Free Places to Visit in Springfield, MO

Next stop, Springfield, Missouri, where family, friends, and countless unforgettable moments are celebrated. If you are looking to visit at any time in the near future and you are trying to save a little bit of cash, here are some places that you can go to for free (or for really cheap):

Route 66 Springfield Visitor Center

We will start our adventure at the Route 66 Visitor Center.

If you’re new to the area, it is the best place to stop by first. They will provide maps, guides, directions, and a lot of other information to ensure that you can see and experience all of the fun things Springfield has to offer.

Location: 815 E. St. Louis St., Suite 100, Springfield, MO

Springfield Botanical Gardens

Next on our list of places to visit in the Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park. With 113 acres to explore, you will have to come back on your next trip; there is so much to see and do here.

With dozens of gardens with many different flowers, walking trails, and Dr. Bill K. Roston’s Butterfly House, you will never get bored.

The park also connects to many walking trails.

Wear your best outdoor shoes and gear because you’ll want to stay awhile.

Location: 2400 S Scenic Ave, Springfield, MO

Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden

The Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden is located at the Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park.

It is only open from April through October, which means it is the perfect weather to take a stroll. Shorts, t-shirt, and good walking shoes, what better way to take a stroll through a Japanese garden?

Here you can view a koi lake, a Japanese tea house, and the traditional landscaping over 7.5 acres. If you’ve ever wanted to go to Japan but can’t find the funds, this is the place to go get that tranquil Japanese feeling.

It’s also the Park’s oldest attraction.

It is a beautiful place and would be a good place to take children so they can witness some of the beauty that is Japanese culture.

Askinosie Chocolate

Ah, chocolate. A decadent candy, bringing smiles to millions of people every day.

While they offer a tour of their factory, it is not free but tickets cost no more than $5 for adults and $4 for children.

It would be a great place to take your family. You get to see how they make their chocolate, sample some delicious treats along the way, and get a 10% discount in their store afterwards (only valid for the day of the tour).

It’s almost like going on a real-life Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory tour, only without all of the odd side effects.

Location: 514 E. Commercial Springfield, MO

Archery Hall of Fame

How many sports can you name that have a Hall of Fame? How many famous people can you name that have a spot on the wall in the Hall of Fame of their respective sports?

The Archery Hall of Fame came to life in the early 1970’s when a group of archers threw out the idea years before.

It’s a preservation of history and history has an amazing story to tell. Archery is one of those lesser talked about sports but one that should still have it’s story told.

Archery is a kind of elegant sport, quiet and smooth.

Stop by and walk through decades of archers and read about how they shaped the sport.

Location: 1935 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, MO -Upper Floor of the Bass Pro Outdoor World

Battle of Springfield Tour

Take a walk through history with the Battle of Springfield Tour.

The Battle of Springfield was a battle fought during the civil war in 1863.

The tour is self-guided and free.

Wouldn’t it be interesting to see history that happened 200 years ago up close and personal?

Located in downtown Springfield.

Springfield Conservation Nature Center

One last place where you can enjoy the great outdoors. They offer tours, bird watching, and over 3 miles of trails to hike.

You can learn about the wildlife and plants of Springfield.

Conservation Centers are the best places to get educated about the wildlife and plants of the are you are in.

Location: 4601 S Nature Center Way, Springfield, MO

So, whether you’re just passing through Springfield or planning a vacation, these are just some of the places that you could enjoy.