Things to do & places to visit in Springfield, Missouri, United States

Springfield city in Missouri, United States. Timezone: America/Chicago, current date and time: Thursday, May 09, 2024, 7:59.

Top things to do (25)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park (567 reviews)
- Pleasant way to spend a couple of hours
Gardens

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. See more..
5.0 NRA National Sporting Arms Museum (173 reviews)
- Come experience the history of firearms
Speciality Museums

First of all, the original bass pro shop is something to see in and of itself. So much to see for free, including the nra firearms museum. I would put this museum up with the Springfield National Armory in MA, the history is that good here. See firearms from literally every era, going all the way back to the 1500s. They have the fire arms of hero’s and notorious names. They have rifles and handguns that make you drool (if you like fire arms). The whole collection is very impressive and is laid out to help you understand the progression of firearms use and technology. I highly recommend this museum and the first Bass Pro Shop as a whole. See more..
5.0 The Library Center (38 reviews)
- Now this is some library!!
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 9:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

Not your average place to go for an afternoon of research or chilling with a book. There's a gourmet coffee shop, gift shop with adorable items, experts on local history and genealogy, non-profit fundraising center, a Storytime Room and children's section, a teen room with all the coolest furniture and tech devices, meeting rooms large and small. There are public lectures and events, special exhibits, concerts and movies. It's really a cultural center. This place is super busy all the time, naturally. See more..
5.0 Crystal Cave (10 reviews)
- Crystal Cave Springfield MO - Walking Tour
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Caverns & Caves

A Fantastic Underground Experience for the Whole Family Crystal Cave's guided tours will take you into our naturally preserved historic cave, which first opened to the public as a commercial show cave in 1893. You’ll enter this spectacular cave through the old iron gates from the original Springfield jail and walk into the cool underworld. The temperature inside the cave is a constant 59° fahrenheit. Once in the cave you will see many fantastic geological formations including stalagmites, stalactites, flowstone, and the rare helictites formations. Crystal Cave boasts many one-of-a-kind underground rooms that your tour guide will share with you, including where one of the original owners cultivated their mushroom gardens back in early 1900s. See more..
4.5 Fantastic Caverns (1.952 reviews)
- Great experience with a wonderful tour guide
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Caverns & Caves

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! See more..
4.5 Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World (1.574 reviews)
- Highly Recommend!
Speciality & Gift Shops

This huge sporting goods store has over 14,000 items of merchandise in 150,000 square feet. See more..
4.5 Johnny Morris' Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium (1.292 reviews)
- Blown Away
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Natural History Museums • Aquariums

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. See more..
4.5 Springfield Cardinals (494 reviews)
- Fun Evening
Arenas & Stadiums

We purchased two "all inclusive" tickets which included a buffet of "ball park food" - hot dogs, brauts, nachos and cheese, popcorn, and nonalcoholic beverages. It was a good value, and the seats were good with a good view. This is a AA farm team for the St. Louis Cardinals; and it was a good game and enjoyable to watch. See more..
4.5 Springfield Conservation Nature Center (320 reviews)
- Really neat place!
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Stopped by on our way to Branson. It has an entire museum with tons of interactive, hands-on exhibits. Lots of information about wildlife. Several living animal exhibits as well. There's a great play area for kids. There's also a fabulous room for bird watching. It's definitely a must do for nature lovers. We also ran around in the snow outside. See more..
4.5 Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden (223 reviews)
- Worth the $
Thursday: Parks • Gardens

The Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden is the oldest attraction at the Springfield Botanical Gardens. The 7.5 acre, Mizumoto Japanese Stroll garden was created in 1985 and includes a large koi lake, moon bridge, meditation garden, tea house and traditional Japanese garden landscaping. The Stroll Garden is open seasonally, April -October. Hours of operation are Wed.-Sun. from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Closed Mon. and Tues. There is a small admission fee. Private tours and rentals available. See more..
4.5 Discovery Center of Springfield (203 reviews)
- Hidden Treasure!
Science Museums

What a great place! This is an interactive “museum” that adults and children of all ages will enjoy. (Of course the teens probably won’t want to let on that they’re having a good time. ) there are some areas geared for small children, some more advanced for young teens and a lot to be enjoyed by school aged children. Well worth the small entrance fee ($12 adult). I stumbled upon this and had a very enjoyable afternoon! See more..
4.5 Mother's Brewing Company (107 reviews)
- Always a great place to spend an afternoon or evening
Thursday: 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM Breweries

I love the kid friendly additions that have been done to their yard, on a beautiful day, make this place a stop! There is always a food truck or food festival going on. They have several beers that are very unique to this brewery, and some that follow the current trends. If they have the Trop top, a tropical pale ale, give it a shot! Staff here is always fun and welcoming. The beer here is some of the best that I have ever had! Lots of good parking See more..
4.5 Springfield Art Museum (99 reviews)
- Good variety of exhibitions
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Art Museums

A good afternoon visit included a display of African beads, homeless photography, and the permanent collection. See more..
4.5 Route 66 Car Museum (87 reviews)
- Not so hidden gem
Speciality Museums

A worthy car museum. Like a Tardis: it is bigger on the inside! Even if you are not a car aficionado, this place is worth the visit. You will spend at least 30 minutes inside. The admissions was $20. I am not sure why people wrote that it is "off the beaten path" since the museum is close to major freeways and RT66. It is popular so, you don't really have to look for this gem under a rock. See more..
4.5 Springfield National Cemetery (85 reviews)
- Very humbling place
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Cemeteries

This is a must see if you're in Springfield Mo. Absolutely bring the kids to teach them about freedom, and show them the men and women who fought and died for our freedom. The grounds are pristine and the place is beautiful. A very humbling experience to see so many veterans who gave their lives for ALL of us. Visit this place, teach your kids, support our veterans, and donate to them in any way you can. See more..
4.5 Gillioz Theatre (81 reviews)
- The best venue in town
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Theaters

In 2006, the doors reopened 80 years after the original opening. The Gillioz is mainly a concert venue, hosting a wide range of entertainment anyone can enjoy such as Neon Trees, Pentatonix, B.B. King, Brian Regan, Dropkick Murphy's, NEEDTOBREATHE, Ozark Mountain Daredevils, and much more. See more..
4.5 Relics Antique Mall (79 reviews)
- Incredible collections and a real treat to tour.
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Antique Shops • Shopping Malls

Missouri's largest Antique Mall. A large "Fun Flea Market Section" as well as a "Mostly antiques and collectibles" section. Literally something for everyone. HUGE showcase gallery. Imported European furniture and accent pieces and tons of American furniture and antiques and collectibles. Also on premises is Relics Cafe and Relics Event Center. See more..
4.5 Rutledge-Wilson Farm Community Park (77 reviews)
- Dinner
Farms

Most superb flavors compared to any fine dining restaurant I have enjoyed in New York, Las Vegas, Dallar or San Francisco. Must make reservation. See more..
4.5 Sequiota Park (74 reviews)
- Beautiful little park
Spent < 1 hour Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Caverns & Caves

This park surrounds a small pond with lots of geese. The trail runs along Lone Pine road and is quite popular for hikers and bikers. A small jungle gym type set-up popular with kids. Rocks to climb on. Just a terrific little park. See more..
4.5 The Air and Military Museum of the Ozarks (73 reviews)
- Lots to see
Thursday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Speciality Museums

History from all branches of the service and many other items can be viewed. We are all volunteers and will help young people learn and get hands on with some of the equipment. Come and see what we have, it will surprise you. See more..
4.5 History Museum on the Square (39 reviews)
- nice, new museum
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Walking Areas • History Museums

History Museum on the Square is located right on historic Route 66 in Springfield, MO. Our six permanent galleries tell the stories of significant events in Springfield and create distinct and intentional dialogues about objects, individuals, and history– dialogues that foster examinations of unique aspects of Springfield, Greene County and its people. A rich and vast collection of artifacts, photographs, and stories of the crossroads are combined using innovative technologies. Take a ride in our Trolley Time Machine, see if you are as good a shot as Wild Bill Hickok in a recreation of the first Wild West Shootout, explore what Springfield was like during the Civil War, and travel down the Mother Road to the place where Route 66 got its name. Walking tours of Springfield, special programs and events are offered throughout the year and can be found on our website. Voted #1 Best New Attraction by the readers of USA TODAY. See more..
4.5 Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts (34 reviews)
- Great Venue
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Theaters

Juanita K. Hammons Hall is a state of the art performing arts center that presents an annual season of Broadway shows, children's productions, recitals and individual performances. See more..
4.5 Missouri Institute of Natural Science (25 reviews)
- Our of the way, hidden gem
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 AM Science Museums

This is off the beaten path and a must do for any dinosaur or fossil lovers. It's only one building, but they have tons of fossils, rocks, and minerals. They're working on reconstructing a triceratops skeleton. All employees were very polite and knowledgeable. It's free entry, but they encourage donations. We also bought some fossils. See more..
4.5 Mikes Unique, Collectable & Antique Flea Market (23 reviews)
- Pretty cool place
Thursday: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Antique Shops

Veteran Owned. If you are looking for stuffy Antique Store - We are NOT it. Our store is more of Flea Market where you can find hidden treasures our vendors find. Come in with a plan to have fun and meet great people. We are a large well lit store with a huge variety of unusual things for sale. With over 200 vendors you are sure to find something for everyone in the family. Antiques, collectibles, vintage to mid century modern and new. We also have a huge selection of furniture that fits every lifestyle and budget. And don't forget to bring your pet along for a visit! We love puppies and dinosaurs. Always Free 4 day old Coffee! Our large parking lot gives you quick access to the store and our wide asiles are easily accessable for wheel chairs and walkers. See more..
4.0 Dickerson Park Zoo (480 reviews)
- What a great zoo! So glad we went.
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Zoos

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. See more..
4.0 Pythian Castle (330 reviews)
- Beautiful and historic
Spent 1-2 hours Castles

Springfield's most enchanting events venue offering history tours, ghost tours, murder mysteries, holiday events, private rentals. Must attend a scheduled event to visit the castle. Come to a scheduled event, pay the entrance fee; otherwise, you will not be able to visit the castle. Fee varies depending on the event. Discount for on-line reservations. Higher if paid at the time of arrival. See more..
4.0 The World's Largest Fork (212 reviews)
- A giant fork
Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

What do you expect...It's a giant fork! That's it! It's funny that it is considered an "attraction." It's located in front of an office building so I'm sure the employees get a kick out of watching people take pictures with the fork. Previous pictures we saw showed a plaque on the ground beside the fork, but there was no plaque when we went. It was so awkward, it was funny! See more..
4.0 Battlefield Mall (100 reviews)
- Visit Pepper Palace
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Shopping Malls

Battlefield Mall is the largest mall in the Springfield area. Whatever you're looking for we have it. Anchored by Dillard's South/Women's, Dillard's North/Men's, Macy's, JCPenney and Sears, you'll find more than 150 specialty stores. At Battlefield Mall, you'll find the things you need for the life you lead. Come and visit us soon at Battlefield Mall! See more..
4.0 Route 66 Springfield Visitor Center (76 reviews)
- We got our Kicks...
Spent < 1 hour Visitor Centers

A small giftshop surrounds a desk with a staff person ready to offer up tips and suggestions before the long ride down Route 66, See more..
4.0 Ozark Empire Fairgrounds (68 reviews)
- Farm Fest
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Convention Centers

A multi-purpose venue. Host to annual Ozark Empire Fair and promoter events like rodeos, car shows, antique sales, tradeshows, wedding receptions, RV/boat sales, livestock/animal events, liquidation sales, employee picnics, and community events. Interior has 80,000 sq. feet throughout 3 halls with common lobby, convenient load-in, Wi-Fi, 24’ ceilings, 379 booth spaces and more. Exterior has 72 acres, parking for 4,000, 5 barns, 2 arena spaces, camping for 81 with facilities and grandstand that seats 7,000 . See more..