Springfield certainly has its oddities. If you're looking for something different, unique and a little quirky to do around the city, here are some of the quirkiest places to visit in Springfield, Missouri. Know of any more quirky places or things to do in the area? Email mrussell@springfieldmo.org and we may add it to the list.
The History of Hearing Museum.
History of Hearing Museum
I'm not sure if it is the upside-down tree in the front yard, the doll head, the disassembled hearing aids or the historical side exhibits, but something about this place brings me back again and again. The History of Hearing Museum will take you back in time, showcasing the era of the ear trumpet and ear horn to the modern age of remarkable hearing technology. This quirky and educational museum shares stories about how we lose our hearing and also displays body-worn and CIC aids as well as equipment that has been used to determine hearing loss.
Address: 628 E. Commercial St., Springfield, MO 65803
World’s Largest Fork
World's Largest Fork
How often is it that you get to see the world’s largest anything, let alone the largest fork? Nestled in the hidden pockets of Springfield, Missouri, sits a polished stainless steel fork that’s 35 feet tall and weighs approximately 11 tons. The fork was originally designed in 1990 by Noble & Associates advertising agency for a restaurant on South Glenstone Avenue. After the restaurant closed, the giant utensil was moved to Noble & Associates for its new permanent home adjacent to the Food Network building. While not immediately visible from the street, it’s a fun and quirky stop to make some one-of-a-kind memories.
Address: 2215 W. Chesterfield St. Springfield, MO 65807
Ms. Gilmore's
For tea, antiques and sweets, Ms. Gilmore’s is filled to the brim with oddities and antiques in every windowsill and corner of this tea room. Explore two floors of home decor, gifts, oddities, posters, statues and prints for an afternoon filled with wonder.
Round off your visit with a cup of tea and possibly the largest slice of cake you’ve ever seen.
Address: 211 E. Commercial St., Springfield, MO 65803
Pythian Castle
Springfield's very own castle isn't just historic; it's also certifiably haunted. Pythian Castle was originally built in 1913 as an orphanage by the Knights of Pythias. Later, it was owned by the U.S. Military for more than 50 years. Today, you can take history tours, ghost tours, partake in murder mystery dinners and enjoy a variety of holiday events.
When you go to the castle, be sure to ask Tamara about the little boy haunting the second floor who likes Christmas lights.
Address: 1451 E. Pythian St., Springfield, MO 65802
Kraft Heinz Noodle
This may be cheesy, but there’s a pretty big noodle in the Ozarks. This massive noodle is at the Kraft Heinz Factory and is 20 feet long, 4 feet wide, and 10 feet tall curved into the iconic "You know you love it" smile. This noodle won’t be going anywhere as it weighs about 5 tons. If you’re looking forward to taking a cheesy selfie, there’s a bit of bad news. The noodle is fenced inside the Kraft Food plant, but you can still take a few pictures from afar.
Address: 1951 E. Meadowmere St. Springfield, MO 65804
Cafe Cusco Drunk Goat
Springfield is known for unique dishes like its famous cashew chicken, but for a dinner item you most certainly won’t forget try the “Drunk Goat” on the Cafe Cusco menu. The menu describes the drunk goat as made of “seasoned goat stewed in dark beer with choclo, corn, peas, spinach and gold potato served with garlic rice and toasted focaccia (hand-pulled goat meat, some bones may be present).”
Address: 234 E. Commercial St., Springfield, MO 65803
Foot Sculpture
On the corner of North Jefferson Avenue and East Trafficway Street sits “The Defeat Of Bigfoot,” a bronze foot sculpted by James Hall, III. Weighing over 500 pounds, this giant foot is a part of the permanent Springfield Sculpture Walk collection that displays sculptures all over downtown Springfield. In case you’ve missed this sculpture and want to see it, don’t worry, it’s a permanent installation that won't walk away any time soon.
Address: East Trafficway Street and North Jefferson Avenue.
Pedalers Bicycle Museum
If you aren’t looking for it, you might miss it. Pedalers Bicycle Museum is on Historic Commercial Street and includes bikes from the 1800s and even earlier.
James Allen is the owner of Pedalers Bicycle Museum. James' collection includes bikes from the 1800s, and even includes a model of one of the first bikes made in 1817 that had no pedals. With hundreds of artifacts and dozens of bikes, outdoor or biking enthusiasts could spend hours in this museum. Although not open often, the owner is happy to accept calls and give private tours of the museum. Admission is free but donations are welcome.
Address: 328 E. Commercial St., Springfield, MO 65803
Springfield Sculpture Walk
"Pantree" Sculpture by Mike Helbing
Not every city has a museum without walls. The Springfield Sculpture Walk is home to dozens of sculptures from artists around the world looking to make Springfield beautiful. Head to downtown Springfield to take a self-guided tour of the new sculptures. Keep an eye out for new sculptures each year, as the sculptures rotate to make room for new pieces.
Address: Downtown Springfield
Springfield Street Art
TCI Graphics Building
You won’t find a city anywhere in Missouri that is decorated with more street art than Springfield, Missouri. Home to Andrea Ehrhardt, a well-known artist who decorates Springfield with her work, she has made dozens of pieces with other artists all over the city from eggs and bacon to butterfly wings to rainbow umbrellas. Scour the city and take pictures with each piece you find. Read our post about 40+ Instagrammable Murals In Springfield to learn more.
Address: Springfield, Missouri