In Springfield, Missouri, we want to make sure locals and guests are as safe as possible when visiting our city during the pandemic. The city is under a mask mandate that will last until January 9, 2021, to help ensure our community's safety. If you want to visit Springfield while social-distancing, here are some social-distance friendly activities you can do over your weekend in Springfield, Missouri. For more information about COVID-19 and updates on the city's policies, see our COVID-19 guide for details or visit the Springfield-Greene County Health Department website for more information.
Breakfast At Tea Bar & Bites
Breakfast at Tea Bar & Bites
Start the morning with breakfast on the Tea Bar & Bites patio. Serving tea and brunch from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Tea Bar & Bites makes the outdoors enjoyable with covered patio seating. A customer-favorite breakfast item on the menu is the quiche of the morning that can change daily. Guests are asked to wear a mask to their table and can remove them when they are properly seated.
Address: 621 S Pickwick Ave, Springfield, MO 65804
Dickerson Park Zoo
Dickerson Park Zoo
Head over to Dickerson Park Zoo for an afternoon of adventure. See over 150 species of animals as you hike across different themed parts of the park such as Africa and Asia to see animals from those parts of the world. For an interactive experience, feed the giraffes at the feeding station. As an outdoor attraction, masks are not required except for closed in or indoor areas. Various sanitizing stations are located across the park for easy access.
Address: 1401 W. Norton Rd., Springfield, MO 65803
Lunch At The Rock Food & Friends
The Rock Food & Friends
Head down south to The Rock Food & Friends, the perfect getaway to escape the crowded city and enjoy a delicious lunch out on their outdoor patio. The restaurant’s name is inspired by stone excavated from the nearby quarry that was used to build local architectural landmarks like Drury Stone Chapel. Enjoy some great brews, live music, and delicious food such as fried pickles and chicken wings. Guests are asked to wear their masks to the table and can remove them when they are properly seated.
Address: 4018 S. Lone Pine Ave., Springfield, MO 65804
Ozark Greenways
Ozark Greenways offers a diversity of trails including rails-to-trails, paved trails, gravel trails, a water trail and natural-surface trails. With more than 140 miles of trails crisscrossing Springfield’s terrain and connecting other communities to the city, recreational opportunities are available for people of all ages and abilities. Enjoy mountain biking, kayaking, walking and other activities with Ozark Greenways.
Various Trails
Nathaneal Greene/Close Memorial Park
Walk through the gardens of Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park. Enjoy the beautiful flowers and Japanese architecture in the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden, or walk the trails along Lake Drummond. There are over 20 themed gardens to explore along with the Roston Native Butterfly House. Masks are only required when you enter buildings or the butterfly house.
Address: 2400 S Scenic Ave, Springfield, MO 65807
Dinner at The Order and Drinks at Vantage
Vantage Rooftop Lounge & Conservatory
To finish off the night, stay downtown and head to The Order at Hotel Vandivort for burgers, seafood and lamb chops. Treat yourself to a local dessert of Askinosie Chocolate and Coffee Ethic Pot De Creme to finish off your meal. For the best view in Springfield, check out Vantage Rooftop Lounge & Conservatory for drinks on the outdoor patio. Masks are required when entering the buildings but can be taken off when seated.
Address: 305 E Walnut St, Springfield, MO 65806
Day 2
Breakfast At Aviary Cafe
For delicious crepes and mimosas, start your morning off at Aviary by Lavender Falls near Farmers Park. For a more savory crepe, get The Farmer and enjoy a crepe filled with scrambled eggs, cheddar jack cheese, and a meat of your choice that includes ham, applewood smoked bacon or sausage. If you’re deciding on a side dish, the pommes frites are a must. Masks are required when entering the buildings but can be taken off when seated.
Address: 2144 E Republic Rd, Springfield, MO 65807
Farmers Market
Springfield has a variety of farmers’ markets open every Saturday morning. For close-by markets, head to the Farmers’ Market of the Ozarks for local honey, fruits, veggies, homegrown flowers, smoked meats, sauces and spices. Masks are required when walking through the farmers' markets but can be taken off when eating or drinking.
Address: 2144 E Republic Rd, Springfield, MO 65804
Wonders Of Wildlife/Bass Pro
Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquairum
Outdoor lovers have to visit The “Grandaddy” of All Outdoor Stores. The 500,000-square-foot store is home to many outdoor items from camping supplies to firearms and your next fishing vessel. Bass Pro Shops is also home to the National Rifle Assoc. Sporting Arms Museum, the National Archery Hall of Fame and the Motorsports Museum, and is adjacent to Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium.
In 2017 Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium opened to the public, making it one of Springfield’s top attractions. It was named Best New Attraction by USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Poll in 2017 and won Best Aquarium by USA Today Readers’ Choice Polls in 2018 and 2020. The 350,000-square-foot space houses over 35,000 species of fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals from small turtles to a large albino alligator.
Masks are required when entering and walking through the buildings. In order to purchase tickets for Wonders of Wildlife, guests must reserve their tickets online and pick a time when they would like to arrive.
Address: 1935 S Campbell Ave, Springfield, MO 65807
Lunch At Route 66 Food Truck Park
Lunch is best enjoyed outside. The Route 66 Food Truck Park is home to eight food trucks that each have a little something for everyone to enjoy from street tacos and Mediterranean cuisine to vegan options and London pasties.
If you’d rather sit inside and eat, you’re in luck. The park also has indoor seating for those wishing to get out of the rain, snow or shine and enjoy a meal from the comfort of indoors. Masks are not required outside but encouraged.
Address: 1530 E St Louis St, Springfield, MO 65802
Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield
Wilson's Creek National Battlefield
The paved tour road through Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield includes a wide path alongside for bikers and walkers. Other trails throughout the park offer ways to explore the historic sites and scenery. The battlefield also has trails for equestrian experiences. Masks aren't required outdoors but required when entering buildings.
Address: 6424 W. Farm Rd. 182, Republic, MO 65738
Sculpture Walk Downtown/Mural Walk
Head to downtown Springfield to see an outdoor art museum. The Springfield Sculpture Walk has sculptures scattered all over downtown, making it the only museum without walls in the Ozarks.
For more outdoor art, check out the murals in Springfield to see over 40 works of art by local artists.
Dinner & Dessert At Culture Counter
Culture Counter
New to the Rountree Neighborhood, Culture Counter is the neighborhood's newest local grocery store that serves up locally-grown and made products as well as an amazing waffle bar and ice cream shop. Build your own savory waffle to have breakfast for dinner and finish off the night with delicious homemade ice cream flavors. Masks are required when going indoors but can be taken off when eating and drinking.
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