Springfield has a rich history that is brilliantly highlighted in its museums and historic sites. From the Civil War pivotal battles at the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield to wonderful art pieces spanning several centuries at the Springfield Museum of Art to nature hikes at the Springfield Conservation Nature Center to sports touches at Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, Springfield offer plenty of opportunities for learning and fun. Whether you prefer nature, outdoors, history, sports, art, science, adventure or something altogether, Springfield has it all to amaze and amuse you!
Springfield Conservation Nature Center is a 79-acre of immaculate park with Ozark glades, woodlands, forests, creeks, prairies and small lakes. It has 3 miles of trails which are stroller-friendly and paved. Catch a glimpse of native wildlife, including turtles, deer, mink, turkeys, frogs and other wildlife, along with over 170 bird species. You can even feed some wild creatures from the visitor center. It provides a myriad of outdoor and recreational activities to enjoy, including mountain biking, hiking, wildlife watching, fishing and horseback riding. Many special events, public programs and workshops are held here year-round. Take a leisurely stroll, hike, spot the wildlife or simply relax and take in the beauty of nature. It is a perfect place for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts!
Address: 4601 S Nature Center Way, Springfield, MO 65804, United States
Phone: 1 417-888-4237
Discovery Center of Springfield
Discovery Center of Springfield is an interactive science museum of four floors filled with hands-on exhibits for all ages, including science, art, culture history and technology. The first floor features exhibits like Wonderland, The Bed of Nails, Wind Tunnel, Dinosaur bones and Lezah Strenger EnergyExchange Lab where visitors can spin the hamster wheel and generate energy, explore waves and start the water-bucket conveyor belt by turning a crank by hand. The Second floor includes exhibits like Van de Graff generator, anti-gravity mirror and several science demonstrations are held here. The third floor includes exhibits like Discovery Town which has a theatre, a newsroom and a mini-TV studio; BodyWorks where visitors can explore the human body and learn about health & wellness through exhibits; HighWire bicycle where visitors can battle gravity; ChromoZone Lab where visitors can learn about cells, genetics and DNA, and even take home a sample of their DNA; and an astronomy zone where visitors can learn about space and NASA. The fourth floor includes exhibits like WorldWise where visitors can know about different cultures in the world, history, language and art. It offers an array of fascinating exhibits and educational activities that impart plenty of knowledge and develop critical thinking skills.
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
Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield
Step back into history at the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield. It was the site of one of the Civil War’s pivotal battles. Begin your tour by watching a 29 minute film at the visitor’s center and see the weapons, photos and relics of the battlefield. The film and the exhibits enhance the visit. Then, meander through the Bloody Hill and see the John Ray House that served as temporary hospital for Southern soldiers. Conclude your tour at the Springfield National Cemetery that is the resting place of soldiers from both sides of the battle. Take an 8-stop driving/ walking tour of the battlefield retracing the past. Several programs are held here year-round, ranging from walks and talks about the war to the soldier life during Civil War to the aftermath and the battle experience.
Address: 6424 W Farm Road 182, Republic, MO 65738, United States
Phone: 1 417-732-2662
History Museum on the Square
History Museum on the Square features historic narratives and exhibits, ranging from homestead to motor racing to the Civil War. It has permanent exhibits that highlight the tumultuous and rich history of the Greene County and Springfield from its pioneer days in 1800s to the twentieth century. On the Square, there is an audio-reenactment of the 1865 “Will Bill” shootout. Know about the Native Americans soldiers and pioneers who lived here, and trace the local history from pre-historic times until 20th 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
Gray-Campbell Farmstead
Experience the lifestyle as it was in 1800s in Springfield at the Gray-Campbell Farmstead. It is the oldest house in the city dating back to 1800s, and features the historical heritage. It includes an outhouse, a 2-Crib barn, a granary, liberty school, external kitchen, an 1856 house, a well and a small cemetery. Take a tour of the historic house and see the original furnishings, photographs and relics of the past. Costume guided tours are available that provide a glimpse into the 1860s lifestyle and customs, and the farmstead history. Several contests and events are held here throughout the year. A perfect hands-on living history spot!
Address: 2400 S Scenic Avenue, Springfield, MO 65807, United States
Phone: 1 417-725-4921
Opening hours: Sunday: 1:30pm-4:30pm
Dickerson Park Zoo
Image By rjones0856 [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Dickerson Park Zoo houses over 500 animals that represent 170 different species. Get up-close with the terrific animals from Africa, Asia, South America, Missouri Habitats, Australia and more. Gray wolf, cheetah, Asian elephants, mountain lions and other animals roam in their natural habitat. It has a reptile house, where there are different kinds of lizards and snakes. It also features a mini- train ride that provides a tour of the zoo. Range of birds also roams free. Feed the stingrays, see the river otters, chill with a lion, encounter a tortoise and come eye-to-eye with giraffe. It also has a playground park for kids and a cafe where visitors can satisfy their food cravings.
Address: 1401 W Norton Rd, Springfield, Missouri 65803, United States
Phone: (417)-833-1570
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 9:00am-5:00pm
Springfield National Cemetery
Image By PerryElkins (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Springfield National Cemetery is included in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and features the American Revolution Memorial and Battle of Wilson’s Creek Memorial. Dating back to the 1860s, it is a burial ground of the heroes from the Civil War, Battle of Springfield, Battle of Wilson’s Creek, Revolutionary War and Battle of Pea Ridge. Special monuments have been built paying tribute to the Civil War heroes. Notable burials include Harrison Collins, Hershel Eshelman, Orion P. Howe, Patrick Pentzer, Jack Williams and many more. Pay tribute to the heroes of wars!
Address: 1702 E Seminole Street, Springfield, MO 65804, United States
Phone: (417)-881-9499
Air and Military Museum-Ozarks
The Air and Military Museum-Ozarks features military history through exhibits and artifacts. It is dedicated to the soldiers who fought and died in the Armed Forces to preserve the freedom of the country. It houses more than 5,000 of military artifacts, including uniforms, medals, military equipment, restored vehicles and memorabilia. Highlight includes the Cobra helicopter, army trucks, jeeps and T-33 jet aircraft. A perfect place for military buffs!
Address: 2305 E Kearney Street, Springfield, MO 65803, United States
Phone: 1 417-864-7997
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 12:00pm-4:00pm
Fantastic Caverns
Image By Matt Howry (Flickr: IMG_3865) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Fantastic Caverns is a ride-through underground cave with timeless beauty. It is the only one of its kind in North America. Visitors can experience this stunning beauty at the ease of the jeep-drawn tram. You’ll be captivated by the beauty of the cave and the wide variety of formations, ginormous columns extending from floors to ceiling and a several rare small cave pearls hidden in the clear water. It is a guided tour of 50 minutes. The temperature at the cave remains about 60 degree F throughout the year.
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
Springfield Art Museum
The Springfield Art Museum houses an extensive collection of art from the 19th century until the 21st century. It features more than 10,000 pieces of art in its permanent collection spanning several cultures and time periods, from classics to contemporary. The collection includes prints, American paintings, sculptures, watercolor and other mediums. Traveling and rotating exhibitions are also on display. Highlights include Ceramics and Pottery of Europe, American water media, American paintings and printmaking, and Midwest Art.
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
Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center
Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center is a 114-acre center with a butterfly house and several gardens. It is home to 36 botanical gardens, including Butterfly garden, Azalea garden, Rose garden, Lily garden, Wildflower garden and English garden, to name a few. It has been a place for natural beauty for Greene County residents!
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
Missouri Sports Hall of Fame
The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame honors the athletes of Missouri. It features more than 4,000 displays and exhibits of sports memorabilia, including a NASCAR car, baseball pitcher, the football toss and Paul Bunyan used pole. The moment you step inside the building, you’ll feel the spirit and excitement that sports provide. Experience the best and the biggest moments in the sports history of Missouri as you wind your way through the displays and exhibits. Outside the Hall of Fame lies a Legends Walk of Fame that features statues and busts of popular sports personalities, including Jack Buck, Stan Musial, Ozzie Smith and Lou Brock. A must-visit for all the sports fans- auto racing, football, tennis, baseball, golf, basketball and hockey!
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
Best Tourist Spots in Springfield Map Guide
