Located close to the heart of Missouri’s Ozark Mountains, Springfield combines big city attractions with a friendly, small town welcome. In recent years it has developed a reputation for its lively arts scene and burgeoning nightlife. Nicknamed the birthplace of Route 66, Springfield was once a key stop on this now defunct cross-country highway. Nevertheless, Springfield still thrives, drawing tourists to its beautiful plains, rivers and lakes and the many attractions located within the city itself.
Areas & Neighbourhoods in Springfield
Downtown — For party goers and music lovers, Downtown Springfield is an exciting pub-packed, bar-hopping district. With a range of excellent restaurants and live music venues in the area, Downtown has a gritty city vibe, and is all easily accessible on foot.
West Central —West Central splices beautiful Victorian architecture with modern theatres, coffee shops and breweries. Trendy and sleek, with a hint of heritage charm, here you’ll experience Springfield’s laidback cafe culture at its best.
Commercial Street Historic District — As the name suggests, Springfield’s historic district was once the region’s commercial centre, the hub of the city’s railroad industry. Today it is booming with a distinct blend of galleries, bars and entertainment spots. It even its own chocolate factory!
Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield — Learn about the American Civil War with a trip to Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield. The Civil War Museum here is brimful with fascinating mid-19th century artefacts, from cannons to military uniforms. You’ll also find the preserved 1850s Ray House nearby, which offers guided tours in period costume.
Things to See in Springfield
Springfield’s small size means it offers a gentler pace of life than some of Missouri’s larger cities. It has an abundance of beautiful parks and walking trails, making it a popular spot for enjoying the great outdoors. Springfield’s subterranean wonder comes in the form of the Fantastic Caverns, an underground cave system with stunning stalagmites and stalactites on display. Meanwhile, above ground, Springfield’s Botanical Gardens in Nathanael Greene Park make for a beautiful spring or summer walk, and the butterfly house here is a guaranteed hit with the kids.
Things to Do in Springfield
Save extra spending money for the attractions on offer in Springfield by booking a Shared Shuttle between Springfield-Branson Regional Airport and your final destination. Once you’ve arrived and have settled in, hear the animals roar at Dickerson Park Zoo, or head out and see some local sports at Springfield’s multi-purpose sports arena. Downtown you can get involved in city’s many annual events and parades, and you mustn’t miss the Gillioz Theater. Built in the early 20th century, the theatre was first home to silent movies, then survived the advent of the ‘talkies’ and is now a popular Springfield concert venue. As you’ll see, whatever brings you to this gentle Missouri backwater, you’ll have little problem finding attractions to keep you entertained.
