The expansive, multi-level Outdoor World is one of the top attractions in Springfield. It's a vast sporting goods store that offers every outdoor and sporting product imaginable, including a showcase of high quality fishing boats. More than just a store, however, it features wildlife exhibits, a freshwater aquarium, and the fine dining of Hemingway's Blue Water Cafe.
The Dickerson Park Zoo houses more than 500 animals, representing 160 different species from four continents. The zoo also participates in the Species Survival Plan, an effort to maintain genetically diverse and stable animal populations, with its successful Asian elephant, maned wolf and cheetah breeding programs.
The Discovery Center of Springfield is an interactive, hands-on museum committed to inspiring people of all ages with a life-long love of learning and an appreciation of the world and our place in it.
A two-story museum devoted to the best of Missouri Sports history, from baseball to tennis to auto racing.
Silver Dollar City 399 Indian Point Road, off of Highway 76 Branson, MO 1(800) 475-9370
The Springfield area's number one attraction, Silver Dollar City is an experience that takes you back to the pioneer world of the 1880's. It offers 17 amusement park rides, plus interesting attractions like Grandfather's Mansion and tours through Marvel Cave. But what makes Silver Dollar City unique is the wide variety of skilled craftsmen, restaurants, festivals and shows that make you feel like you're taking a walk through the 19th century.
This national battlefield commemorates the battle fought on the site on August 10, 1861 involving 5400 Union troops and 12,000 Confederates. The Union defeat set the stage for the Battle of Pea Ridge in 1862. Wilson's Creek was also the scene of the death of Nathaniel Lyon, the first Union general to be killed in combat. The site features a visitor's center that contains exhibits and a research library, and a 4.9-mile self-guided tour with eight stops at significant points of the battle. The national battlefield also hosts living history re-enactments of cavalry drills and soldier life during the year.
Wonders of Wildlife features many exciting exhibits, including a 220,000-gallon shark tank and a live otter pool. The wildlife museum houses 160 different animal species.