Story Ideas
Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium
Wonders of Wildlife is one of the largest, most immersive conservation attractions in the world. The 315,000-square-foot experience recreates natural environments inviting visitors to become fully embraced in a diversity of textures, colors, lighting, sounds and smells of nature from swamps to rainforests. This amazing attraction opened in September 2017 and readers of a USA Today 10Best poll selected it as The Best New Attraction in 2017 and in 2019 it earned the distinction of Best Aquarium.
Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World
You haven’t been to Bass Pro until you’ve seen the Springfield store, the first and largest in the country. Giant aquariums, free museums, a waterfall and more are just a few of the things you’ll see.
Route 66 Car Museum
The Route 66 Car Museum on “The Mother Road” allows patrons to see two Rolls Royces, the 1926 Hudson used in “The Grapes of Wrath,” eight Jaguars, the Zombie Protection Truck from the movie series “Resident Evil,” a one-cylinder 1907 REO, a Gotham Cruiser and many other unique vehicles in excellent condition.
Hotel Vandivort
Opened in 2015, this boutique hotel features the latest in design and amenities. More than a hotel, public areas are designed to function as downtown’s living room. Whether you’re meeting for a drink or looking for a spot to plug in and get some work done, enjoy the creative culture and social vibrancy.
Civil War Museum
Remodeling of the Civil War Museum at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield was recently completed. New exhibits, dioramas, maps and more offer ways to learn about the country’s history.
Laura Ingalls Wilder Home & Museum
The new building at Rocky Ridge Farm is home to many of the same exhibits from the original museum built in 1973 but now they’re presented with proper lighting and display cases. The museum holds the most comprehensive collection of Ingalls/Wilder memorabilia in the world.
The Cave State
There’s a reason Missouri is known as the cave state. About 6,000 have been discovered, including Fantastic Caverns, the only cave in North America large enough to ride through, and Smallin Civil War Cave, featuring the largest cave opening in the state. Both are just outside Springfield. Ask us about Riverbluff Cave!
The Great Outdoors
Southwest Missouri is rife with rivers, lakes, streams and forests perfect for any outdoor enthusiast who enjoys fishing, camping, hunting, birdwatching, canoeing, hiking, mountain biking, skiing and plenty of other outdoor activities.
Branson
Just 35 miles south of Springfield, enjoy all the shows, theme parks and fun of the tourist town. Springfield and Branson are the perfect mix of metropolitan charisma and midwestern charm.
Route 66
Get your kicks at the annual Birthplace of Route 66 Festival, explore the Route 66 Springfield Visitor Center and check out the other historic sites in Springfield, the city where “The Mother Road” was born.
Free Things to Do
There are plenty of free things to do around the city that cost nothing!
Iconic Restaurants
When in Springfield, eating out is more than a way to fuel the body; it’s an event. That’s especially true at some of the city’s unique dining establishments where charm, character, history and great food are the ingredients that make up a recipe for fun family memories.
Vantage Rooftop Lounge
For an elegant night on the town, Vantage Rooftop Lounge & Conservatory is Springfield's newest rooftop bar. Opened in 2019, it offers a spectacular view of downtown from atop V2, the expansion of Hotel Vandivort. With beautiful European Art Deco style and live greenery inside and a mix of soft seating outside, including private cabanas, the Vantage is sure to become a favorite for locals and travelers alike.
And More!
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