Colorful Things To Do In Springfield, Missouri

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Discover the Charm of Springfield, MO: Unique Places to Visit.

Nestled in the heart of the Ozarks, Springfield, Missouri, is a vibrant and growing city that offers something for everyone.

With a population of over 169,000 people, Springfield is the third-largest city in Missouri and serves as the hub of the Ozarks region.

It’s a city that takes great pride in its rich cultural heritage and commitment to celebrating life’s simple pleasures. Springfield’s unique blend of metropolitan and small-town charm creates a welcoming atmosphere that visitors and residents find irresistible.

What to do in Springfield, Missouri

One of the many things that makes Springfield unique is its abundance of outdoor recreational activities. The city is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes and has nearly 100 parks and over 140 miles of bike trails.

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful afternoon stroll through a botanical garden or an adrenaline-fueled rock-climbing adventure, Springfield has it all. And if you’re a wildlife enthusiast, you won’t want to miss the world-renowned Wonders of Wildlife Museum & Aquarium, located right in the city’s heart.

Springfield is also known for its rich cultural heritage and commitment to education and the arts. The city is home to several universities and colleges, including Missouri State University and Drury University, and its vibrant downtown district boasts numerous art galleries, theaters, and music venues.

The History Museum on the Square offers a fascinating look at the city’s past, while the Sculpture Walk and numerous murals throughout the city showcase Springfield’s commitment to public art.

Things to Do in Springfield, Missouri

But perhaps what makes Springfield truly special is its people. The city is known for its warm hospitality and commitment to celebrating life’s simple pleasures. You’ll find that Springfield is where you can be yourself and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Wonders Of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium

Next to Bass Pro Shops’ national headquarters, Wonders of Wildlife is a not-for-profit conservation-themed attraction.

The facility is 350,000 square feet and features 1.5 miles of immersive trails that take visitors through Missouri’s natural habitats. It is also home to 35,000 live fish, mammals, and reptiles.

In addition to its aquarium, Wonders of Wildlife is a museum. The museum is a world-class conservation experience that educates visitors about marine and land habitats. The museum also provides a souvenir shop and offers storytime around the holidays.

The original facility was 92,000 square feet and housed 225 species of live animals. In addition, it featured freshwater and saltwater aquariums, interactive displays, and educational programs. Cambridge Seven Associates designed it.

Wonders of Wildlife closed for renovations in 2007 and reopened in September 2017. This time, the facility will be 58 percent larger. In addition, the new facility will be sold on a timed entry basis, which will help avoid overcrowding.

Dickerson Park Zoo

Whether you are looking for a day out or a weekend away, Springfield, Missouri, has much to offer. For instance, the Dickerson Park Zoo is a great place to get close to some of the world’s most awe-inspiring animals.

This zoo is home to more than 500 creatures from five continents. The zoo’s exhibits are designed to keep visitors entertained and educated. The park is also engaged in a couple of protection projects.

The zoo’s “Diversity of Life” exhibit features many animals not found in Missouri. In addition, the “Titus Express” train ride is also a fun way to see all the animals.

The zoo’s herpetarium also showcases various species of reptiles. You can even feed some of them. The zoo also has a petting zoo, the perfect place to bring the little ones.

Fantastic Caverns

Located in Springfield, Missouri, Fantastic Caverns is a natural cave attraction. It’s the only North American cave that offers ride-through tours. The experience lasts about 55 minutes.

The first explorers of Fantastic Caverns were women from the Springfield Women’s Athletic Club. They explored the cave in 1865 and carved names into the wall. The women found large, pristine formations that were untouched.

In the 1920s, the site had a dance floor, bar, and gambling tables. It was a famous speakeasy during Prohibition. The site was also used as a concert hall. In the 1960s, the site hosted a country music theater.

Today, the tour is conducted in a Jeep-drawn tram. It runs along a path left by an ancient underground river.

It’s open 362 days a year, but summer is the best time to visit. Temperatures are around 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield

During the Civil War, Missouri became the third most fought-over state in the country. Three and a half years of savage fighting ensued as Union and Confederate troops attacked each other three times. The resulting casualties were heavy on both sides.

Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield was established on April 22, 1960. It encompasses 1,927 acres southwest of Springfield, Missouri. It protects historic Civil War-era structures, landscapes, and cultural resources. In addition, the park features walking trails, a museum, and a visitor center.

Visitor Center, Wilson's Creek National Battlefield — Visitor Center, Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield

The visitor center is open seven days a week. It offers a museum, a film, and interpretive services. It features a new 27-minute film about the Civil War and changing exhibits.

A driving tour takes visitors to many of the significant sites from the battlefield. It includes eight stops at critical locations. Some areas have the Pulaski Arkansas Battery, the Historic Overlook, and Bloody Hill.

Route 66 Car Museum

Located along historic Route 66 in Springfield, Missouri, the Route 66 Car Museum has many rare and exciting cars on display. The impressive collection includes vehicles from the brass era, the 1920s, and even the 1960s.

The Route 66 Car Museum has over 80 vehicles on display. For those interested in American automotive history, this is a must-see.

The best part is that the museum’s staff is knowledgeable and friendly. They are also helpful with pointing out the most miniature, most impressive cars in the collection.

Aside from the cars on display, the museum is also home to several other cool things to do. It features an interactive neon sign exhibit, a “tear away” map, and other Route 66-related exhibitions.