What’s more exciting than a weekend getaway with friends or family? How about an extended weekend getaway? Springfield and the Ozarks are the perfect place for an exciting getaway to visit all-new attractions and experience the warm hospitality of the region. Below you’ll find a jam packed weekend itinerary that will show you some of the new, and more traditional, experiences the Ozarks has to offer.
DAY 1
4:00 p.m. | Hotel Vandivort
Hotel Vandivort in Springfield, Missouri.
You’ll begin your stay in Springfield by checking in to the Hotel Vandivort — Springfield’s only boutique hotel. Inspired by Springfield's rich history and culture, Hotel Vandivort capitalizes on its vibrant downtown setting to offer a truly authentic experience.
5:00 p.m. | Drinks and Appetizers at The Order
A bartender serves up a cocktail at The Order in Springfield, Missouri.
After settling into your guest room, head to the The Order in the hotel’s lobby for signature cocktails and upscale cuisine with locally sourced ingredients.
6:30 p.m. | Springfield Cardinals Game
The Springfield Cardinals play at Hammons Field in Springfield, Missouri.
Try and plan your trip when you can catch a Springfield Cardinals game at Hammons Field. Friday nights are great nights to catch a game as they cap the night off with Friday Night Fireworks!
Day 2
9:00 a.m | Brunch at The Order
An omelette at The Order in Springfield, Missouri. Photo courtesy of The Order.
The Order has an amazing brunch with unique selections like bacon-stuffed pancakes and drunken french toast dippers. You’ll want to fuel up for the big day ahead.
10:00 a.m. | Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium: Wildlife Galleries
Sheep Mountain in the Wildlife Galleries section of Wonders of Wildlife in Springfield, Missouri.
Wonders of Wildlife — Springfield’s newest and biggest attraction — was just voted Best Aquarium in America in a USA Today poll. You’ll spend hours exploring the largest most immersive fish and wildlife attraction in the world. Your tour will begin in the Wildlife Galleries that includes a visit to Penguin Cove.
1:00 p.m. | Lunch at Fish Tails
Fish Tails restaurant in Wonders of Wildlife in Springfield, Missouri.
After exiting the Wildlife Galleries in Wonders of Wildlife, head down to this new eatery just outside the entrance to the Aquarium Adventure section of the museum. They have excellent salads, sandwiches and flatbread pizzas.
2:00 p.m. | Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium: Aquarium Adventure
A boy explores an aquarium in the Aquarium Adventure section of Wonders of Wildlife in Springfield, Missouri.
Begin the Aquarium Adventure in Wonders of Wildlife. In this section of the museum, you’ll be transported to some of the wildest aquatic habitats on earth.
5:00 p.m. | Fantastic Caverns
Visitors explore Fantastic Caverns north of Springfield, Missouri.
After an all-day adventure in Wonders of Wildlife, take a short drive just north of Springfield to Fantastic Caverns — America’s only ride-through cave. The tour is about 40 minutes and is a classic Springfield attraction that can’t be missed.
7:30-8:00 p.m. | Return to Hotel Vandivort
A hotel room in Hotel Vandivort in Springfield, Missouri.
It’s been a long day so retreating to your cozy room at Hotel Vandivort might be your best option. If you still have some energy, there are a number of restaurants and bars in downtown Springfield where you can kick back and relax.
DAY 3
9:30 a.m. | Silver Dollar City
Time Traveler roller coaster at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri.
After grabbing some coffee at Hotel Vandivort, you’ll jump in the car and take a short drive south of Springfield to Silver Dollar City theme park in Branson for a day full of family fun. Get to the park early and head straight to Time Traveler — the world’s fastest, steepest and tallest spinning coaster. In addition to their newest coaster, Silver Dollar City has a great lineup of roller coasters along with shows and rides for the entire family.
4:00 p.m. or 8 p.m. | Showboat Branson Belle
The Showboat Branson Belle on Table Rock Lake near Branson, Missouri.
Take in a 4 or 8 p.m. (late sail during summer months) sailing on Table Rock lake aboard the Showboat Branson Belle. The cruise includes two relaxing hours of adventure, entertainment and a full course meal.
That’s a wrap. This is just one way to experience Springfield and the Ozarks. We’ll see you soon!
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