Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World
1935 S. Campbell Ave.
(417) 887-7334
The expansive, multi-level Outdoor World is one of the top attractions in Springfield. It’s a vast sporting goods store that offers every outdoor and sporting product imaginable, including a showcase of high quality fishing boats. It also features wildlife exhibits, a freshwater aquarium and the fine dining of Hemingway’s Blue Water Cafe.
The Dickerson Park Zoo
3043 N. Fort, north of I-44
(417) 864-1800
The Dickerson Park Zoo houses more than 500 animals, representing 160 different species from four continents. The zoo also participates in the Species Survival Plan, an effort to maintain genetically diverse and stable animal populations, with its successful Asian elephant, maned wolf and cheetah breeding programs.
The Discovery Center
438 E. St. Louis St.
(417) 862-9910
The Discovery Center of Springfield is an interactive, hands-on museum committed to inspiring people of all ages with a life-long love of learning and an appreciation of the world and our place in it.
Fantastic Caverns
4872 N. Farm Rd. 125
(417) 833-2010
A comfortable 50-minute riding tour along an ancient underground riverbed filled with massive formations. The cave remains 60 degrees year-round.
Missouri Sports Hall of Fame
3861 E. Stan Musial Dr.
(417) 889-3100
A two-story museum devoted to the best of Missouri Sports history, from baseball to tennis to auto racing.
Silver Dollar City
399 Silver Dollar City Parkway
Branson, MO
(800) 475-9370
The Springfield area’s number one attraction, Silver Dollar City is an experience that takes you back to the pioneer world of the 1880s. It offers 17 amusement park rides, plus interesting attractions like Grandfather’s Mansion and tours through Marvel Cave. But what makes Silver Dollar City unique is the wide variety of skilled craftsmen, restaurants, festivals and shows that make you feel like you’re taking a walk through the 19th century.
The Springfield Art Museum
1111 E. Brookside Dr.
(417) 837-5700
Home to around 8,500 works of art, including special collections of 19th, 20th and 21st century American paintings, watercolor, sculpture and prints.
The Springfield Conservation Nature Center
4601 S Nature Center Way
(417) 888-4237
The Nature Center features a variety of exhibits, programs, activities and videos to enjoy, plus six different hiking trails.
Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield
6424 W. Farm Rd. 182, off of Highway ZZ
Republic, MO
(417) 732-2662, ext. 227
This national battlefield commemorates the battle fought on the site on August 10, 1861 involving 5,400 Union troops and 12,000 Confederates. The Union defeat set the stage for the Battle of Pea Ridge in 1862. Wilson’s Creek was also the scene of the death of Nathaniel Lyon, the first Union general to be killed in combat. The site features a visitor’s center that contains exhibits and a research library, and a 4.9-mile self-guided tour with eight stops at significant points of the battle. The national battlefield also hosts living history reenactments of cavalry drills and soldier life during the year.
The Wonders of Wildlife Museum
500 W. Sunshine
(417) 890-9453
Wonders of Wildlife features many exciting exhibits, including a 220,000 gallon shark tank and a live otter pool. The wildlife museum houses 160 different animal species.
