Pride Journey Outdoors: Springfield, Missouri

As the pulse of the Ozarks, Springfield, Missouri is rooted in the celebration of family, friends and life’s genuine moments. A regional hub with large city amenities and small town hospitality, the city is commitment towards creating moments that make life big and full. With intriguing attractions, a diverse culinary scene, unique shopping and an ode to classic Americana heritage, Springfield is a destination you will enjoy exploring this summer.

Ozark Greenways

Established in 1991 as a non-profit, volunteer organization, Ozark Greenways began with the mission of establishing 100 miles of greenway trails around the town and supporting development of inner city on-street bike routes, all for the purpose of maintaining and improving our community’s quality of life. Embraced and supported by the populace, the system of maintained greenways that follow natural streams, abandoned railroad beds and other available rights-of-way virtually surrounds the greater metro area, connecting hikers, bikers, runners and skaters on accessible trails to many of the city’s outstanding parks and public-use features. The public-private partnership of Ozark Greenway’s dedicated volunteer force with the city’s urban planning staff has become a model of success that many other small to mid-size cities are now hoping to emulate.

Springfield Conservation Nature Center

Walking trails through a variety of landscapes will put you back in touch with Mother Earth at the Springfield-Conservation Nature Center. A stroll along the paved trails will reveal wildflowers, native trees and other flora along with a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, turkeys, squirrels, birds, fish, turtles, ducks, insects and more. The nature center is always free and most trails are wheelchair accessible.

Nathaneal Greene/Close Memorial Park Park

The 113-acre Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park is home to Springfield Botanical Gardens, consistently rated as one of Springfield's top attractions on TripAdvisor. Features dozens of themed gardens, including hosta, daylilies, Asiatic lilies, iris, peonies, roses, dwarf conifers, ornamental grasses, native plants and more. The park also includes the Dr. Bill K. Roston Native Butterfly House (April-October), Gray-Campbell Farmstead (oldest cabin in Springfield) Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden, Lake Drummond. The park connects to South Creek Greenway and includes several other paved walking trails. Located across the road from Horton Smith Golf Course. Start your tour at the Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center, where you will find restrooms, gift shop and friendly staff.

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Photos Courtesy of Springfield, Missouri, Convention & Visitors Bureau

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