Who knew that Missouri had such an underrated travel destination in Springfield? Right in the heart of the Ozarks, this place combines the adventure of the outdoors, a rich backstory in American history, and some interesting attractions worth seeing for first-time visitors.

While working a seasonal job just south of Springfield for the summer, I was able to visit several times on day trips. You can accomplish a lot in such a short amount of time there. Here are just some of the top highlights we recommend as you pass through.

Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium

This is the top attraction in Springfield and the most visited in the entire region. What sets it apart is that it combines conservation efforts, aquatic habitats, natural history, art and photography, and wildlife displays all under one massive roof. Take your time, and you will be here for several hours, but who’s complaining?

You’ll learn about the history and efforts of one of America’s greatest conservationists, Theodore Roosevelt, in a recreation of his cabin home. From there, you will see wildlife from around the world in different diorama environments as you make your way through the museum. First, you are in the heart of North America’s National Parks, then onto the African savannah and the polar Arctic.

Once you are finished on the wildlife side of the museum, it’s a direct walk over to the aquarium. Mimicking the fish’s natural habitats through the two-story exhibit of the Open Ocean, which is right after the entrance, is a real treat and the largest here, with its 360-degree view and hundreds of thousands of gallons of water.

I have two other recommended exhibits. In Shipwreck Reef, the artificial reefs created to replace natural coral represent conservation efforts for the reef’s inhabitants. Here you can pet stingrays in the touch pool on the bottom floor. Across the rope bridge and the dark lighting of Swamp at Night, it almost feels like you’re in the bayou with these nocturnal creatures. The birds of prey sanctuary helps care for the injured animals, such as owls, that are no longer able to survive in the wild. Underwater, you can observe the largest gator species in the world as well as other mammals and reptiles.

The whole visit will take several hours, and the ticket costs a bit on the expensive side, but it’s definitely worth it for what you get to see and experience.

Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World

If you don’t feel like spending money on a ticket for the museum and aquarium, there is still plenty to see. Attached is the “Grandaddy of All Outdoor Stores,” the original and flagship Bass Pro Shop, founded in Springfield. You will find aisles upon aisles of hunting, camping, outdoor gear, and boating products. At one end is an indoor river, and wildlife displays are placed throughout the building. But there are also free little exhibits to see, such as the National Archery Hall of Fame.

Route 66

Every traveler who drives the American highways talks about the famous road from Chicago to Los Angeles. And Springfield is considered the “Birthplace of Route 66,” both in its official naming and as a popular stop along the way. So you can enjoy the experience and its historical context in many different ways.

Check out the classic vintage and sports cars on a showroom floor at the Route 66 Car Museum. The Gary’s Gay Parita is an old-timey gas station turned dedicated shrine to Route 66, filled with memorabilia. If you’re short on time, take a self-guided tour provided by the local tourism board. Or simply enjoy the artistic murals, signs, and other roadside attractions in this part of Missouri on your drive home.

Ozark Lakes

Outside the city, lakes are surrounded by scenic forests and limestone bluffs, showcasing some of Missouri’s natural beauty. These outdoor escapes are perfect for nature lovers and families. Several lakes are less than an hour’s drive from Springfield. Lake Springfield is good for fishing and paddleboarding. Fellows Lake has some good hiking trails around and is perfect for swimming with calm waters. Lake Taneycomo has a scenic waterfront and is a good choice to rent a boat for some sightseeing.

Fantastic Caverns

The only fully ride-through cave tour in all of North America, it’s easy without all the hiking and walking, making it a great way to cool down from the humidity by being underground for about an hour. The tram tour will take you through this natural attraction of an underground river, explaining its history from its original discovery to its use as a prohibition-era speakeasy to its preservation today. You will learn about the geological cave formations of stalagmites, columns, and stalactites from your local guide.

Where to Eat in Springfield

You might have driven here with certain expectations about what the food is like. But unexpectedly, Springfield has a solid food scene, with both Ozark dishes and international cuisine from Peruvian to Italian. There is even a unique city-recognized local specialty, Springfield-style cashew chicken, along with another locally created self-guided trail through several restaurants that serve this tasty dish. Outside of Springfield, several farms and vineyards offer outdoor ambiance and multiple-course menus. So you have plenty of options to pick from in a single day, or if you decide to extend your stay.

Conclusion

Spending time here, I was able to get several memorable experiences, as I’m sure you will too. Even if you are just passing through, it’s worth a visit, as this place offers something for the many different travelers on the road.