Springfield, Missouri (Greene County) 10 Must-Do Activities and Attractions

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10 Fun Things To Do Near Springfield, Missouri (Greene County)

If you’re planning a trip to Springfield, Missouri in Greene County, you’re in luck. This laid-back Ozarks city is full of caves, Route 66 nostalgia, family attractions, and surprisingly good food. Whether you’re driving in on a classic road trip or flying in for a long weekend, here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Springfield, MO.

1. Explore Fantastic Caverns – America’s Only Ride-Through Cave

If you do just one thing in Springfield, make it Fantastic Caverns. Located only about 10 minutes north of downtown, this cave is famous because you ride through it on a Jeep-drawn tram instead of walking. That means it’s great for kids, grandparents, and anyone who doesn’t want to hike underground.
  • Comfortable, 55–60°F year-round
  • Easy, seated tour that takes around an hour
  • Amazing rock formations and a cool history (a women’s group explored it back in the 1860s!)
It feels a bit like stepping into a real-life movie set. The guide points out formations with fun names and shares stories as you roll past stalactites and stalagmites. If you’re planning a family trip to Springfield, Missouri, this is a must-do.

2. Visit Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium

Right next to the giant Bass Pro Shops in Springfield sits one of the top-rated aquariums in the country: Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium. This place is huge. Set aside at least half a day if you can. You’ll walk through:
  • Massive aquariums with sharks, rays, and colorful fish
  • Immersive wildlife galleries with lifelike animal displays
  • Beautifully designed “habitats” that feel like you’ve jumped between continents
Even if you’re not a hunter or big outdoors person, the attention to detail is impressive. Kids love the tunnels where fish swim over your head, and adults appreciate the mix of history and conservation stories. It’s one of the top attractions not just in Springfield, MO, but in the entire Midwest.

3. Step Into Outdoor Heaven at the Original Bass Pro Shops

If you’ve never been to a Bass Pro Shops, the original store in Springfield is more like an indoor theme park than a regular shop. Inside you’ll find:
  • Massive aquariums and indoor waterfalls
  • Wildlife displays
  • A huge selection of outdoor gear (fishing, camping, hunting, hiking, and more)
Even if you don’t plan to buy anything, it’s fun just to wander. Think of it as an attraction that just happens to sell fishing poles. Pro tip: Pair this with your visit to Wonders of Wildlife since they’re right next door. You can easily make a full day out of these two Springfield favorites.

4. Walk the Trails at Nathanael Greene / Close Memorial Park

Need some fresh air? Head to Nathanael Greene / Close Memorial Park on the southwest side of Springfield. This is one of the prettiest green spaces in Greene County, and it’s totally free. Highlights include:
  • Over 100 acres of open space, lakes, and walking paths
  • The Springfield Botanical Gardens with themed garden areas
  • A peaceful Japanese Stroll Garden (small fee, but worth it)
It’s perfect if you want a relaxing morning walk, a picnic, or a spot to let kids run around. In spring and summer, the flowers are gorgeous, and in fall the leaves put on a nice show. If you’re wondering what to do outdoors in Springfield, MO that isn’t too intense, this is a great option.

5. Dive Into Route 66 History at the Route 66 Car Museum

Springfield proudly calls itself the Birthplace of Route 66, so it makes sense to spend a little time with some classic cars. The Route 66 Car Museum is a private collection packed with:
  • Vintage cars from the early 1900s
  • Muscle cars and classics from the 1950s–70s
  • A few fun movie and TV cars
Even if you’re not a big car buff, it’s pretty fun to see how travel has changed over the years. You can imagine what it was like to cruise down Route 66 long before GPS and smartphones. If you’re planning a Route 66 road trip through Missouri, Springfield is an ideal stop.

6. Enjoy Downtown Springfield: Coffee, Murals, and Live Music

Downtown Springfield has a friendly, small-city vibe with just enough going on to keep you busy for an afternoon or evening. You can:
  • Grab coffee at a local café
  • Check out colorful murals and street art
  • Browse indie shops and bookstores
  • Catch live music or a show at venues like the Gillioz Theatre
On a recent visit, I spent a couple of hours just wandering downtown, ducking into local shops and people-watching from a sidewalk table. It’s relaxed, walkable, and feels very “college town,” thanks to Missouri State University nearby. If you like to get a feel for the local culture, don’t skip downtown.

7. Get Hands-On at the Discovery Center of Springfield

Traveling with kids? The Discovery Center of Springfield is a lifesaver on hot or rainy days. This interactive science museum lets kids:
  • Touch, play, and experiment with hands-on exhibits
  • Learn about physics, health, energy, and more without realizing they’re learning
  • Burn off energy in a safe, indoor setting
Adults will find plenty to enjoy, too, especially if you like quirky science displays and interactive exhibits. If you’re building a family-friendly Springfield itinerary, pair the Discovery Center with a park visit, and you’ve got a full, fun day.

8. Visit Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield (Just Outside Town)

About 20–25 minutes southwest of central Springfield, you’ll find Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, one of the most important Civil War sites west of the Mississippi River. Here you can:
  • Drive a scenic tour road through the battlefield
  • Walk short trails to historic spots and markers
  • Visit the visitor center for exhibits and a film
Even if you’re not a big history person, the landscape is beautiful—rolling fields and wooded areas that are especially nice in spring and fall. It’s a peaceful place now, hard to imagine the battles that once took place there. If you’re interested in American history and want a meaningful half-day trip from Springfield, this is a solid pick.

9. Relax at Lake Springfield Park and Boathouse

If you want a taste of the Ozarks outdoors without driving deep into the hills, check out Lake Springfield, just a short drive from downtown. At Lake Springfield Park you can:
  • Rent a kayak or canoe (seasonal)
  • Hike or walk along lakeside trails
  • Fish from the shore or from a boat
  • Enjoy a picnic with a lake view
It’s a great spot to slow down for a few hours. On a calm day, paddling across the water feels worlds away from the city, even though you’re still in Greene County. If you’re building a weekend in Springfield, MO that balances attractions and nature, this is an easy and affordable stop.

10. Sample Local Flavors: Cashew Chicken and Route 66 Eats

You can’t talk about things to do in Springfield without mentioning the food—especially Springfield-style cashew chickenBreaded, fried chicken, a mild brown gravy-like sauce, and a big handful of cashews on top. It’s comfort food, Springfield-style. Beyond cashew chicken, you’ll find:
  • Diners and burger joints with a Route 66 feel
  • Local breweries and casual pubs
  • Family-owned barbecue and comfort food spots
If you like to “eat like a local,” ask your host or server where they go for cashew chicken or a good burger. You’ll usually get a passionate answer.

Planning Your Trip to Springfield, Missouri

Here are a few quick tips to help you plan:
  • How long to stay: A weekend is enough for the highlights, but 3–4 days lets you add Wilson’s Creek, Lake Springfield, and extra time at Wonders of Wildlife.
  • Getting around: You’ll want a car. Attractions in Greene County are spread out.
  • Best time to visit: Spring and fall for mild weather; summer for lake time and longer days.
Springfield, MO has a nice mix of family-friendly attractions, outdoor adventures, historic sites, and classic Route 66 charm. It’s easy to see why so many travelers add it to their Missouri road trips.

What Did We Miss? Share Your Springfield Favorites!

Have you been to Springfield, Missouri or somewhere else in Greene County? Did you discover a great coffee shop, hiking trail, or hidden gem that others should know about? Drop your tips and stories in the comments so other travelers can find new things to do in Springfield, MO. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with a friend who’s planning a Missouri or Route 66 road trip—it might help them plan their perfect stop in Springfield.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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