Springfield, Missouri Travel Guide: Things to Do, Eat & See
Updated: Oct 20
Springfield, Missouri might not be the first place that comes to mind when planning a weekend getaway, but there’s a lot more here than you might expect. From unique roadside stops and outdoor adventures to local restaurants and some seriously impressive attractions, Springfield makes for an easy Midwest road trip with plenty to fill a weekend. Whether you’re passing through on Route 66 or planning a trip specifically to explore the area, here are some of the best things to do, see, and eat in Springfield, Missouri.
Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden
After traveling to Japan earlier this year, we couldn’t pass up the chance to visit the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden while driving through Springfield! There is a small admission fee, but you can take as much time as you’d like strolling through the peaceful gardens.
You’ll find Japanese architecture, a traditional Zen garden, ponds, and information about Springfield’s sister city in Japan. There’s also plenty of wildlife—we spotted turtles and frogs, and you may even come across a snake or two! It’s such a peaceful little escape and definitely worth a stop while you’re in Springfield.
Springfield Botanical Gardens
The Springfield Botanical Gardens are such a peaceful place to explore! We loved walking through the beautifully landscaped grounds—it honestly felt like we had stepped somewhere completely different from Springfield, Missouri.
There are plenty of trees, walking trails, gardens, and a fun fountain to explore. It’s a great place to slow down, get outside, and spend an hour or two wandering around. Definitely worth adding to your Springfield itinerary!
While exploring the Springfield Botanical Gardens, make sure to stop by the butterfly house! It’s filled with multiple species of native butterflies, and there’s information throughout that teaches you about their different life stages.
Keep an eye out because you may spot everything from caterpillars and chrysalises to butterflies flying all around you. It’s a beautiful little experience and a fun addition to a visit to the gardens, especially if you’re traveling with kids!
Aviary by Lavender Falls
We stopped at Aviary by Lavender Falls for brunch while in Springfield and had such a great experience! Since they’re known for their crêpes, we had to start with one. They offer a mix of sweet and savory options, and we decided to go savory.
For our meals, he ordered the breakfast burger while I went with the shrimp and grits, and we both loved what we ordered. Everything was delicious, and the service was great from start to finish.
If you’re looking for a good brunch spot in the Springfield area—especially if you love crêpes—I’d definitely recommend checking out Aviary by Lavender Falls!
Dine at Café Cusco
Café Cusco was one of the biggest surprises of our time in Springfield! This Peruvian-inspired restaurant serves flavors that are definitely different from your typical Mexican spot.
We started with the queso, which came out bright yellow and almost mustard-colored—not what we expected, but it was incredible! The salsa was super fresh, and we shared the steak fajitas with flavorful sauces, rice, and beans that were all unique and delicious.
We also loved the atmosphere, with plants and colorful artwork throughout the restaurant. Definitely a Springfield spot worth trying!
World’s Largest Fork
You know I can’t pass up a quirky roadside attraction! Springfield is home to the World’s Largest Fork, a 35-foot-tall, 11-ton stainless steel fork tucked away on W. Chesterfield Street. It’s completely free to visit and only takes a few minutes, making it an easy and fun photo stop to add to your Springfield itinerary.
Springfield ended up being such a fun Missouri getaway with a little bit of everything—from quirky roadside stops and outdoor adventures to great local food. It’s an easy destination to turn into a weekend trip, but there’s enough to do that you could easily stay longer. If you’re looking for another Midwest destination to add to your travel list, Springfield is definitely worth exploring.
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