There are tons of outdoor activities to do near Springfield. If you want to hit the lakes, trails, or an outdoor patio, check out our outdoorsy itinerary for inspiration.

Day One: 

Lakeside Adventure

Breakfast: Elevate your regular morning by grabbing breakfast from Rise. With a charming atmosphere, Rise offers breakfast sandwiches, nourishing breakfast bowls, delicious coffees and more. 

Morning Activity: Head over to Fellows Lake for all of your picnic, fishing and boating needs. The on-site store has kayak, canoe and sailboat rentals, along with bait and tackles for purchase. 

Lunch: Drop by The Sub Shop on east Seminole Street and craft your perfect sandwich to-go. Don’t forget to pick up one of their freshly baked cookies for a sweet treat on the go. 

Afternoon Activity: Take your sub sandwiches to the Springfield Nature Center for a peaceful afternoon picnic and stroll.

Dinner: Swing by BigShots Golf for dinner and a round or two of golf. BigShots boasts 56 tee boxes for virtual golf, along with a large menu, refreshing cocktails and cozy firepits.

Day Two: 

Market to Music 

Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at the Farmers Market of the Ozarks located on east Republic Road. This year-round market is open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Morning Activity: Explore the iconic Bass Pro Shops, a Springfield staple. Here, you’ll find an extensive selection of gear and equipment for all your outdoor and camping needs. 

Lunch: Stop by the Aviary Cafe for a French-inspired lunch. Don’t miss out on their sweet and savory crepes and cozy atmosphere.  

Afternoon Activity: Grab some friends and head over to Meador Park for a competitive game of Pickleball.  

Dinner: Make your way over to Team Taco for some made-from-scratch tacos or nachos. There’s always a new taco to try, so ask about the current special. 

Evening Activity: End your night with live music at Tie & Timber Beer Co. This brewery makes premium craft beer and is dedicated to creating a relaxing and stress-free atmosphere.

Day Three:

Park, Paddle and Patio

Breakfast: Grab a breakfast toastie, a muffin bowl or an acai bowl to-go from Urban Grounds. Be sure to explore the array of seasonal beverages and treats as well. 

Morning Activity: Take a scenic hike at Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area. The Ozarks has some of the best trails, and Busiek is no exception with breathtaking views at every peak. 

Lunch: Grab some lunch at The Ozark Mill Restaurant at Finley Farms. It offers pasta, fire-baked pizzas and other seasonal menu items. The dining experience includes beautiful views of the Finley River. 

Afternoon Activity: Head out on the water between April 15 and October 15, when you can rent kayaks and float on Lake Springfield and see the scenic beauty that surrounds the lake. 

Dinner: Finish the evening out on the Farmers Gastropub patio. The farm-to-table restaurant is dedicated to sourcing the freshest ingredients, which is evident in the house-smoked trout, homegrown peppers and in-house crafted sauces, chips and pickles.