If you’re looking for the best and most beautiful spots in Springfield, Missouri, the locals know the city best. We did a poll on our Instagram account asking locals what their favorite scenic spots are in Springfield. This is what they chose:

Nathanael Greene Park

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Katie Daniel (@kmaritza)

 

The 113-acre Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park is home to Springfield Botanical Gardens, consistently rated as one of Springfield's top attractions. The botanical gardens features dozens of themed gardens, including hosta, daylilies, Asiatic lilies, iris, peonies, roses, dwarf conifers, ornamental grasses, native plants and more. The park also includes the Roston Native Butterfly House open from April-October, the Gray-Campbell Farmstead (oldest cabin in Springfield), the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden, and Lake Drummond. The park connects to South Creek Greenway and includes several other paved walking trails. Located across the road from Horton Smith Golf Course. Start your tour at the Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center, where you will find restrooms, gift shop and friendly staff.

Address: 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, MO 65807

Vantage Rooftop Lounge

 

For an elegant night on the town, Vantage Rooftop Lounge & Conservatory is Springfield's newest rooftop bar. Opened in 2019, it offers a spectacular view of downtown from atop V2, the expansion of Hotel Vandivort. With beautiful European Art Deco style and live greenery inside and a mix of soft seating outside, including private cabanas, the Vantage is sure to become a favorite for locals and travelers alike.

Address: 260 E. McDaniel St., Springfield, MO 65806

Jordan Valley Park

 

Jordan Valley Park is adjacent to Jordan Valley 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, a 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. The park provides a beautiful view of downtown’s urban amenities mixed with the beauty of the park.

Address: 635 E. Trafficway St., Springfield, MO 65802

Lake Springfield

Lake Springfield Park offers 153 acres of rolling parkland, featuring trails, woods, bluffs and more than a mile of shoreline along Lake Springfield. The park has several scenic hiking trails, including the Greater Ozark Audubon Trail, the James River Greenway and the Lake Springfield Park Trail. Hikers can take a quick walk up the trails to see a bluff view of the Lake.

Address: 2312 E. Lake Springfield Park Rd., Springfield, MO 65804

Fellows Lake

Fellows Lake is an 860-acre lake created in 1955 by the impoundment of the Little Sac River. Visitors can kayak and boat the beautiful lake scenery while fishing for bass, crappie, walleye, and muskie. Next to Fellows Lake includes an alluring open field with a breathtaking view of the lakefront.

Address: 4208 E. Farm Rd. 66, Springfield, MO 65803

Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield

 

Fought on August 10, 1861, the Battle of Wilson's Creek was a pivotal battle in Missouri and the second major battle of the Civil War. When the smoke cleared, more than 2,500 Union and Confederate soldiers were killed, wounded or missing in five hours of intense fighting. The visitor center features a new 27-minute film, a museum and changing exhibits. A five-mile self-guided tour road allows visitors to explore the battlefield at their own pace. Walking trails lead to various battle sites, including Bloody Hill, the Historic John Ray House, and the Edwards Cabin. Locals love walking the grounds to explore the history of the battlefield and the serene walking trials.

Address: 6424 W. Farm Rd. 182, Republic, MO 65738

Nature Center

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Josh Mattix (@jedloomis)

The Springfield Conservation Nature Center provides free conservation educational activities for all ages. Indoors, enjoy nature exhibits, attend programs, purchase hunting and fishing permits, browse through a nature-related gift shop and pick up free conservation brochures. Outdoors, explore three miles of peaceful hiking trails through a variety of natural communities.

Address: 4601 S. Nature Center Way, Springfield, MO 65804

Valley Water Mill

Valley Water Mill Park features a 17-acre lake with fishing access and a variety of terrains from wetlands to a spring-fed stream to glades and forests. A 2 1/2-mile walking trail loops the site and is a great place to catch a morning sunrise.

Address: 2450 E. Valley Water Mill Rd., Springfield, MO 65803 

Black & Blueberry Farm

Fifteen minutes outside of Springfield, Black and Blueberry Farm is tucked on the outskirts of Rogersville, Missouri. Between the months of May-July, visitors to the farm can pick their own blueberries and their own lavender from the farm. The lavender field a breath of fresh air and an one of a kind scene in the Ozarks.

Address: 5313 S. Farm Rd. 241, Rogersville, MO 65742

Lost Hill Park

A 60-acre natural resource area just north of Springfield along the South Dry Sac River, with unique natural features including caves, bluffs and arches, as well as forest and prairie. 

The name “Lost Hill” refers to a raised area that once overlooked the South Dry Sac River — until the river changed course, leaving a hill surrounded by a floodplain. The park is also a trailhead for the Fulbright Spring Greenway. 

Address: 4705 N. Farm Rd. 151, Springfield, MO 65803

Beyond Springfield

Dogwood Canyon

About an hour from Springfield sits Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, a 10,000-acre paradise full of adventures and beautiful waterfalls. Guests can walk or bike the four-mile trail or take a variety of tours such as Segway and tram tours. Anglers can also take self-guided or guided fishing tours to catch all the rainbow trout they possibly can while enjoying the scenery stretching across the entire park.

Address: 2038 State Hwy 86, Lampe, MO 65681

Top of the Rock

Top of the Rock boasts a Jack Nicklaus Signature Design golf course, an Arnold Palmer practice facility, a Tom Watson Himalayas putting course, and a signature restaurant and pro shop housed in a relocated 150-year-old barn from Arnold Palmer's hometown. Top of the Rock is also home to the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum, a world-class restaurant that transports guests back to a time when American bison roamed the plains, an all-American inspired wine cellar, and a wedding chapel set on the hillside with spectacular sunset views of Table Rock Lake

Address: 150 Top of the Rock Rd, Ridgedale, MO 65739

More Resources

Springfield Guide

Order a free Springfield Guide or check out the digital version.

Visit Page

E-Newsletter Sign-Up

Get bi-weekly updates to your inbox to keep up with Springfield.

Visit Page

Itineraries

Visit our itineraries page to plan your trip according to your interests.

Visit Page