Springfield was founded in 1829 by John Campbell who carved his initials in an ash tree near four springs. Many historic houses and buildings can be seen along Walnut Street and in the mid-town district.
Military history exhibits at the Air & Military Museum of Ozarks includes aircraft frames, military vehicles, airplane and ship models, and equipment.
Address: Air & Military Museum of Ozarks, 2305 East Kearney Street, Springfield, MO 65803-4617, United States
Phone: 1 (417) 864-7997, Fax: 1 (417) 882-0188
The Dickerson Park Zoo is home to more than 340 animals representing 120 species. It has been recognized for its successful Asian elephant, cheetah and maned wolf breeding programs.
Hours:
April 1 to September 30: 9am-5pm
October 1 to March 31: 10am-4pm
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Springfield is home to the Discovery Center with interactive displays including a child-size town where children can write for a newspaper, anchor a newscast, withdraw play money, or shop at the market.
Address: Discovery Center, 438 East Saint Louis Street, Springfield, MO 65806-2312, United States
Phone: 1 (417) 862-9910, Fax: 1 (417) 862-6898
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Memorial Day - USA (last Monday, May ), Labor Day - USA (1st Monday, September), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25), Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24), Easter - Christian
Fantastic Caverns was discovered by a farmer in 1862 and explored by twelve women in 1867, who answered a newspaper ad seeking explorers. In the 1920s it was outfitted with a dance floor. In the 1960s and 70s it was a country music theater. Visitors tour the caves in jeep-drawn trams.
Hours:
January 1 to February 26: 8am-4pm
February 27 to March 12: 8am-6pm
March 13 to April 30: 8am-7pm
May 1 to August 15: 8am-8pm
August 16 to September 6: 8am-7pm
September 7 to October 31: 8am-6pm
November 1 to December 31: 8am-4pm
Always closed on: Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Tips: Group rates are extended to groups of 20 or more.
The Gray/Campbell Farmstead, the oldest house in Springfield, is an example of a pioneer farmstead. The log kitchen, two-crib barn, log granary, family cemetery are furnished with Civil War artifacts.
Address: Gray/Campbell Farmstead, 2400 South Scenic Avenue, Springfield, MO 65807-3220, United States
Phone: 1 (417) 862-6293, Fax: 1 (417) 865-9176
The History Museum for Springfield is housed in the historic City Hall, built in 1894. The permanent collections include regional books, documents and over 20,000 photographs.
Address: History Museum for Springfield - Greene County, 830 North Boonville Avenue, Springfield, MO 65802-3832, United States
Phone: 1 (417) 864-1976, Fax: 1 (417) 864-2019
A centerpiece of the Japanese Stroll Garden is the Moon Bridge which spans Reflective Lake, home to colorful koi fish. The tea house and moon bridge are unique to a Japanese garden.
Hours:
April 1 to October 31: 11am-7:30pm; Closed: Tue, Wed
Sports memorabilia at the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame represents Missouri teams and players along with a broadcast booth and pitching cage.
Address: Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, 3861 East Stan Musial Drive, Springfield, MO 65809-4644, United States
Phone: 1 (417) 889-3100, Fax: 1 (417) 889-2761
Springfield Conservation Nature Center is home to natural history exhibits, hunting and fishing as well as wildlife that can be found among the 80 acres of forests, fields and creeks.
The Springfield Little Theatre and Landers Theatre has been preserved and restored to its Renaissance/Napoleon architectural style. It now offers civic theatre, ballet and regional opera companies.
Address: Springfield Little Theatre and Landers Theatre, 311 East Walnut Street, Springfield, MO 65806, United States
Phone: 1 (417) 869-1334, Fax: 1 417869404
Three thousand wild and exotic animals as well as rare birds from around the world are found throughout Wild Animal Safari. Visitors can take a bus tour or drive-through to see camels, wildebeest, hyenas, tigers and so much more.
Address: Wild Animal Safari, 124 Jungle Drive, Strafford, MO 65757-8100, United States
Phone: 1 (417) 859-5300, Fax: 1 (417) 859-5310
5,400 Union troops and 12,000 Confederates fought on the site of Wilson's Creek National Battlefield on August 10, 1861. The Confederates were victorious but this battle led to more fighting in Missouri.
The Wilson's Creek Civil War Museum houses artifacts including the sword belt and sash of Arkansas General Patrick Cleburne.
Civil War cannon at Wilson's Creek National Battlefield.
Address: Wilson's Creek National Battlefield, 6424 West Farm Road 182, Republic, MO 65738-9514, United States
Phone: 1 (417) 732-2662, Fax: 1 (417) 732-1167
Hours:
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Wonders of Wildlife highlights the fishing and hunting heritage of the nation as well as emphasizing conservation of natural resources. Exhibits include 160 species of live animals and aquariums.
Address: Wonders of Wildlife, 500 West Sunshine Street, Springfield, MO 65807, United States
Phone: 1 (417) 890-9453, Fax: 1 (417) 890-9278