Visit Springfield to see why it is known as the Queen City of the Ozarks and considered the birthplace of Route 66, one of the first major highways in the country.
Springfield is the third-largest city in the state of Missouri. It’s home to several large universities and is surrounded by nature with accessible lakes, rivers and streams. The climate, known for its abundance of sunshine and mild temperatures, is conducive to activities of all kinds.
For fans of the outdoors, the internationally renowned Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World boasts more than 300,000 square feet (27,871 square meters) of outdoor supplies, apparel and wildlife exhibits.
Ride through Fantastic Caverns, a 50-minute tour of a huge underground riverbed with spectacular natural rock formations. Visit the Ambler Diversity of Life Center reptile exhibits at Dickerson Park Zoo, stroll through 80 acres (32 hectares) of native forests and fields at the Springfield-Conservation Nature Center and visit the Mizumoto Stroll Garden at Nathanael Greene Park. Children adore the Discovery Center, an interactive, hands-on opportunity to learn while they play.
For sports fans, the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame has 22,000 square feet (2,044 square meters) of sports memorabilia and educational displays. The Jordan Valley Park offers hockey and ice-skating at Mediacom Ice Park, green space with an interactive water feature and walking trails. Just next door is the Hammons Field baseball stadium where the Springfield Cardinals play.
Fine art and culture are also an important part of the Springfield scene. For nearly 50 years, the Springfield Art Museum has been host to Watercolor USA, a competitive exhibit with work from artists across the country. Attend a ballet, symphony, opera or theater performance at the historic Landers Theatre. The Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts hosts high-quality performances from Broadway plays to children’s productions. Join the popular First Friday Art Walk, a monthly event featuring tours of dozens of shops and galleries.
Learn about the area’s past at the History Museum on the Square, Air & Military Museum of the Ozarks and Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield. History lovers also will want to visit the Walnut Street National Historic Register District with more than 150 historic homes.