Wondering what to do this fall in Springfield? Check out our Springfield, Missouri fall bucket list for ideas to make this season the best ever.

Pick Pumpkins At A Pumpkin Patch

Pumpkins at Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park

Fall means pumpkin season! One of the most authentic experiences you can have with the whole family is picking pumpkins from a pumpkin patch. Several patches around the Ozarks are a great weeknight or weekend adventure. Check out our post Visit These Pumpkin Patches Around Springfield for a complete list.

Visit An Apple Orchard

Apples

If you love apple pie or caramel apples, you can pick your own for all your delicious fall recipes this year. Here are some orchards just a few miles outside of Springfield:

Gardener’s Orchard & Bakery

4455 W. Farm Road 2, Brighton

Sunshine Valley Farm 

8011 E. State Hwy. AD, Rogersville

Take A Haunted History Tour

Children explore the basement of Pythian Castle

If you love history and spooky spots, consider taking a haunted history tour at Pythian Castle.

Pythian Castle was built as an orphanage and retirement home for members of the Knights of Pythias and was later owned by the military and served as a prisoner of war camp. People report seeing, sensing and hearing spirits of the young and aged, especially in the basement. 

This certified haunted castle offers ghost tours year-round. It’s been featured on several TV shows about haunted places, including “Ghost Adventures” on The Travel Channel. 

Schedule your ghost tour at https://pythiancastle.com/ghosts-events.html.

Related Post: You’ve Got To Visit These Haunted Places Around Springfield

Visit A Winery Or Brewery

People drinking at Tie & Timber Brewery in Springfield, Missouri

Nothing says fall quite like fall brews. Visit several local wineries, breweries and distilleries to try their new cocktails, wines and other creations. 

If you’re wondering where to go next, check out our Tap and Pour Craft Beverage Tour. Embark on a self-guided journey around the Ozarks to experience the region’s growing brewery, winery, and distillery scene. Download the pass to your phone and begin your journey.

Once you’ve collected 150 points on Ozarks Tap and Pour Tour (must include at least one brewery, one winery and one distillery), you’ll earn yourself a free Ozarks Tap and Pour collector T-shirt. Check out the pass for more information.

Take A Fall Foliage Tour

Wilson's Creek National Battlefield Fall Trail

Photo by Allin Sorenson

Fall is a beautiful time to see the ranging colors of autumn. If you’re looking for a fun activity this year, check out breathtaking autumn colors at these parks and attractions around the Ozarks.

  • Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield

  • Smallin Civil War Cave

  • The Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden

  • The Springfield Conservation Nature Center

  • Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park

  • Dogwood Canyon Nature Park

  • Jordan Valley Park

  • Lost Hill Park

  • Ritter Springs Park

  • Lake Springfield

  • Top Of The Rock

  • Maple Park Cemetery

Related Post: View Beautiful Fall Foliage At These 15+ Spots Around Springfield And Beyond

Attend A Fall Event

Japanese Fall Festival 2023

There are several fall events coming up in the Ozarks that you don’t want to miss. Here are a few noteworthy events you should try to attend around Springfield. Check out our fall festival guide for a more complete list.

Japanese Fall Festival

Attend the Japanese Fall Festival at the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden to celebrate Springfield’s sister city relationship with Isesaki, Japan. In addition to numerous vendor and artisan booths featuring wares authentic to Japanese culture, guests will enjoy the Nihon bunka taiken tent (Japanese culture experience tent), the omiyage and dagashi tent (souvenirs and snacks tent), concessions, live music and a candlelight walk.

When: Sept. 6-8, 2024

Where: 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield

Cider Days

Head to Springfield’s Historic Walnut Street to celebrate the fall season at Cider Days. The two-day festival features live performances, delicious food, arts and crafts, and of course, apple cider.

When: Sept. 21-22, 2024

Where: Walnut Street Historic District in Springfield

Ozark Fall Farmfest

The Ozark Fall Farmfest is held annually on the first weekend of October at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds in Springfield, Missouri. With over 1,000 agricultural and rural living exhibits and more than 600 head of registered livestock on display, it has become the Ozarks’ largest agricultural event.

When: Oct. 4-6, 2024

Where: 3001 N. Grant Ave., Springfield

Make A New Fall Decor Piece

AR Workshop. Photo courtesy of AR Workshop.

Photo courtesy of AR Workshop

Instead of buying new fall decorations, make a one-of-a-kind piece! There are several spots in Springfield that allow you to make a custom piece to take home with you. Some include:

See A Scary Movie

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Springfield, MissouriSeveral locations in Springfield will show some new and nostalgic Halloween movies in September and October. Check out these theaters to see some of your favorite scary showings:

Throw Some Axes

Axe throwing is about as historical of a pastime as you can get. Test your aim and practice throwing a few tomahawks with your friends at Craft Axe Throwing to see who is the better shot.

Stay At A Cozy Bed & Breakfast

The Mansion at Elfindale

Photo courtesy of The Mansion at Elfindale

If you’re staying in Springfield, consider staying in one of Springfield’s cozy bed and breakfast locations:

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