Things To Do
Bass Pro Shops
An outdoor lover's paradise. This location is the first, biggest, grandest, and simply best Bass Pro Shop. Come for a new water bottle. Leave with a boat, a fly rod, a duck decoy, and new set of knives.
Lake Springfield
Ben and Sarah have spent many peaceful and reflective evenings here. Long ago, Ben spent many afternoons running the park's hills and the valleys training for high school distance running. Come for a nice walk in a green oasis in the middle of the city. The deer are abundant and very friendly.
Silver Dollar City
Are you tired of modern entertainment? Need some authentic, back to basics fun? Look no further than the best amusement park in the lower 48. Step back into the 1800's to see glass blowers, blacksmiths, and saloon shows live and in the flesh. Go early in the morning to beat the lines at Wildfire and Powder Keg. In need of a spinal adjustment? Stop by Thunderation for the roughest, most nostalgic ride you'll find anywhere. Need a cheat day on your diet? Grab a gluttonous funnel cake coated in powdered sugar to entice the senses, and the arteries.
Commercial Street Historic District
In Springfield's early days, Commercial Street was the mecca of retail, banking, and trading. Ben's maternal grandmother Betty Hauser Bigbee worked at Wilson's Furniture in this corridor for many years in the late 40's. Subsequent to the post-war flight to the suburban edges, this district saw a meaningful decline in activity. The city has since invested meaningful money in revitalizing this stretch, and it now boasts a bustling collection of eclectic shops, art galleries, and really quality restaurants. Come find some fun history scattered about as well.
Yum Yum Bowl
Please don't leave town without getting an order of Cashew Chicken from one of our fine establishments. Originating in Springfield, this midwest twist on Chinese food is simply delightful.
Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area
For the bold and the brave. Busiek is a wonderfully rugged state forest about 25 minutes south of Springfield. Trails are blazed and cut but not always well maintained. For those seeking a taste of pure Ozarks nature... this is the place.
Fassnight Farm
Ben's Uncle "farmer Dan" owns and operates this local vegetable and flower farm. Choose from okra, sweet corn, zinnias, cockscomb, succulents, and by September, boot heel peaches and melons will be abundant. Say hi to the farm dogs, Sassafras, Nala, and the new kid on the block, Otis. We promise this will be worth the stop.