Looking to explore the best of Springfield this fall? We’ve got you covered with this itinerary that showcases great fall activities in Springfield, Missouri.
Where To Stay
Springfield has a variety of accommodations to fit your desired experience, needs, and budget. Whether you want the comforts of a hotel or cozy cabin or rental, check out our places to stay page for more information.
Day 1
Brunch at J.W's Kitchen
JW’s Kitchen is named after the owner's grandmothers, Janet, Joyce, Wanda and Willie. To make you really feel at home, the menu is filled with dishes they ate growing up. You can find all kinds of traditional brunch favorites like chicken and waffles, breakfast sandwiches, frittatas and avocado toast. It's also one of the few places in Springfield where you can get an authentic full English breakfast.
Address: 2144 E. Republic Road B-101, Springfield
Related Post: The Springfield Missouri Fall Bucket List
Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park
For a pumpkin patch with all the trimmings, Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park can be spotted a mile away with the big red barn. The park includes an animal barn, visitor center and gift shop, farm-themed playground, demonstration crops and gardens, 20-acre native prairie, pasture land, a trailhead and one-mile paved trail along Wilson's Creek Greenway and Wilson's Creek. In the month of October you can also visit their pumpkin patch. Admission is free!
Where: 3825 W. Farm Road 146, Springfield
Casper’s
Escape the chilly fall weather with… chili. Opened in 1909, Casper’s is purported to be the oldest restaurant in Springfield and is definitely one of the city’s funkiest. A unique atmosphere, old-fashioned comfort food and welcoming patrons and staff make this restaurant a must-see.
Where: 937 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield
Tour Pythian Castle
Pythian Castle, built in 1913 by the Knights of Pythias, originally served as an orphanage. It was later purchased by the United States military and housed prisoners of war. Needless to say, the castle is the perfect place to celebrate the spooky season. Pythian Castle offers ghost tours, murder mystery dinners, escape rooms and much more!
Where: 1451 E. Pythian St., Springfield
The Ozark Mill Restaurant
Finley Farms is restoring and reimagining the historic Ozark Mill property to create a sprawling gathering place featuring farm-forward restaurants, vibrant event venues, a riverside wedding chapel and an urban farm. A family-friendly dining experience rooted in the history of the Ozarks, The Ozark Mill Restaurant’s dining space, bar and patio overlook the picturesque Finley River. The menu focuses on pizza, pasta and seasonal dishes featuring local, sustainable food sources including produce grown on-site.
Where: 802 Finley Farms Lane, Ozark
Late Night Activity: Cozy Up Around A Fire
Whether you're nestled indoors, sipping on hot cocoa by a crackling fireplace, or under the open sky, sharing stories by a glowing fire pit, the Ozarks has several restaurants and attractions with cozy fireplaces and fire pit rentals.
Related Post: Cozy Fireplaces & Fire Pits Around The Ozarks
Day 2
Breakfast at Blue Heron Bakery
Soft, flaky pastries and freshly brewed cold brew are just a taste of what you can expect at Blue Heron Bakery. Choose from an assortment of pastries baked fresh every morning, from sweet like lemon galettes to savory like chorizo egg and cheddar rolls.
Address: 206 E. Commercial St., Springfield
Hike Lost Hill Park
Photo courtesy of Allin Sorenson
Lost Hill Park has some of the most stunning fall foliage in the Ozarks. The park, built on the former Owen family farm, includes picnic tables, a small playground, parking lot and plenty of room to explore the various caves and arches. Make sure to bring your camera to capture the views!
Where: 4705 N. Farm Road 151, Springfield
Related Post: 15+ Places To See Fall Foliage In Springfield
Lunch at Druff’s
Grilled cheese, hot soup and cold beer. This little diner has the perfect food to keep you warm during fall and the unique menu is sure to surprise your taste buds. Head downtown and check it out!
Where: 331 Park Central East Suite 101, Springfield
Gardener's Orchard
Gardener's Orchard has become a fall destination for all things pumpkin. Not only can you pick pumpkins from their patch, but several activities include checking out their corn maze, petting zoo, hay rides, jump pad, hay tower, corn pit and more. Admission is $12.95 a person for all activities, kids two and under are free.
Dates: Aug. 30–Nov. 1, 2025
Address: 4455 W. Farm Road 2, Brighton
Dinner at Farmers' Gastropub
Indulge in a culinary journey like no other at Farmers' Gastropub. Nestled in the heart of the Ozarks, this warm neighborhood pub redefines traditional farm-to-table dining. Savor the exquisite harmony of locally sourced ingredients transformed into artful, delectable dishes that pay homage to American and British bar fare.
Where: 2620 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield
Late Night Activity: Haunted Houses
In the mood for a scare? Check out several haunted houses in the Ozarks like Dungeons of Doom, Hotel of Terror and Field of Screams.
Related Post: You've Got To Visit These Haunted Places Around Springfield, MO
Bonus
Fall Events
Photo courtesy of Silver Dollar City
Fall is one of the busiest times in the Ozarks. If you have time to visit during September and October, be sure to visit these fall events and festivals happening in the Ozarks.
See A Show Downtown
Whether you’re looking to see local talent, a touring Broadway hit, the symphony or collegiate talent before they hit the big time, Springfield has it all! Check out several venues all around downtown for live theatre performances, concerts or live music.
Apple Orchards
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
SUNSHINE VALLEY FARM
8011 E. State Hwy. AD, Rogersville
Murphy Orchard
Ozarks Coffee Trail
Embark on a delightful journey for your senses along the enchanting Ozarks Coffee Trail. This immersive experience invites coffee aficionados and explorers alike to traverse a curated path of artisanal coffeehouses, each offering a distinct and captivating brew. Each time you check in at a location, you will receive 10 points. Reach 150 points, and you'll earn a Coffee Trail Collector's prize. Learn how to sign-up here.
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