Some people call it Springvegas or the "Las Vegas of the Midwest". Some people call it Vegas for older people. Whatever you call it, I call it home. And I have gathered up a few of my favorite things to do, and things that I think a tourist should visit while they're in town.
Wonders of Wildlife - Springfield
Johnny Morris' Wonders of Wildlife museum and aquarium is a must see for everyone and will be especially appealing to the fisher, hunter, or child under six in your life.
This amazing detail oriented museum and aquarium was under construction for nearly ten years and has been drawing in the crowds every day since its opening date of September 21, 2017.
For the price of $44, your family can spend the next three hours completely emerged in the world of the sea, the lake, and the land. You'll run into everything from jellyfish, to penguins, to sloths and you will enjoy every second of it.
Titanic Museum - Branson
The Titanic Museum is one of the most incredible things I have seen when it comes to history. This museum delves you into the world of what it was actually like to be on the Titanic before and during the sinking of the ship. They take you through the different rooms that different classes of people slept in.
They show you what they would've eaten, where they would've done laundry and so much more. And to make it even better, the whole thing is interactive! While standing in front of a specific exhibit, if you would like more information, you just press a button on the speaker they give you before guiding you through. If you're feeling extra extravagant, you can even book a tea party with a group of people!
Silver Dollar City - Branson
If by now you're tired of museums and you need somewhere to get the energy out, Silver Dollar City is your place to go. This old-timey amusement park with very modern rides will twist, turn, and spin you back in time and make you forget about everything going on in the 21st century.
If the old-time bluegrass music and freshly baked cinnamon rolls aren't enough to get you there, then how about the world's tallest roller coaster? How about a dupe of Disney's Splash Mountain?
How about the shows, the smells, the splashes. There is an endless amount of fun to be had at Siver Dollar City, and if you time it right you could even catch the beautiful Christmas display that they put on every year. That alone is worth a whole trip within itself.
Nathanael Green Park - Springfield
I know exactly what you're thinking, but Nathanael Greene isn't "just a park", it is one of the most beautiful places that Springfield, Missouri has to offer. Especially in the springtime. This park goes far beyond what the eye can see including a cave, a hidden running river, and plenty of trails for biking or hiking.
This is a place to spend hours and hours of your day exploring and finding new spots to just sit and watch. I love to climb all the rocks and ignore the paths and just completely get lost in both the park and the beauty of nature. To make it even more appealing, there is a welcome center with restrooms, dogs absolutely everywhere, a play area for the kids, and tables for a picnic.
Discover Center - Springfield
The Discovery Center is also a must see. While it is technically aimed toward the younger kids, who says you can't have a little fun? This place offers so many things and open kids eyes to the world of science and maybe even some things they would've never discovered.
There is a giant bubble machine, a lab to learn how to test DNA, a bed of nails, a toilet water fountain, and so much more. I always enjoy my visits here no matter how old I get. It's just one of those places that you must see if you're in the area.
Butterfly Palace - Branson
The Butterfly Palace is absolutely breathtaking (unless you're scared of butterflies, of course). It has been quite a long time since I have been here, but I remember being absolutely in love with it. They teach you about butterflies, show you a short film, and to top it all off, they take you into a room that is swarming with butterflies.
It's completely common to have a butterfly land on you in this room. This is an experience like no other that you aren't going to get anywhere else, so go ahead and have a look for yourself!
First Friday Art Walk - Springfield
Now, let me start off with the fact that this isn't a place, but is an event that happens every first Friday of the month in downtown Springfield. This event brings out hundreds of people every time and never fails to be so much fun. The weather is beautiful, there are people with their dogs, you get to explore local art and local business, and a lot of restaurants downtown will have specific specials just for that night.
If you love feeling a sense of community and you love art, I suggest you come out to the first Friday art walk. Springfield, Missouri has a lot to offer and is the home to a lot of amazing people. Get to know it a little more by diving into everything that is the local arts and business of this amazing town. Plus, nothing beats a Missouri sunset.
