Five Places to Find Fall Colors in Southwest Missouri

Ha Ha Tonka State Park

If you want to turn your fall-color tour into a road trip, Ha Ha Tonka State Park doesn’t just have beautiful scenery, but some unique sights, too. Ha Ha Tonka is home to the ruins of a turn-of-the-century stone castle, originally built by a businessman from Kansas City. Take a look at some spectacular photos and read more about Ha Ha Tonka here.

Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden

One of the top places to relax within Springfield’s city limits is the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden. Not only will you find yourself in peaceful surroundings (which, let’s be honest, we all need right now) but you’ll be surrounded by some gorgeous Japanese-style landscaping—perfect for an autumn date night. Keep in mind the gardens close for the year at the end of October.

Table Rock Lake

Hikes, strolls and drives are all well and good, but how about admiring the colors of fall from the water? Table Rock Lake is a must-visit if you want to capture that incredible fall feeling that you can only find in the Ozarks. Plus there are a few more exciting ways to make the most of the lake if you don’t feel like just floating. Take a look at a quick round-up of ways to enjoy Table Rock Lake in the fall.

Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area

For a chance to enjoy unspoiled hidden Ozarks wilderness just a short drive south of Springfield, trek to Branson to visit the Ruth & Paul Henning Conservation Area. After you arrive at the parking lot, make the scenic overlook your first stop, and take in a gorgeously sprawling Ozarks vista. Then embark on a short hike to the top of the 40-foot lookout tower to see a panoramic view of the rolling White River Hills. There are plenty of hiking options at this 1,534-square-foot park. At Ruth & Paul Henning Conservation Area, you can find 5.6 miles of hiking trails that wind through steep hills covered with oak and hickory trees. Dispersed between the trees are a series of scenic glades and open desert-like regions that locals call balds. In fact, after the Civil War, an infamous vigilante group met on these balds and earned themselves the name “The Baldknobbers.” Learn about the history of the land when you view historical ruins of homesteads while you are hiking. Francis Skalicky, media specialist for the Branson Department of Conservation, recommends giving yourself an early start to the day by waking up and driving to the conservation area in the morning to watch the sunrise from the parking lot of the scenic overlook. The overlook offers a postage stamp view of everything Branson ever was and everything Branson is today.