Whether you're visiting Springfield for the first time, looking for something fun to do with family and friends, or considering making Southwest Missouri home, there's plenty to explore around the Queen City of the Ozarks.
From unique local attractions and historic landmarks to outdoor adventures, sports, entertainment, and local experiences, here are 10 fun things to do in Springfield, MO worth adding to your list.
1. Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium
📍 500 W. Sunshine St., Springfield, MO
If you're looking for one Springfield attraction that really stands out, start with Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium.
This world-class wildlife museum and aquarium offers an immersive experience featuring thousands of animals and exhibits representing habitats from around the world. The aquarium features 1.5 million gallons of water and approximately 35,000 individual fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, making it a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
Why Visit
🌊 Explore immersive aquarium exhibits
🐧 See penguins and other aquatic wildlife
🦁 Discover wildlife habitats and museum galleries
👨👩👧👦 Great choice for families
📸 Plenty of memorable photo opportunities
Good to know: Give yourself plenty of time to explore. This is one attraction where you'll want more than a quick stop.
2. Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World
📍 1 Bass Pro Dr., Springfield, MO
You don't have to be an outdoor enthusiast to enjoy Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World.
Known as the "Grandaddy of All Outdoor Stores," the original Springfield location is much more than a place to shop. Inside, you'll find massive aquariums, wildlife displays, outdoor gear, and plenty of unique sights that make this one of the city's most recognizable destinations. It's also located right next to Wonders of Wildlife, making it easy to visit both attractions in one trip.
Why Visit
🎣 Explore the original Bass Pro Shops location
🐟 See massive aquarium displays
🦌 Check out wildlife exhibits
🛍️ Browse outdoor gear and unique souvenirs
👨👩👧👦 Fun for the whole family
Good to know: Pair it with Wonders of Wildlife and make a full afternoon of it.
3. Fantastic Caverns
📍 4872 N. Farm Road 125, Springfield, MO
Ready to go underground?
Fantastic Caverns is known as America's only ride-through cave. Instead of walking through the cavern, visitors ride a Jeep-drawn tram along the cave's underground path.
The tour follows the route of an ancient underground river and gives visitors a chance to see impressive cave formations without long walks, stairs, or steep climbs. It's a great option for families and anyone looking for a more relaxed way to experience a cave.
Why Visit
🪨 Explore a natural underground cave
🚋 Ride through the cave by tram
👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly experience
🌧️ Great option for rainy days
📸 See incredible rock formations
Good to know: Even if you're not normally a "cave person," Fantastic Caverns is a unique Springfield experience worth checking out.
4. History Museum on the Square
📍 154 Park Central Square, Springfield, MO
Want to understand what makes Springfield unique? Start with its history.
The History Museum on the Square brings Springfield's past to life through interactive exhibits covering Native American history, transportation, the Civil War, the Wild West, and the Birthplace of Route 66.
Visitors can explore multiple exhibits, experience interactive displays, and learn about notable moments in Springfield's past, including the famous 1865 Wild Bill Hickok shootout.
Why Visit
🏛️ Learn about Springfield's history
🛣️ Explore the city's Route 66 connection
🤠 Discover the area's Wild West history
🚋 Experience interactive exhibits
📚 Great rainy-day activity
Good to know: This is a great stop if you want to learn more about the city beyond its modern-day attractions.
5. Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden
📍 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, MO
Need a slower-paced afternoon?
The Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden is a peaceful 7.5-acre garden located within Springfield Botanical Gardens. It features a koi lake, moon bridge, meditation areas, tea house, and traditional Japanese landscaping.
Whether you're looking for a quiet walk, a beautiful photo spot, or simply a place to slow down for a while, this garden offers a peaceful escape from the busier parts of the city.
Why Visit
🌿 Take a peaceful walk
🎏 See koi and beautiful landscaping
🌸 Enjoy seasonal flowers
📸 Find beautiful photo spots
🧘♀️ Relax and enjoy a quieter side of Springfield
Good to know: The garden operates seasonally, so check current hours and admission information before visiting.
6. Pythian Castle
📍 1451 E. Pythian St., Springfield, MO
Yes—Springfield has a castle.
Pythian Castle was built in 1913 by the Knights of Pythias and originally served as an orphanage and retirement home. During World War II, the U.S. military used the building for prisoners of war and as a rehabilitation facility for U.S. troops.
Today, the historic building hosts tours, events, and themed experiences, including ghost tours and murder mystery dinners.
Why Visit
🏰 Explore a unique Springfield landmark
📜 Learn about its unusual history
👻 Try a ghost tour
🍽️ Attend a themed event
📸 Photograph the historic architecture
Good to know: Check the schedule ahead of time, as tours and special events may require reservations.
7. Springfield Cardinals
📍 Hammons Field, 955 E. Trafficway St., Springfield, MO
For a classic Springfield experience, catch a Springfield Cardinals game at Hammons Field.
The Cardinals are Springfield's Double-A baseball team, and game nights offer more than just baseball. Depending on the schedule, you may find food promotions, giveaways, on-field activities, themed nights, and special events throughout the season.
Why Visit
⚾ Watch future baseball stars
🍔 Enjoy classic game-day food
🎁 Look for promotional giveaways
🎉 Experience themed nights
🎆 Catch select fireworks nights
Local tip: Check the team's current schedule and promotions before buying tickets, especially if you're looking for a specific theme night or fireworks show.
8. Commercial Street (C-Street)
📍 Commercial Street, Springfield, MO
Known locally as C-Street, Commercial Street is one of Springfield's historic and lively districts.
It's a great place to spend a few hours wandering through local shops, grabbing something to eat, stopping for coffee, and checking out the area's historic architecture and locally owned businesses.
Why Visit
🛍️ Browse local shops and boutiques
🍴 Try locally owned restaurants
☕ Stop for coffee
🎨 Discover local art and businesses
📸 Explore historic streets and buildings
Local tip: C-Street is especially fun when you don't have a strict itinerary. Walk around, explore the shops, and see what catches your eye.
9. Sculpture Walk Springfield
📍 Downtown Springfield
Looking for something fun that won't cost you anything?
Take a walk through downtown and explore Sculpture Walk Springfield, an outdoor art experience featuring rotating sculptures throughout public spaces around the city.
Often described as a "museum without walls," Sculpture Walk gives visitors a chance to experience public art while exploring downtown Springfield.
Why Visit
🎨 See unique outdoor artwork
🚶 Explore downtown on foot
📸 Find interesting photo spots
💰 Free activity
🏙️ Easy to combine with downtown restaurants and shops
Good to know: It's an easy activity to add to a downtown day, especially if you're already planning to grab coffee, lunch, or dinner nearby.
10. Lake Springfield Park
📍 Lake Springfield, Springfield, MO
Sometimes the best way to spend a day in Springfield is simply to get outside.
Lake Springfield Park offers trails, wooded areas, rolling parkland, bluffs, and more than a mile of shoreline. Depending on the season, visitors can also enjoy activities such as kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding.
It's a great spot when you want to slow down, enjoy nature, and spend some quality time outdoors.
Why Visit
🌊 Enjoy the lake and shoreline
🚶 Explore walking trails
🛶 Try kayaking or paddleboarding
🧺 Pack a picnic
🌅 Relax and enjoy the outdoors
Good to know: Seasonal water activities and rentals may vary, so check current information before heading out.
Final Thoughts
Springfield may be best known as the Birthplace of Route 66, but there's much more to discover around the city.
Whether you're planning a family day out, looking for something fun to do with friends, planning a date, or simply trying to explore more of your own backyard, these local spots are a great place to start.
From world-class attractions and historic landmarks to beautiful gardens, local sports, outdoor adventures, and unique experiences, Springfield offers plenty of ways to spend a weekend—or simply enjoy a day close to home.
And that's one of the things that makes Springfield such a fun place to live.
Thinking About Making Springfield Home?
At Cantrell Real Estate, we believe finding the right home is about more than bedrooms and square footage. It's also about finding a neighborhood, community, and lifestyle that fits you.
If you're thinking about moving to Springfield or exploring what Southwest Missouri has to offer, we'd be happy to help you discover the area—and find a place to call home.
