Vacation In Springfield Mo

Springfield is an excellent location for vacation. It’s a mid-sized city, so much of it will feel familiar to you. But at the same time it has a bit of excitement and distinct personality that makes it an unforgettable destination. No matter your travel plans, vacation in Springfield MO.

Springfield, Missouri, is the best place to spend a vacation. It has a lot of scenic view and also a lot of activities to do. You will never regret spending quality time in this wonderful city. There are different types of places that you can visit here and have fun and relax at the same time.

If you’re vacationing in Springfield MO — or anywhere, really; it’s just a nice place to visit — there are plenty of things to do and places to see. You can learn about the Lewis & Clark expedition; take in a show at the Springfield Ballet or Symphony Orchestra; or immerse yourself in Springfield history at one of the many museums. Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, this list will help you and your party have an unforgettable time while in Springfield.

Villa Notturna is a luxury boutique hotel located in downtown, Springfield MO. By providing our guests with sophisticated accommodations, exemplary service and, more importantly, a taste of the region’s most authentic Italian cuisine, we aim to exceed even the highest of expectations. After all, you deserve a little vacation from your vacation.

Reigning over Missouri with plenty of Americana, Springfield is an ideal destination for Midwestern road trips, and it is the birthplace of famous subjects from Chuck Berry to Maya Angelou. Springfield is considered the Gateway to the Ozarks, and there is a lot to do at the region’s natural attractions, like at Lake of the Ozarks State Park.

Vacation In Springfield Mo

If you haven’t heard much about the Ozarks, Missouri is known as the Cave State, which means it’s even well suited to people living under a rock. Puns aside, many caves here are accessible to those with mobility issues, even featuring the nation’s first drive-through cave.

There are also plenty of places that bring nature indoors, for example, the taxidermy and water features found at the Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World; the sporting goods chain was founded here in Springfield.

Springfield is a quintessential American city, famous as the origin of U.S. Highway 66. The city’s history even extends to the Civil War, and you can sense the war’s impact through museums and monuments; five Black servicemen, known as buffalo soldiers, are buried here.

Local history reaches beyond roads and wars, with hotels, a zoo and even a castle, which were all built in the early 20th century. Springfield is a winning destination for families and kids, with animals, aquariums and plenty of interactive museums. Or, sports fans can appreciate the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame or catch a baseball game at Hammons Field.

Whatever brings you to the “Show-Me State,” we’re ready to show you around Missouri with our list of the best things to do in and around Springfield.

Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium

(COURTESY OF THE SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU)

Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium bills itself as the largest immersive wildlife attraction in the world. To its credit, Springfield’s museum and aquarium complex houses the Midwest’s only sea turtle rehabilitation center, a full replica of President Theodore Roosevelt’s North Dakota cabin and the opportunity to dive into the sharks and groupers tank wearing a specialized helmet while the fish feed. The complex classifies its collections as aquarium, wildlife or special exhibits. Johnny Morris, who the complex is named after, is the founder and CEO of Bass Pro Shops and an American billionaire.

Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily (closes at 7 p.m. Sunday). General admission tickets vary in price but are generally about $40 for adults and $25 for children, with discounts for locals. Additional passes that bundle families or other nearby attractions for a discounted rate are also available. Recent visitors to the museum and aquarium were impressed by the quality of the displays and suggested putting aside several hours to visit.

Address: 500 W. Sunshine St., Springfield, MO 65807

Catch a Game at Hammons Field

(COURTESY OF THE SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU)

The Springfield Cardinals is the city’s Minor League Baseball team, and visitors can catch a game April through October at Hammons Field. The 8,000-seat stadium opened in 2004 as the home of the Springfield Cardinals, a Minor League Baseball team, as well as the Missouri State Bears collegiate team. The Cardinals play 70 home games each season as part of the Texas League.

Fans should reserve tickets online in advance to ensure they get good seats. The Cardinals Kids Club is free to any child 12 and under and includes a certificate for their first Cardinals game, as well as two general admission tickets to three preselected games.

Address: 955 E. Trafficway St., Springfield, MO 65802

Route 66 Car Museum

(COURTESY OF THE ROUTE 66 CAR MUSEUM)

U.S. Highway 66, known as Route 66, has been immortalized in song and holds a place in the American psyche of the wide, open road. Approximately 317 miles of the highway pass through Missouri, with Springfield considered the birthplace of Route 66. After being decommissioned as a highway, Route 66 was designated a National Scenic Byway.

The Route 66 Car Museum pays homage to automobile culture with classic models and rare finds from 1907 through 2005. Perhaps the most impressive fact is that it’s an entirely private collection. Kids might enjoy seeing cars featured in classic films, like “Ghostbusters” and “Transformers.”

It takes an hour or two to tour the museum, which is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission starts at $15, while admission is $5 for kids 10 and under and $13 for seniors and veterans. Free parking is available on-site.

Address: 1634 W. College St., Springfield, MO 65806

Pythian Castle

(COURTESY OF PYTHIAN CASTLE)

Springfield seems an unlikely place for a castle, let alone knights, but Pythian Castle stands in defiance of most travelers’ expectations. The Knights of Pythias, an organization similar to the Freemasons, built the castle in 1913 as an orphanage and retirement home. After the U.S. entered WWII, the government used the castle to house prisoners of war and to rehabilitate U.S. troops.

It’s no wonder then that today, with more than 100 years of history, the castle attracts varied visitors. History buffs looking to learn more, amateur ghost hunters embarking on a ghost tour or overnight paranormal investigation, and thrill-seekers searching to be entertained by one of the castle’s escape rooms or murder mystery dinners all enjoy Pythian Castle.

Prices vary depending on the tour you select, as well as add-ons ranging from a quick escape room or other games.

Address: 1451 E. Pythian St., Springfield MO 65802

Check Out Branson

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Sure, you came to Springfield, but nearby Branson, Missouri — about 45 miles south of Springfield — has more than enough to offer a thrilling daytrip in the Ozarks. Silver Dollar City is a highly acclaimed theme park modeled after the 1880s; WonderWorks is a peculiar attraction that looks like an upside-down house and is filled with interactive puzzles and experiments. Visit the Titanic Museum — with a real iceberg — to learn the history of its passengers and follow it with Dolly Parton’s Stampede, a wild rodeo dinner show. Or head to Gettin’ Basted, which claims to have its own style of Ozarks barbecue. Then, there are Branson’s three lakes, which provide numerous hiking, biking and boating activities.