5 Best Places to Watch a Sunset

The Mound at Jordan Valley Park

Located off the corner of John Q. Hammons Parkway and Trafficway Street in Springfield.
Why We Love It:  Jordan Valley Park is built on a bit of an incline in the valley of Jordan Creek. The mound, really just a tall grassy hill, sits at the highest elevation in the whole place. It’s across the street from Hammons Field and Hammons Tower—two iconic Springfield landmarks you can take in from the spot, and you can see a little bit of downtown Springfield skyline. But at sunset, the magic happens when you turn to the west. With fountains, the water cascade, more grassy hills and some stone landscaping in sight, you can watch the glowing red-orange sun slowly set into the evening sky.

Recreational Area, Fellows Lake

Located west of Highway 65 at Highway C/Highway AA in Springfield.
Why We Love It: There’s a recreational area on the north side of Fellows Lake. It’s filled with several picnic sites, and there are a handful of spots where you can drive off the paved road and down to the water to see the sunset. All of these places offer great views that allow you to watch the reflection of the setting sun on the lake. If you’re up for it, head to the far west end of the recreational area at the park by the dam. There you’ll find a place to park, and you can walk and watch the sun set over beautiful Missouri landscape. Oh, and don’t forget your fishing pole (and fishing license) to keep you busy while you wait for the sun to
go down.

360 Hill at Hercules Glades Wilderness

Located in Mark Twain National Forest
Why We Love It: Tucked away in the Hercules Glades Wilderness in Mark Twain National Forest is a hill that avid local hikers and outdoors enthusiasts call 360 Hill. It earned this nickname for the great views it offers: You can see 360 degrees around you. If you’re looking to see a great sunset from this hill, take Highway 65 to Highway 160 and go through Forsyth and Kissee Mills. You’ll cross a bridge at Beaver Creek and continue a few miles more until you see a sign pointing to Coy Bald access to Hercules Glades. While you’ll see many great sunsets from Hercules Glades, the 360-degree view (our favorite spot) can be seen from the hill, located near Pilot Knob. From the Coy Bald Trailhead (which is off Highway 160), on Cross Timbers Road, take the Devils Den Trail toward Pilot Knob. 360 Hill is between the Lower Pilot Knob and Pilot Knob, which is between HG-5 and HG-6.5.

Grand Top Deck at Showboat Branson Belle

4800 Hwy. 165, Branson
Why We Love It: We all know that many beautiful views of Table Rock Lake can be seen while taking the two-hour dinner cruise on the Showboat Branson Belle. But if you really want a spectacular view of the sunset on one of our region’s most gorgeous lakes, we suggest heading to the grand top deck of the Showboat Branson Belle, where you get a view of the deep blue lake around you and a changing view of the beautiful sun setting in the wooded mountains and treetops.

Vantage Rooftop Lounge and Conservatory 

260 E. McDaniel St., Springfield
Why We Love It: V2, the newest addition to the historic Hotel Vandivort in downtown, boasts a rooftop lounge and conservatory, a full bar, skylight windows and an incredible panoramic view of Springfield. The rooftop venue, Vantage, is designed with classic art-deco in mind with a modern flare giving the space a unique character. Speaking of unique—where else can you go to see (and hear) an antique bell struck with a custom-made hammer at sunset? Check out our blog about attending the Vantage Rooftop Lounge and Conservatory's opening night.

This page was updated with new information—12-06-2019.