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Springfield is the third largest city in Missouri, set on the Springfield Plateau in the southwest of the state at the northern edge of the Ozark Mountains. Settlers arrived in the 1830s, and the town grew at the crossing of important trails, including the route followed by the Cherokee Trail of Tears. During the Civil War, the Battle of Wilson's Creek was fought just southwest of town in 1861, and in 1865 the town square saw the famous shootout between Wild Bill Hickok and Davis Tutt, often called the first true Western quick-draw duel.
Today Springfield has about 170,000 residents and is known as the Queen City of the Ozarks and the Birthplace of Route 66, since the highway's name was first proposed here in 1926. It is also home to Bass Pro Shops, whose flagship Outdoor World store is one of the most visited attractions in Missouri, and to Missouri State University. The city has a friendly, outdoorsy character and is the hometown of a regional favorite dish, Springfield-style cashew chicken.
The Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium, connected to the Bass Pro flagship, is one of the largest and best-rated wildlife museums in the world. Visitors can also walk the restored Park Central Square and Route 66 landmarks downtown, tour Wilson's Creek National Battlefield, stroll the Springfield Botanical Gardens and Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden, and see animals at the Dickerson Park Zoo. Fantastic Caverns offers ride-through cave tours, and Branson's lakes and shows are just 45 minutes south.
Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium is a large conservation museum and aquarium connected to the Bass Pro Shops flagship store. It has huge freshwater and saltwater tanks, a shark exhibit and immersive wildlife dioramas. Allow at least half a day, and book timed tickets ahead online.
The History Museum on the Square tells the story of Springfield and the Ozarks, including the 1865 Wild Bill Hickok shootout on the square and the city's Route 66 history. Exhibits are interactive and family friendly. It sits on Park Central Square, so pair it with a downtown walk.
The Discovery Center of Springfield is a hands-on science museum for children and families in downtown Springfield. It has exhibits on physics, the human body, energy and a building zone for young children. Plan two to three hours, and check for special exhibits and science demonstrations.
Wilson's Creek National Battlefield, southwest of Springfield, preserves the site of the first major Civil War battle west of the Mississippi in 1861. A five-mile tour road leads to stops such as Bloody Hill and the Ray House. The visitor center has a museum and a short film to start your visit.
Springfield calls itself the birthplace of Route 66, because the name was chosen here in 1926. Downtown has historic markers, murals and the Route 66 Springfield Visitor Center on College Street, where you can pick up maps. Drive the old route west along College Street to see classic signs.
Park Central Square is the historic center of downtown Springfield, surrounded by brick buildings, shops, cafes and the History Museum on the Square. A marker notes the 1865 shootout between Wild Bill Hickok and Davis Tutt here. The square hosts concerts and events during warm months.
Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World in Springfield is the original flagship store of the outdoor retailer, opened in 1978. It is part store and part attraction, with mounted wildlife, a large aquarium, waterfalls and a restaurant. Entry is free, and it connects to Wonders of Wildlife next door.
Fantastic Caverns, just north of Springfield, is a cave toured entirely by jeep-drawn trams, so no walking is needed. The guided ride follows an ancient underground river past stalactites, stalagmites and large rooms. It is cool year round, so bring a light jacket even in summer.
The Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene and Close Memorial Park have free themed gardens, a butterfly house and the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden. The Japanese garden has a small entry fee and is open seasonally. Trails also connect to nearby ponds and lawns for walking.
Lake Springfield Park on the south side of the city has walking trails, a boathouse with kayak and canoe rentals, playgrounds and an amphitheater. It sits along the James River and connects to the greenway trail system. Rent a kayak on a calm morning to explore the lake.
Dickerson Park Zoo in north Springfield is known for its Asian elephants and for breeding programs for endangered species. It also has giraffes, cheetahs, red wolves and a children's area. It is smaller than big city zoos and easy to walk in two to three hours, with shaded paths.
The Gillioz Theatre is a restored 1926 movie palace on Route 66 in downtown Springfield with an ornate Spanish Colonial style interior. It hosts concerts, classic films, comedy and touring shows. Check the calendar, and arrive a little early to look at the decorated lobby and auditorium.
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