The Ozark Traveler

Your Online Tourism Guide to the Ozarks

Where to Go, What to Do, & Places to Stay in the Ozark Mountains

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  • SW Missouri
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  • North Central Arkansas
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    • Especially for Kids
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  • Things to Do in the Ozarks
    • Antique Stores Around the Ozarks
    • Especially for Kids
    • Mountain Biking in the Ozarks Region
    • Fishing and Boating in the Ozarks
    • Haunted Ozarks
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    • Spas
    • Springs and Gardens
  • Places to Go in the Ozarks
    • Caves
    • Forests and State Parks
    • Galleries
    • Historic Sites of the Ozarks
    • Lakes and Rivers of the Ozarks
    • Theaters and Nightlife
    • Wines-Microbreweries-Chocolate
    • Zoos and Animal Parks
japanese stroll garden springfield mo

Springfield Public Gardens Connect You With Nature

Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park

More civilized than an Ozark forest, but a far cry from the typical city park, this place is one of our favorite nature spots. Twenty-one gardens, each one prettier than the last, and trees both native and introduced. Geese and herons inhabit the ponds. You'll go home inspired by the lovely landscaping.

Be sure to stop at the Butterfly House! Volunteer docents share information about these delicate creatures while you admire native butterflies of the Ozarks region up close, from caterpillar through the entire life cycle.

Also located in theĀ  park, the Gray-Campbell Farmstead is the oldest house in town, with educational displays and programs for visitors. The docents are knowledgeable and very entertaining.

Don't leave without a walk through the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden. With winding paths, ponds, classic Japanese gardening, arched bridges, pagoda, and a meditation garden, it feels worlds away from city noise and traffic. 2400 S. Scenic Ave, Springfield. 417-891-1515. For more information, hours and special events, click here.

Xeriscape Demonstration Garden

Take a self-guided tour of this low water garden and get some planting ideas to keep yard pretty while conserving water. National Ave and Linwood St. 417-881-8909

Where To Go

  • NW Arkansas
  • SW Missouri
  • North Central Arkansas

What To Do

  • Especially for Kids
  • Haunted Ozarks
  • Antiques

Places to Stay

  • Bed and Breakfasts
  • Pet Friendly Lodgings in the Ozarks

Things To Do

  • Springs and Gardens
  • Zoos and Animal Parks
  • Forests and State Parks

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