Known as the Queen City of the Ozarks, Springfield offers an array of family fun, dining, shopping and entertainment. Take a nostalgic drive down Route 66, board a tram for an underground adventure, explore a world-class wildlife museum and much more in Missouri’s third largest city.
Top Attractions
Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium
Journey through 350,000 square feet of immersive habitats that are home to 35,000 fish, mammals, reptiles and birds at the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium. The massive award-winning destination is home to wildlife galleries that lead you through recreated habitats from around the world. With a focus on conservation, the mission of the museum and aquarium is to connect people with the great outdoors.
Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World
Shop for all your outdoor gear at the original Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World. The 500,000-square foot store is filled with everything you need to explore Missouri’s natural beauty – on land and water. The store features wildlife displays, a large aquarium and a restaurant.
Fantastic Caverns
Embark on a subterranean trip at Fantastic Caverns, the only ride-through cave in the country. Board a Jeep-drawn tram to explore the stalagmites, stalactites, soda straws and other intriguing rock formations.
Finley Farms & The Ozark Mill
Located 18 miles south of Springfield on the banks of the Finley River, Finley Farms & The Ozark Mill is a historic and culinary destination that showcases the spirit of the Ozarks. Tour the Ozark Mill, the heart of the 40-acre property that includes a farm-to-table restaurant, fine-dining speak-easy, coffee shop and urban farm.
For the Kids
Dickerson Park Zoo
Stand face-to-face with giraffes on an elevated viewing deck at Dickerson Park Zoo. The giraffes are among hundreds of animals that live at the 55-acre zoo.
Discovery Center of Springfield
The Discovery Center of Springfield leads you on an exploration of the sciences through hands-on activities. Make your way through the inner workings of a giant eyeball, dig for prehistoric creatures in the largest animatronic dinosaur gallery in the Midwest, ride a highwire bike and more.
History
Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield
Explore the site of the second major battle of the Civil War at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, 12 miles southwest of Springfield. More than 2,500 Union and Confederate soldiers were killed, wounded or declared missing during five hours of intense fighting. The site includes a visitor center, a museum, a 5-mile, self-guided driving tour and walking trails that lead to several battle sites.
History Museum on the Square
Step back in time at the History Museum on the Square. Hop into a “trolley time machine” and steer through 40 vignettes featuring local legends and events. Interactive exhibits focus on Native Americans, the Wild West, the Civil War and Route 66.
Shopping
Historic C-Street
Find an eclectic mix of shopping, art, entertainment and dining in the city’s Historic C Street district. Browse C-Street City Market for seasonal produce, baked goods and handmade arts and crafts.
Askinosie Chocolate
Take a factory tour at Askinosie Chocolate and taste their award-winning confections. The company imports cocoa beans from the Philippines, Tanzania, Ecuador and Amazonia to create its bean-to-bar chocolate.
Relics Antique Mall & Event Center
Missouri’s largest antique shopping destination, Relics Antique Mall and Event Center offers 90,000 square feet of space filled with thousands of antiques and collectibles.
Entertainment
Gilloiz Center for Arts & Entertainment
Catch a show in downtown Springfield at the historic Gilloiz Center for Arts & Entertainment. Enjoy a variety of live music, comedy and classic movies.
Ozarks Springbirds
The MLB Double-A Affiliate Ozarks Springbirds (formerly the Springfield Cardinals) has been a feeder team for the St. Louis Cardinals since 2005. Attend one of the team’s famous “theme nights” at Route 66 Stadium and try the ballpark’s tasty food offerings such as Springfield-style cashew chicken.
Food and Drink
Black Sheep Burgers and Shakes
The menu at Black Sheep Burgers and Shakes is filled with creatively named options. Try the “Don’t Go Bacon My Heart” burger, topped with applewood smoked bacon, sharp cheddar, butter lettuce, tomato, house-made pickles, onion and smoky garlic mayo. Pair it with the “Elvis” shake made with bananas, peanut butter, chocolate syrup and frozen custard. The boozy version includes rum.
Lamberts
Heads up at Lamberts Cafe in Ozark, located in Ozark, 15 miles south of Springfield. Known as the “Home of Throwed Rolls,” the restaurant is famous for its servers tossing fresh-from-the-oven dinner rolls to diners. Dig into generous portions of home-style favorites like country fried steak, meatloaf and pot roast.
Mother’s Brewing Company
Visit Mother’s Brewing Company where the craft beer is “brewed with love” in a renovated bread factory on Route 66. Choose from more than 20 beers on tap, then check out the shady backyard where you’ll find lawn games and live music.
Places to Stay
Hotel Vandivort
Springfield’s first boutique hotel, Hotel Vandivort celebrates the city’s rich history and culture. Located downtown, the hotel is surrounded by the city’s art, dining and nightlife scene. The hotel restaurant, The Order, offers a modern twist on traditional dishes. Top off the evening with a cocktail at Vantage, the rooftop bar.
Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven
Experience the nostalgia of traveling the “Mother Road” at the Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven. This refurbished inn, originally called the Rail Haven Motor Court, was built in 1938 and features eight sandstone cottages. Reserve the Monroe or Elvis suite and see the 1965 Best Western lighted road sign.