Springfield, Missouri, is home to an abundance of beautiful parks and gardens that showcase the natural beauty of the Ozarks.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat to relax and recharge, a scenic trail for an outdoor adventure, or a vibrant green space to enjoy with family and friends, discover the best spots to connect with nature.
Ritter Springs Park
A 245-acre park just northwest of Springfield city limits, Ritter Springs Park includes an array of park amenities along with trails, a beautiful forest, lake, streams, and a small waterfall. Ritter Springs is accessible by Ozark Greenways’ Fulbright Spring Greenway trail, connecting Ritter Springs to David C. Murray Park.
Address: 3683 W. Farm Road 92, Springfield
Fellows Lake
Just north of Springfield, Fellows Lake is an 860-acre reservoir nestled amidst scenic grasslands and forests, making it a serene escape for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s a popular spot for fishing, sailing, and enjoying a peaceful picnic by the water. For those who love hiking or trail running, the 2.8-mile Fellows Lake Trail winds through lush forests and gentle hills, offering a refreshing workout and picturesque views.
Address: 4200 E. Farm Road 66, Springfield
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The Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene Park
The 113-acre Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park is home to Springfield Botanical Gardens that features dozens of themed gardens, including hostas, daylilies, Asiatic lilies, iris, peonies, roses, dwarf conifers, ornamental grasses, native plants and more. The park also includes the Roston Butterfly House, Gray-Campbell Farmstead, Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden and Lake Drummond. The park connects to South Creek Greenway and includes other paved walking trails.
Address: 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield
Jordan Valley Park
The crown jewel of downtown Springfield revitalization, Jordan Valley Park is adjacent to Brightspeed Ice Park, Hammons Field and the Creamery, home of the Springfield Regional Arts Council. A 12-acre green oasis in an urban area, Jordan Valley includes jumping fountains and stream, shaded picnic area, walking trail, outdoor amphitheater, unique children's play features, the K-Man interactive sculpture and five pieces from the Springfield Sculpture Walk.
Address: 635 E. Trafficway St., Springfield
Wilsons Creek National Battlefield
One of six national parks in Missouri, Wilson's Creek National Battlefield was fought on August 10, 1861 and was the first major battle of the Civil War. The National Park Service recognized the significance of the battle and designated Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield in 1960. The 1,750-acre park, just southwest of Springfield, remains greatly unchanged and stands as one of the most pristine battle sites in the country.
Address: 6424 W. Farm Road 182, Republic
Sequiota Park
Sequiota Park has been a favorite outdoor destination since before it became a State Fish Hatchery in 1920. The park was miles from Springfield, but train service on the Chadwick Branch of the Frisco Railway made it a popular day trip, perfect for an afternoon of picnicking and exploring.
The park is recognizable in historic and modern photos by the iconic Sequiota Cave, navigable only by boat. Sequiota Park was acquired by the Park Board in 1959. Today, Sequiota Cave is home to a migrating colony of gray bats, an endangered species, and the caves are closed to the public except during scheduled tours.
Address: 3500 S. Lone Pine Ave., Springfield
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Finley River Park
Finley River Park in Ozark is adjacent to the ever-growing Ozark Mill & Finley Farms. The park is perfect for picnicking, walking on the trail, or kayaking on the Finley River. In the summer months you can watch the local famous Sertoma Duck Race and the Ozark Balloon Glow every June.
Address: 891-961 N. Riverside Road, Ozark
Dunnegan Memorial Park
On the north side of Bolivar sits Dunnegan Memorial Park, a real hidden gem in Polk county. It offers four pavilions with water and electricity, seasonal restrooms, play equipment, picnic tables through the park, BBQ grill and pits, nature trails, horseshoe pits, washer toss pits, storm safe room and a small lake. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife such as swans, peacocks, ducks and geese that roam the park seasonally. All of this can be viewed on a one-mile drive through the park.
Address: 601 MO-83, Bolivar
Lost Hill Park
One of Springfield's less traveled parks just north of Springfield, Lost Hill Park is a 60-acre natural resource area just north of Springfield along the South Dry Sac River, with unique geological features, and a trailhead for the Fulbright Spring Greenway. Small hidden caves and hideaways are scattered across the park and trail areas waiting to be found.
Address: 4705 N. Farm Road 151, Springfield
Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden
Built in the 1980s the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden is the oldest attraction at the Springfield Botanical Gardens. The 7.5 acre garden includes a large koi lake, moon bridge, meditation garden, tea house and traditional Japanese garden landscaping. The garden is open from April-October for normal viewing, and in December for the Festival of Lights.
Address: 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield
Doling Park
Doling Park is a picturesque destination steeped in history, offering a blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The 56-acre park features serene views of Doling Lake, a paved walking trail, and lush green spaces perfect for picnics or leisurely strolls. Visitors can explore its rich heritage through the Doling Museum or take a guided tour of Giboney Cave, while families enjoy playgrounds, ball fields, and tennis courts.
Address: 301 E. Talmage St., Springfield
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