Things To Do in Springfield, MO

Three Day Itinerary for Groups in Springfield, MO

Springfield, Missouri, is a vibrant city that blends rich history, outdoor adventure, and modern attractions, making it a perfect destination for group travelers. Nestled in the heart of the Ozarks, Springfield offers a dynamic range of experiences—from exploring caves and scenic parks to immersing in the city’s storied past and indulging in unique local cuisine.

Whether you’re interested in a laid-back tour of historical landmarks or an action-packed outdoor excursion, Springfield has something for every type of traveler. Discover all the things to do in Springfield that make it a must-visit destination for your next group trip

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Wonders of Wildlife Exhibit in Springfield, MO

Enjoy These Attractions and More:

Route 66 Springfield Visitor Center
History Museum on the Square
Route 66 Car Museum
Wonders of Wildlife
Fantastic Caverns

Day-to-Day Springfield, Missouri Itinerary

Day 1 Gettin’ Your Kicks on Route 66 in Springfield, MO:

Kick off your trip with a day centered around the iconic Route 66, which was born right here in Springfield, Missouri. Begin the day on the earlier side in downtown Springfield at the Route 66 Springfield Visitor Center. Here you’ll be provided with just about anything you’ll need for your adventure from directions and maps to souvenirs and fun facts. With friendly staff thereto help answer questions and point you in the right direction, you’re sure to start your trip off on the right foot.

From there, just three minutes down the road is where you’ll stop at Rise for your first meal of the day. Rise is a locally owned, locally sourced restaurant that prioritizes good food made with good ingredients. Offering vegan and vegetarian options, there’s a little something for everyone on the menu.

Next on your list is the History Museum on the Square, which is right around the corner from Rise. You should arrive there at a perfect time after breakfast, as they open at 10 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 1p.m. on Sunday. Take a walk through the history of Springfield from ‘The Native Crossroads’ to ‘The Birthplace of Route 66’. Also be sure to check out their website for seasonal special exhibits.

Keep the historical vibes going with a delicious lunch at College Street Cafe. Step inside of the cafe’s old screen door and into the past in this classic, old fashioned checkered diner serving up classic favorites since the early ‘50s.

Now that your tank is full, cruise on over to the Route 66 Car Museum, Springfield’s only classic car collection located along Route 66. This showroom features over 75 classic cars, dating from the pre-war eras up to the present day.

From there, you’ll take a scenic drive out about 23 miles along Route 66 to Gary’s Gay Parita, a ‘30s Sinclair gas station full of antiques and signs from that time. This little gem will not only offer you a unique blast from the past, but also give you the opportunity to take in the sights of Route 66 that you’ve been learning about all day.

Check into your hotel and freshen up and then head out to dine at Civil Kitchen, a restaurant with a menu that is made entirely from scratch, right there in their kitchen. After dinner, get ready for a show at the historic Gillioz Theatre, established in 1926 and still offering movie screenings and live shows.

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Day 2 Exploring the Great Outdoors in Springfield, Missouri:

After a little breakfast at Aviary Cafe, get your blood pumping with a few swings over at Big Shots Golf. Big Shots offers 56 individual boxes equipped with virtual golf games with levels for every player’s skill level, from long drive to knockout. Big Shots also offers lawn games such as ping pong and fire pits to hang out around with your friends and family.

Once you’ve worked up your hunger, dine ‘under the sea’ at Hemingway’s for lunch. Named after Ernest Hemingway for the owner’s love for his works on and off the boat, the restaurant is located inside of the country’s largest Bass Pro Shops. Inside, you’re able to dine amongst a 30,000-gallon saltwater aquarium and historical memorabilia including a photo of Hemingway showing when he caught the largest marlin to date back in 1935. Connected to the Bass Pro Shops, Wonders of Wildlife features an immersive educational experience with information on over 800 species of wildlife and aquatic life.

The wildlife exhibit features 4D dioramas that offer a fully immersive experience while educating on the importance of wildlife. These exhibits include national parks, sheep mountain, polar expedition and polar cove and more. Within the aquarium, you’ll find yourself up close and personal with live aquatic life, both saltwater and freshwater.

Find yourself over at Lambert’s for dinner to indulge in some of their famous Hot Rolls. For almost twelve hours straight each day these little rolls are made fresh and served hot. More than 2 million rolls were served last year from Lambert’s, and you’ll want to be sure you get in on the action this year.

On top of those flavorful hot rolls, Lambert’s offers traditional Southern cooking like their country fried round steaks and their ‘Somethin’ Southern’ dish. After dinner, swing over to Hammons Field and catch a Springfield Cardinals baseball game. The Springfield Cardinals are a double A minor league affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, so you’ll still get the same amount of fun, but at a fraction of the cost of the majors!

To end off the night with a sweet treat, stop on over to Andy’s Frozen Custard, which has been a local favorite since 1986.

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Day 3 Springfield’s Very Own

Your last day visiting Springfield is going to be centered all around the city itself packed full of all of the unique things to Springfield. Begin your day with breakfast at Gailey’s, kicking off the unique itinerary with a great start. Gailey’s was in operation as a fountain drug store since 1942 and a stand alone cafe for most of the 2000s. The fountain drug store was created from the Gailey’s love and excitement about owning their own after their love story bloomed within one during their childhood. Check out their distinct and delicious menu and share the love for the old store downtown.

Fantastic Caverns is the next ride in your day of fun, literally. Fantastic Caverns is the only ride-through cave tour in the country. Guests will embark on a 55-minute, ride-along tour of the wondrous caverns of Missouri in a Jeep tram car. Explore the awe-inspiring caverns without ever having to leave your seat!

Dickerson Park Zoo has been a landmark in Springfield since 1923. A 1.2-mile trail showcases 450 different animals like kangaroos, macaws, otters, elephants and more.

Now that your appetite is surely running wild, head on over to Pizza House, which has been hand rolling pizza in Springfield since 1958.

Save a little room for dessert after your lunch and swing on over to tour one of the first craft chocolate factories in the United States: Askinosie. On the tour you’ll learn all about the unique process of crafting these delicious treats!

Antiquing is plentiful in Springfield as well with dozens of shops showcasing all of the little treasures from every era. The Vintage Peddler is an eclectic, vintage shop that showcases home decor, furniture and knickknacks. Gilmore’s Tea Room is a little more modern with their collection of clothing and jewelry, but their unique tea room adds a new twist on your shopping experience.

Leong’s Asian Diner is an iconic spot that serves Springfield-style cashew chicken, a well-known and well-loved dish by all Springfield natives, as well as those such as yourself passing through!