A Weekend in Springfield

Voted “Best New Attraction” and “Best Aquarium” in 2017 by USA Today readers, WOW (as we like to call it) continues to impress. Stroll through the Wildlife Galleries before making your way into the ever-evolving aquarium, which includes fish, reptiles, mammals and more.  

Learn about Wild Bill Hickok’s famed duel, the city’s role during the Civil War and what makes Springfield the Birthplace of Route 66.

Perfect for a visit anytime of the year, the cave stays a comfortable 60 degrees. Discover underground wonders via the convenience of a Jeep-pulled tram.   

From Missouri’s own mountain lions and river otters to Asian elephants and African giraffes, native and exotic animals call this 70-acre zoo home.

A great place to learn, discover and play, this science museum allows kids to ride a HighWire bike, dig for a dinosaur and explore the anatomy of an eyeball – all in the name of education!

Encompassing 207-acres, this park will give you a taste of farm life. Kids can climb the farm-themed playground equipment, visit critters in the animal barn or expend energy on a one-mile paved trail. Guests can also rent fishing equipment to try their hand at catch-and-release fishing March through October (fishing license not required). 

Commercial Street is home to a variety of local shops that will have you driving away with bags of goodies. Find award-winning chocolates at Askinosie Chocolate, accessories and knickknacks at Ms. Gilmore’s Tearoom & Vintage Suitcase Emporium, and exotic aromas and flavors at Chabom Teas + Spices. When hunger strikes, local favorites like Lindberg’s Tavern, Café Cusco and Van Gogh’s Eeterie are within sight.

Missouri’s largest antique mall offers 90,000 square feet of floor space to browse countless antiques and collectibles. If you want to make a day of it, the on-site café is open for lunch Monday through Saturday.

This historic theater in downtown Springfield offers entertainment-filled evenings. Take in the sounds of talented musicians, laugh out loud at traveling comedians or join the live audience during a taping of The Mystery Hour, a four-time Emmy Award winning late night talk show.

Immerse yourself in a community production at the historic Landers Theatre, which has been in operation since 1909. The upcoming season includes Disney favorites, iconic movie-turned-plays and even a ballet. 

Located on the campus of Missouri State University, the performing arts center presents a full schedule of Broadway shows, concerts, dance performances, children’s shows, lecture series and art exhibits.

Consistently voted as having the “Best Breakfast” in Springfield by 417 Magazine, the restaurant’s inviting atmosphere and diner food keep people coming back for more.

The restaurant is known for their crepes – both sweet and savory options are available. Other menu items include soups, salads and sandwiches. Check out their two locations - downtown and in the Farmer's Park area. 

Serving à la carte fare, the restaurant specializes in gourmet burgers. Be sure to order sweet potato, truffle ‘n’ parmesan or smoked fries as a side, and leave room for dessert. Their shakes – offered plain and boozy – are not to be missed.

Home of the “Throwed Roll” – yes, the servers toss warm buns at you – the restaurant is located less than 30 minutes south of Springfield in Ozark. Known for their “pass arounds” (think free apps) and substantial portion sizes, Lambert’s has quickly become a traditional stop for many families.  

Open Mic Night is held at 8 p.m. every Thursday and Sunday, free of cover charge. Revel in the show or sign up ahead of time to hop onstage and perform your own set. On select dates, professional comedians are in-house, and tickets can be purchased for those shows.

Springfield's first and only spirit house. Each spirit is meticulously crafted to be a celebration of Missouri. From Midwest-grown ingredients to locally-made barrels, they pour a little bit of home into each batch. Missouri Spirits is a place for local spirit drinkers to call their own.

This upscale boutique hotel in downtown Springfield is conveniently located near trendy shops, popular restaurants and countless nightlife options. Don’t feel like going out? Try The Order, the hotel’s award-winning restaurant and bar. And don’t forget to take your #HotelVandivortBathroomSelfie. Really. It’s a thing.

Once an iconic motor court during the heyday of Route 66, the BW Rail Haven preserves a facade of Americana in the 21^st Century. Stay in the Elvis Suite, a themed-room – featuring a Cadillac bed – where the famous singer once slept.

Part of the Ascend Hotel Collection, the Oasis Hotel offers an array of amenities – indoor and outdoor swimming pools, complimentary breakfast, free WiFi, free parking – perfect for any overnight guest. A cold drink takes on a new meaning at the in-house Fire & Ice Restaurant and Bar, where the Ice Bar will keep your beverage of choice chilled to perfection.