozarks!
Get insight into the military history of the area at the Air and Military Museum of Ozarks. It features more than 5,000 military artifacts and memorabilia, including military uniforms, medals, military equipment, restored armored vehicles, military aircrafts and memorabilia. Must-check exhibits include Cobra helicopter, army trucks, jeeps and T-33 jet aircraft.
Address: 2305 E Kearney Street, Springfield, MO 65803, United States
Phone: 1 417-864-7997
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 12:00pm-4:00pm
Distance from Missouri Hall of Fame: 10.2miles or 12 minutes drive via US-65 N
1:00pm- Lunch!
For Asian or Sushi, head to Royal Grill Buffet (1950 E Kearney St). For American cuisine, make your way over to Fire & Ice Restaurant and Bar (inside the Oasis Hotel & Convention Center 2546 N. Glenstone Ave.) or Houlihan's Restaurant and Bar- at DoubleTree (2431 N Glenstone Ave). Enjoy barbecue food at Buckingham’s Barbeque (2415 N Glenstone Ave).
2:00pm- An hour with animals at Dickerson Park Zoo!
Visit the Dickerson Park Zoo that houses over 500 animals representing about 170 different species. It is home to animals from Africa, Asia, South America, Missouri Habitats, Australia and more. Take a guided mini-trail ride and see the diverse animals in their natural habitat, including the Gray wolf, cheetah, Asian elephants, mountain lions and other animals. Do not forget to stop by the reptile house that houses different kinds of lizards and snakes. Enjoy up-close encounter with animals!
Address: 1401 W Norton Rd, Springfield, MO 65803, United States
Phone: 1 417-833-1570
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 9:00am-5:00pm
3:00pm- Take a jeep-drawn tram ride through Fantastic Caverns!
A trip to Springfield is incomplete without taking a tour of the Fantastic Caverns. Take in the tranquility and majesty of the cavern on a ride through the cavern where the temperature is approx 60 degrees year-round. A 50-minute tour is available of the cavern, which is an underground riverbed with a wide variety of natural rock formations, ginormous columns extending from floors to ceiling and a several rare small cave pearls hidden in the clear waters. Just take in the timeless beauty, magnitude and splendor of the spot!
Address: 4872 N Farm Rd 125, Springfield, MO 65803, United States
Phone: 1 417-833-2010
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 8:00am-8:00pm
Distance from Dickerson Park Zoo: 5.5miles or 11 minutes
5:00pm-Shopping!
Now that you’ve got enough history, art, culture and nature, it’s time to unleash your shopping side, too.
Head to the Commercial Street Historic District that features several boutiques, antique stores, vintage clothing stores, art galleries, artisan shops, seasonal produces shop, flea market, and much more. Whatever you’re looking for, C-Street has it- clothes, jewelry, vintage, antiques, items for home, art and crafts, and grocery items. One-stop shopping experience!
Address: Commercial St. between Washington Avenue and Grant Avenue, Springfield, MO, United States
Distance from Fantastic Cavern: 6.8miles or 16minutes drive
Next, take N Jefferson Avenue and head to Downtown Springfield that features chic and stylish clothing stores, antique shops and boutiques. From antiques and unique finds to clothes and accessories to gifts and souvenirs, you’ll find it all here.
Address: 304 W. McDaniel Street, Springfield, MO, United States
Phone: (417)-831-6200
Distance from C-Street: 1.7miles or 8minutes drive via N Jefferson Avenue
7:00pm- Knock back a few pints at Mother’s Brewing Company!
Now, it’s time to sit down, relax and knock back a cold beer at the Mother’s Brewing Company. Take a tour of this brewery and sample a few craft beers on tap. It has an array of craft beers and seasonal beers from well-known labels. Learn about the beer making and bottling process, as well. A popular spot for craft beer fans!
Address: 215 S Grant Avenue, Springfield, MO 65806, United States
Phone: 1 417-862-0423
Opening hours: Tuesday to Thursday: 4:00pm-8:00pm; Friday & Saturday: 1:00pm-9:00pm; Sunday: 2:00pm-5:00pm
Distance from Downtown Springfield: 0.4miles or 5minutes drive via W College Street
8:00pm-Dinner!
Head to Casper's (601 W Walnut St) that puts out delicious American cuisine or stop by Flame Steakhouse and Wine Bar (314 W Walnut St) for juicy steak and American fare. For Italian food, head to Pappo's Pizzeria (221 E Walnut St). In mood for some Mexican bites, swing by Maria’s (406 South Ave).
10:00pm-Nightclub hopping!
Begin your nightlife with some dancing at the Vintage Dance Lounge. The lounge is a happening nightspot with DJs, drinks and spacious dance floor. The music is diverse, ranging from hip-hop and house to top 40s to the 70s and 80s era. Shake a leg on the dance floor, while sipping on a drink.
Address: 301 Park Central E, Springfield, MO 65806, United States
Phone: 1 417-831-4500
Opening hours: Thursday to Saturday: 10:00pm-1:30am
Still going? So step into 417 Taphouse that offers an experience like no other in the city. It has an extensive selection of draft beers. Sip on a cold beer and munch on snacks. Carouse the night away!
Address: 431 S Jefferson Avenue #160, Springfield, MO 65806, United States
Phone: 1 417-942-0958
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 11:00am-1:30am; Sunday: 4:00pm-12:00am
Day 2 in Springfield Map Guide
