52 Perfect Saturdays in the Ozarks

We don’t want you to spend any of the year’s Saturdays catching up on your honey-do list. Instead, grab your favorite people and your favorite tunes (we've made a Spotify playlist if you need some help picking the right ones), and head out to explore the giant playground that is southwest Missouri. Read on for your guide to filling each weekend with new adventures—from revisiting tried-and-true local favorites to discovering all the hidden nooks and crannies peppered around our beautiful Ozarks.

1. Visit Bentonville, Arkansas

Find It: 2 hours southwest of Springfield
The charming town of Bentonville is home to some excellent dining (don’t miss the Preacher’s Son, Flying Fish, Onyx Coffee Lab or Oven & Tap). There are loads of world-class mountain biking trails, walking paths that connect the city of Bentonville, and a town square perfect for strolling. If you love art and architecture, visit Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art for a stunning collection of artwork or a tour of a beautifully preserved Frank Lloyd Wright home.

2. River Waves and Cool Caves

Find it: 2 hours southwest of Springfield
Leave Springfield early in the day, and you can hit three excellent Noel, Missouri, destinations in one day. First up: Kayak, canoe or raft down the Elk River for a scenic start to the day. The Trestle Bridge 6-mile float is a good option that’s not too long and offers beautiful bluff views—but check water levels before you go. Once you’ve warmed up in the sun, cool down with a sweet treat at Sammy’s Scoops, a sweet local ice cream parlor, before heading to Bluff Dwellers Cave to explore its always-60-degrees natural wonderland filled with protected and preserved formations created over millions of years. After that, you can head back home for the day—unless you’re up for a short detour to Haven 55 in Pineville. This restaurant is located directly on Little Sugar Creek and serves tasty food with charming creekside views.

Read more about float trips in the Ozarks or discover more Ozarks caves to explore.

3. Go Back in Time

Find it: 1 hour east of Springfield
Lovers of history, literature and small-town sweetness will love a day trip to Mansfield. There you’ll find the Laura Ingalls Wilder Home & Museum, where fans of the Little House on the Prairie series can see where the real-life pioneer herself lived with her family. In late September, the whole town celebrates her during the annual Wilder Days festival. You can also get a taste of a simpler life at the pioneer village at Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds. Serious homesteaders can attend their annual Spring Planting Festival and other events, and more casual gardeners can visit to buy seeds from the shop and stroll through the peaceful farm. And just 15 miles down the road in Hartville, another spot, Rosewood Farms, offers chocolates, espresso and country-style gifts in a scenic farm setting.

4. NWA FTW

Find it: 1.5 to 2.5 hours south of Springfield
Northwest Arkansas, especially in the Ponca and Jasper areas, is packed with trails that will take your breath away—twice. Once as you huff and puff along the path, and once when you see the view. Explore one of the trails below, then finish with biscuits and chocolate gravy at The Ozark Café in Jasper’s town square. For an easy trek with the kids, drive to Lost Valley Trail. If you don’t mind a challenge, take Centerpoint Trail to Goat Trail and Big Bluff—you will not believe the Buffalo National River views! The trail to Hawksbill Crag is a perennial favorite for photo ops, with its scenic rock jutting out over a deep wooded valley. You get two hikes at one trailhead if you go to Pedestal Rock and Kings Bluff, and the rock formations are amazing. And finally, for a short hike and a big payoff, try Sam’s Throne.

5. Get Your Kicks

Find it: Along the original Route 66
Springfield is known as the birthplace of Route 66, so it’s the perfect spot to start your journey west on the historic highway. For a one-day trip, hit some Route 66 hotspots from east to west as you drive from Springfield to Joplin. First up is History Museum on the Square in Springfield’s Park Central Square, where you can peruse the Birthplace of Route 66 exhibit. Also in Springfield are classic cars in every color of the rainbow at the Route 66 Car Museum. In Ash Grove, Gary’s Gay Parita features vintage Sinclair signage and kitsch covering every surface. Lottie’s Soda Shoppe is the next stop, in the tiny town of Avilla. Get a glass bottle of Route 66 brand soda there. You’ll get to Carthage next, where Iggie’s Diner offers comforting meals and more chrome and neon than you’ve ever spotted in one place. In Joplin, swing through Route 66 Mural Park before grabbing dinner at Wilder Steakhouse, whose retro neon sign is part of the National Route 66 Preservation Project. Finally, swing through Carthage again on the way home to see a movie under the stars at the 66 Drive-In Theater before spending a night at the lovingly restored Boots Court Motel, the second oldest motel still in business along all of Route 66.

6. Take Your Time at the Market

Find it: Southeast Springfield
There are two kinds of grocery shopping: There’s the kind you do to fill your pantry with the things you need to prep meals and pack lunches all week long, and then there’s the kind you do to fill your soul with a little joy and give  yourself a few treats. To build a perfect Saturday, opt for the latter and head to Farmers Market of the Ozarks with a friend and your pup on a leash—we promise he won’t be the only four-legged buddy in attendance. While you’re there, stroll the booths, chat with the vendors, buy some produce that you need, and splurge on some fresh flowers and art that you don’t. When you’re finished shopping, grab a bite to eat from one of the food trucks and spill the tea over a lazy picnic table lunch.

7. It’s Like a Cozy Hygge Hug

Find it: downtown Springfield
Rainy Saturdays call for a little extra comfort. Instead of staying home, grab you umbrella and rain boots and visit some of downtown Springfield’s coziest spots. Warm your hands around a cup of hot tea at MudHouse Coffee, where the cozy interior will warm you right up. Then venture to Heirloom, where you can customize and pour a candle to burn at home that’s the perfect scent for you. Eat lunch at Rise, where the food is nourishing and delish. (Get the black pepper and ginger homemade soda with your meal. It’s so, so good.) And finally, end your cozy day with a movie at Moxie Cinema and enjoy the warm glow of the big screen.

8. Give a Little Bit

Consider a day spent giving back, and find a local organization that speaks to you. Consider tutoring a young reader through Ozarks Literacy Council, connecting neighbors to the nutrition they need with Ozarks Food Harvest or building homes with Habitat for Humanity. These are just three of the many, many local nonprofits that work every day to make southwest Missouri a better place to live—and that could probably use your help to reach their goals.

9. Shop Til You Drop

Find it: South Springfield
What’s better than a shopping stroll with coffee in-hand? The best place for that is a neighborhood spot where you can spend the whole day exploring and never have to move your car—a place like Brentwood Center. Start with yoga at Sumits Hot Yoga followed by coffee at The Press. Then shop at The Market, The Uptown Boutique, Staxx, BonBon’s Candy House and more. After getting your nails done at Gloss Nail Lounge, end with a late lunch at Farmers Gastropub.

10. Take a Micro-Mini Road Trip

Find it: 20 minutes east of Springfield
The I-44 corridor is a fast track through the Midwest, but have you ever slowed down to explore it super-close to home? Start by packing up the kids for Wild Animal Safari in Strafford, where a drive-through trail takes you past zebras, giraffes, camels, llamas and more. On the way home, pop into Buc-ee’s and let the kids pick whatever wild snack they want. Your final stop is Fireworks Supermarket. Pick up something bright, loud and extra-fun—then blow it up responsibly.

11. Art for All

Find it: Downtown Springfield
Every May, thousands of locals and out-of-town visitors flock to Historic Walnut Street in Springfield for Artsfest. This outdoor juried art exhibition features work from about 100 regional artists working in just about every medium. The artists are situated in booths lining the scenic street, and there you can view their work and shop for the perfect piece. It’s easy to spend a few hours there, soaking up the beloved festival atmosphere, hunting for fresh art to purchase for your home, watching live dance and music performances, munching on treats from food trucks and so much more.

12. A Lazy Day on the James

Find it: One hour south of Springfield
You can travel hours to get to the most popular scenic rivers in the Ozarks, and it’d be worth every minute on the highway. But there’s a beautiful and underrated waterway right in our backyard, and it takes a lot less time to get there. The James River runs all the way down to Table Rock Lake, but we recommend going to Galena to get a tube float day pass at Camp Tomahawk. They let you loose on the river with an inflated tube, and you can travel the quick 2.5-mile float over and over, as many times as you want. You can even get a four-person raft so you and your pals can take it easy together. It doesn’t get more low-key than that! If you want to try something a little more unique, Camp Tomahawk also offers HOVBUG tours on a “hovercraft” that glides down the river on an 8-inch cushion of air for a unique experience.

13. A Waterfall Worth Driving For

Find it: 1.25 hours west of Springfield
At a whopping 163 feet wide, Grand Falls in Joplin is the widest continuously flowing waterfall in the state, and it’s a low-key spot to wade and splash around. The water at Grand Falls flows over a 12-foot-tall ledge into a calm pool surrounded by flat chert. Younger kids hop around on the exposed rock while sunbathing grown-ups relax nearby. Meanwhile, the more daring visitors walk along the water above the fall—careful not to slip! And everybody, eventually, hops into the water to take a dip. Afterward, round out the day with a visit to Joplin Empire Market, an indoor farmers market featuring locally made art, fresh veggies, delicious baked goods and some excellent homemade dumplings at the on-site mini-restaurant that has a walk-up window for ordering lunch.

Find more wonderful waterfalls in the Ozarks.

14. Go Get That Pickwick Charm

Find it: Central Springfield
There is a treasure trove of great places to explore at the intersection of Cherry Street and Pickwick Avenue in Springfield. It’s easy to spend hours, even all day, popping in and out of local businesses slinging cool products, delicious food and loads of personality. Start at Sleepy Opossum Cafe for breakfast (you have to try the biscuit sandwich) before walking next door to Artistree Pottery to paint a little present for yourself. Grab lunch at Tea Bar & Bites (it has to be the curry chicken salad) and then save room for homemade ice cream across the road at Box Turtle Creamery. Round out the day by shopping for gifts at Culture Flock and grabbing wine at Cherry Picker Package x Fare or beer at Tie & Timber Brewery.

15. Release Your Inner Game Nerd

Find it: South Springfield
Save this one for a rainy day, when you need something to do indoors with the kids.You’ll say you’re helping them squelch their boredom, but we know the truth: You’re a game nerd at heart, and this is the moment you’ve been waiting for. The moment you can absolutely blow them away with your board game and Lego-building skills. Start at Village Meeple Board Game Cafe, where they have a tiny $5 entry fee and a library of hundreds of excellent board games. It’s a great place to pick up an old favorite or try something new. After that, head just a few doors down to Bricks & Minifigs, a shop selling new and used Lego sets as well as loose Lego pieces to help you complete your masterpiece. Kids can even choose from thousands of pieces to create their own custom mini-figure. Buy whatever supplies you need, then head home for an epic building marathon.

16. Lunch at the Herons' Playground

Find it: South Springfield
There are three things that always equate to a good Saturday when you put them together: good food, great people and a lazy river. So gather up some of your favorite friends, and pick up lunch for a picnic by the water. Derby Deli, located at Brown Derby International Wine Center, is the perfect spot for lunch-to-go with its elevated deli sammies and excellent salads—and wine shop proximity. For a day beside the water, opt for the summery taste of their tarragon chicken salad. Once the grub is secured, it’s onward to the water. Head to the Joe Crighton access on the James River, set up camp chairs in the shallow part of the water, and kick around in the river while you eat lunch and take turns spotting lazy turtles and majestic blue herons going about their business on the peaceful river.

17. Get In the Spirit

Find it: Springfield, Branson and Beyond
Holiday  preparations can dominate the calendar once November and December roll around. Our advice: Take some of your holiday to-dos, add in a sprinkling of Christmas lights and some hot cocoa, and turn it all into a day of fun. Start out by exploring locally owned shops to find the perfect holiday gifts. HIM always has unexpected items for the men in your life, and Blackwell’s is perfect for the stylish man on your list. 417 Cocktails is great for finding ingredients and more for holiday entertaining, and Pagination Bookshop is a wonderful stop for books and children’s gifts. And those are just a few of the great spots to shop. After you’ve spent the day spending, grab a hot cocoa from your favorite coffee shop. It’ll keep you feeling warm and happy as you drive around looking at Christmas lights. Don’t miss Springfield’s Bagwell Lights, Nixa’s Christmas Cottage or the drive-through displays in Ozark and Branson.

18. No Boys Allowed: Your Rory and Lorelai Day

Find it: Commercial Street in Springfield
If you’re a mom with a teenage daughter, we have the perfect girls-day-out for you. Head to Commercial Street and start at Blue Heron Farm & Bakery, where you can munch on perfect pastries (both savory and sweet) and sip equally perfect coffee. Once you’ve fueled up, go across the street and down the block to your first thrifting spot: Hakaar’s Bazaar. After that, venture east down Commercial Street to pop into Chabom Tea & Spices and Ms. Gilmore’s. The two shops are located side-by-side, one selling loose leaf teas and the other selling antiques and vintage goods. Stay at Ms. Gilmore’s if it’s lunchtime for tea room fare.

19. Pick a Peck

Find It: 417-land farms
Fresh fruit always tastes better when it’s still warm from the sun. In southwest Missouri, you can pick all kinds of fruit at local farms. Harvest strawberries in late spring at Boz’s Berry Farm or Missouri Berries. In June and July, it’s all about blueberries and blackberries at Persimmon Hill Farm and Black and Blue Berry Farm in Rogersville. Later in summer, visit Gardener’s Orchard to pick peaches. And in the fall, it’s apple-picking season.

20. The Perfect River Doesn't Exi–

Find it: 2 hours South of Springfield
There’s a reason the first waterway to be designated a United States National River was the Buffalo National River. Every beautiful inch in of it is worth preserving—and floating it is a must-do. The river has crystal-clear water and plenty of great swimming spots. But the most distinctive features are the soaring bluffs that rise up directly beside the water’s edge. Start your day at Buffalo Outdoor Center in Ponca. They’ll set you up with canoes and kayaks, and they also rent out secluded and scenic cabins, so you can rest when the fun is done.

21. Flower Power

Find it: Up to 30 minutes from Springfield
Local flower farms Finley Farms and Stone Hill Flower Farm in Ozark and Golden Grove Sunflower Farm in Fair Grove are each located less than half an hour from Springfield, so you can spend a morning hand-picking a bouquet and feeling like you’re in another, dreamy, flower-filled world—then then be back home in time for lunch.

22. Tee Time with a View

Find it: One hour south of Springfield
The Ozarks are home to world-class golf courses that can fill those Saturdays quite nicely. Payne’s Valley, designed by Tiger Woods and Big Cedar Lodge, might take the cake in terms of breathtaking views. Book a tee time, and see what we mean.

23. Waterfall Wandering

Find it: Two hours southwest of Springfield
Two waterfalls plus one scenic lunch stop—all in one day? Perfection! Hike to the 210-foot-tall Hemmed-In Hollow waterfall that pours down over a bluff. Then head down the road to The Cliff House Inn. It’s located on a bluff overlooking the “Arkansas Grand Canyon,” so you can have lunch with a view. If you are still rearing to go, end at nearby Magnolia Falls for your own little Fern Gully experience.

24. The Best of the Beers

Find it: Nixa and Springfield
Craft brews aren’t the only draw at our Springfield’s local microbreweries. Many of them offer great outdoor spaces, live music, food trucks and games. Spend a day making mini-visits to a bunch of them. (And please, arrange a designated driver!) We recommend this north-to-south route: Hold Fast Brewing, Tie & Timber Beer Co., Great Escape Beer Works and then finally the Nixa location of 4 by 4 Brewing Co.

25. Just for You

Find it: In Springfield
Sometimes what you need is a Saturday spent all alone. So why not treat yourself? Center yourself with a sound bath at Awaken Healing + Massage before heading to Acacia Spa for a massage and some time in the sauna and steam shower. Finally, get a gua sha facial and try the halotherapy salt vault at Breathe Health Spa.

26. Hop on a Horse

Find it: Lampe and Rogersville
Have you ever viewed the Ozarks from atop a horse? Even beginners can try it at Dogwood Canyon Nature Park (Lampe), where trail rides take you off the beaten path. And if you want to connect with a non-profit that provides equine therapy to those who need it, you have to check out Horses of Hope (Rogersville).

27. Table Rock Lake: A Little Bit Lazy, A Bit Little Wild

Find it: One hour south of Springfield
Table rock lake is the beating heart of southwest Missouri’s lakegoing scene. With its pristine shoreline, the water at Table Rock Lake falls smack-dab into the lively and inviting sweet spot between the two lake extremes: nothing-to-do and way-too-crowded. And existing in the sweet spot means TRL’s visitors can choose their own adventure when they visit the lake—a quiet and peacefully lazy day on the water, or a morning-to-night excursion filled with speed and great big splashes. There’s truly something for everybody. You can head out pre-dawn for fishing in the silence of the morning, or you can cove out and cliff jump to the soundtrack of laughter, whoops and wails all around you. You can sunbathe on the deck of your boat as it bobs gently in the water, or you can strap on a kneeboard and spend the day soaring off your boat’s wake. No matter you what you pick, you know it’ll be a good day.

By the way, we happened to have an insider's guide to Table Rock Lake.

28. Sweet Summer Fun

Find it: Northwest Springfield
It’s a summertime tradition filled with carnival-style games, wild rides, concerts, and every over-the-top food-on-a-stick you can think of. No matter which of those things draws you to a Saturday at Ozark Empire Fair, one thing is certain: It’ll be hot as heck out there. Our advice: Embrace it. It’ll make that massive chocolate-covered frozen cheesecake slice (on a stick, obviously) all the more delicious when you treat yourself to it after sweating it out at the ring toss booth for a giant teddy bear prize.

29. Jump in a Jeep

Find it: One hour south of Springfield
If you happen to need a reminder about the world-class beauty of the Ozarks, listen up. Pink Jeep Adventure Tours are only in five destinations: Sedona, the Great Smoky Mountains, the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas and Branson, Missouri. We’re in good company! There are several tour options that take you through scenic sites, and they depart from Branson, right across the street from Titanic Museum Attraction. So you know what we’re going to say next, right? Flesh out this perfect Saturday by popping into some attractions on the strip too!

30. Cast a Line on the White River

Find it: 2.25 hours southeast of Springfield
Just across the state in Lakeview, Arkansas, is a resort on the White River that has been connecting people to the waterway for more than 60 years. Located on a pristine stretch of river, Gaston’s White River Resort is home to fishing cottages, a tasty restaurant, an air strip for visiting private planes and lots of opportunities for fishing—whether you’re an old pro or a curious beginner. Guided fishing trips are offered for full or half days, with options for things like freshly cooked lunches on the banks of the river. Or if you’d rather go it alone, you can rent boats and fishing gear for a perfect day out on the water.

31. Nixa’s Had a Glow Up!

Find it: 25 minutes south of Springfield
Have you noticed? There have been a lot of changes the past several years in the city of Nixa, with new businesses and attractions opening all the time. Now, it’s an excellent spot to spend a day when you just need to get out of town. Start midday with lunch at 14 Mill Market, a 10-kitchen food hall offering a variety of tasty options. Then shop a little at The Red Poppy Boutique, Alps Pharmacy & Gifts or Rosebud’s Cottage (where you can get clothes for kiddos too). When you’re hungry again, pop into Piccolo for dinner and indulge in pasta and cannolis. The day will end at Aetos Center for the Performing Arts, which brings in national shows to a brand new, state-of-the-art venue.

32. A Day Made Just for the Guys

Find it: Around Springfield
Leave the girls at home, and head out on a father-son adventure. Start in the morning with fishing on Fellows Lake, where you can rent a boat to use out on the scenic, quiet waters of the lake. In the afternoon switch to some high-tech golf at BigShots, where he can practice his swing and you can give him some fatherly pointers along the way. Afterward, head to City Butcher and Barbecue for some of the best beef brisket around before you drive downtown for a Springfield Cardinals game. Bonus points if you plan this for a night during the summer, when the Cardinals are likely to shoot off some great big fireworks at the end of home games.

33. Spruce Up Your Front Porch

Find it: West and north Springfield
Decorating your porch for fall might show up on your to-do list, but it’s no chore. The process of shopping at local greenhouses and garden stores for the best seasonal pumpkins, warty gourds, bales of hay and mums exploding with fall color is honestly a joy. Call it home improvement on your budget, but we all know it’s just plain fun. Shops like Schaffitzel’s Greenhouse, Wickman’s Garden Village and Fassnight Creek Farm are always good spots to stock up on all the things that will make your house the envy of the street as the neighborhood trees take on their fall hues around it.

34. Best Day Ever at Silver Dollar City

Find it: One hour south of Springfield
This is your moment to feel just like a kid again! Get some tickets to Silver Dollar City for you and a few friends, and commit to riding every single roller coaster together. Every single one! Then pick your favorite. Ours is the suped-up take on a classic wooden coaster, Outlaw Run. If more spins and loops are your thing, you will get a big kick out of Time Traveler. The thrills, screams and laughs that erupt while you’re soaring through the breeze are an instant mood booster. And the best day ever at Silver Dollar City is about more than just rides. You also—and I cannot stress this enough—must eat a Twisted Tater Hot Dog while you’re there. When you’ve had enough riding and eating and need to walk off that potato-dog treat, that’s when you can start shopping. Visit the little stores featuring handmade goods crafted by the park’s many artisans. Finally, stock up at the salt water taffy shop.

35. Your All-Day Moment of Zen

Find it: West Springfield
Finding peace in a busy world is no small feat. Luckily, there’s a park in west Springfield that makes it easy. At Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park and its on-site Springfield Botanical Gardens, you can connect with nature via themed gardens bursting with greenery and blooms. Our favorite is the shaded hosta garden with its lush pathways and quiet places to sit and read a book. There’s a walking path that circles the duck-speckled waters of Lake Drummond. Most picturesque of all is the 7.5-acre Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden with its beautiful landscaping, quiet paths, traditional structures like the ceremonial tea house and burbling water features. It even has a meditation garden. To make your Saturday at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, pack a picnic so you have no excuse to leave, and spend all day soaking up some Vitamin D, getting your steps in and—of course—stopping to smell the flowers.

36. Day into Night at the Finley River

Find it: 20 minutes south of Springfield
The Finley River is the heart of Ozark, and exploring this beloved waterway is a great way to spend a Saturday. It’s perfect for a waterside picnic, fishing from the banks or embarking on a bit of kayaking. Plus, Finley Farms is located right beside the Finley River. There, you can grab dinner at The Ozark Mill Restaurant and then after-dinner drinks or dessert at The Garrison—at both places you’ll have the option to sit on the patio and watch the water ripple by while you eat. After that, end the day with a twilight stroll across the historic Riverside Bridge, located just a few steps away. And don’t worry; we have an alternative itinerary if you don’t want to start your day by getting into the water in a kayak or risk getting your feet wet while you fish: Swap all that Finley River water-filled fun for a tour of the historic and fascinating Smallin Civil War Cave, also located in Ozark, before you head to Finley Farms. That way, you can enjoy the river strictly from the shore.

37. Go Wild with the Grand Kids

Find it: Springfield and Saddlebrook
Kids love animals, and grandparents love kids. It’s a match made in heaven. So next time you’re planning a fun day out with your kid’s kids, make it animal-themed. Start with a morning stroll through Dickerson Park Zoo, where they can feed the giraffes, marvel at the huge elephants and giggle at the playful river otters. Up next: a visit to Wonders of Wildlife to explore the world-class natural history museum and aquarium. They can feed the animals there too—stingrays this time! Round out the day at National Tiger Sanctuary to learn about the world’s biggest cats. Some tours even take place at feeding time.

38. Ride the Rails

Find it: 45 minutes south of Springfield
You probably already know you can visit Branson Scenic Railway in the winter for its popular Polar Express events, but another great time to visit is in the fall, when you can take in the changing colors of the leaves as you race along the tracks, through tunnels and over bridges that dot the Ozarks hills. Over the course of 45 minutes, you’ll trek from Branson to Northwest Arkansas to the south or Galena to the north. Opt for the dinner train if you want to enjoy a candlelight meal too.

39. Climb a Hill and Slip Down a Slide

Find it: 1.5 hours southwest of Springfield
This day trip is all about working up a sweat, then cooling down again. You’ll start with a drive to Roaring River State Park. It’s a great place to view the hatchery or the beautiful natural spring, but the trails are the main event. The Fire Tower Trail is a rugged 4.4-mile trek  with some steep areas, and the views are worth the effort. Afterward, visit Beebe’s Waterslide for a nostalgic experience and a much-needed splash to cool off.

40. For the Love of Art

Find it: Springfield
When you’re feeling creative, indulge your inner artist by exploring local spots like Fresh Art Gallery, Hawthorn Gallery and OH Gallery. After you’ve had your fill of visual art, switch to performing art and see a Springfield Ballet, Springfield Symphony Orchestra or Springfield Little Theatre show.

41. Go Analog

Find it: Springfield
Let nostalgia win for a day, and go full retro! Fun Acre both looks and feels just like it did when you were a kid. Casper’s, a great lunch stop, is filled with kitsch and has the 115-year history to match. After you’ve had your fill of chili dogs, pop downtown to play all the 1980s arcade games you can handle at 1984.

42. Dog Days: Treat Your Pup

Find it: Throughout Springfield
You can’t have a perfect Saturday without your best friend. Take this as your cue to spoil your furry friends. First, head to Bass Pro Shops, where they can shop with you. Then get them a drive-through treat: They give pups ice cream at Black Sheep Burgers & Shakes and Andy’s Frozen Custard and Huey Magoo’s treats them to a grilled chicken tender. After that, head to Fetch Pet Supplies to pick out a new toy. Finally, turn them loose in the dog park at Bark Yard.

43. Look Up!

Find it: Near water
Seeing wild animals can be breathtaking, and you can even spy some bald eagles around the Ozarks. In December through February, look near waterways. Eagles love catching fish near dams. And they’ve been known to nest along Missouri streams.

44. Gotta Go Fast!

Find it: 45 minutes south of Springfield
Steep hills and hand breaks are key ingredients for Branson thrills! For a wild ride, try the alpine-style roller coasters at Copperhead Mountain Coaster, the Branson Mountain Coaster and Runaway Mountain Coaster.

45. Girlfriends' Splurge Day

Find it: Downtown Springfield
Think of all your favorite girls’ day activities—good food, good drinks, a good show—and then treat yourself to every single one of them. Start your girls night out in the afternoon with a drink and a view on the patio at Vantage Rooftop Conservatory & Lounge. After that, splurge for dinner at Flame Steakhouse, where you can indulge in a dry-aged steak and great wine. Then take a stroll across Park Central Square to the Gillioz to see a show before calling it a night.

46. Far Away But Close to Home

Find it: Up to 30 minutes south of Springfield
Sometimes you crave the great outdoors, but you don’t want to spend half the day in the car trying to get there. On Saturdays like that, hop on a little south-Springfield-and-beyond mini adventure loop and visit the Springfield Conservation Nature Center, Lake Springfield Boathouse and Busiek State Forest & Wildlife Area. Each one has its own personality and plenty of ways to connect with nature. At the Springfield Conservation Nature Center, you can stroll quiet paths through woods that feel like they couldn’t possibly be so close to town. The Lake Springfield Boathouse is your chance to get out onto the water, with rental kayaks that you can use on the James River Water Trail. And finally, Busiek has trails for all experience levels, some with water crossings, and a quiet stream perfect for kicking around in the cool water.

47. North Fork or Bust

Find it: Two hours southeast of Springfield
One of the most scenic places to canoe or kayak is the North Fork of the White River. It has plenty of swimming holes and nearby springs to keep you entertained the whole day through. Dawt Mill, located in Tecumseh, is a great place to begin and end your trek down the North Fork. The historic mill is now a resort with a canoe outfitter, on-site cabins and campsites and a couple of dining options to keep you well fed and happy. One is The Beach Bar, open seasonally in the summer and located right at the water’s edge. A newer spot, The Hearthside, is more of a fine-dining experience. Located in the grist mill at Dawt, it features riverside views and dishes that toe the line between upscale and comforting, like crawfish corn fritters and classic steak with potatoes.

48. Big Day in Walnut Shade

Find it: 45 minutes south of Springfield
Walnut Shade is one of those little pockets of southwest Missouri that’s packed with a surprising amount of things to do in a surprisingly small area. You can explore the wooded hillsides of Walnut Shade on two wheels at Howler Bike Park or on four legs at Bear Creek Trail Rides—you just have to decide if mountain bikes or horses are more your speed. And speaking of speed, not far away on the other side of Highway 65 is Wolfe Mountain, where you can zipline through the tree canopy or fly down the hillside on a year-round faux sledding hill. When you’re finished with all that, you’ll surely be ready for a break from the adventure. That’s when you’ll drive to Bear Creek Wine Company & Brewery for some craft beer, locally made wine and tasty snacks on a big deck overlooking the Ozarks hills. Don’t miss the little extras here, like firepits and live music.

49. Book a Winter Staycation

Find it: One hour south of Springfield
If you’ve never escaped your responsibilities in the dead of winter to veg out in front of a blazing fireplace at a quiet resort, boy are you missing out. It’s one of our favorite things to do! We recommend booking a fireplace room at Big Cedar Lodge with your favorite person. There’s plenty of good dining on hand, so you don’t have to worry about food all day. But the best part is that the scenic and chilly—and hopefully snowy!—walks through the beautiful grounds can be rewarded in so many warm-and-cozy ways. You can cuddle up by the fire in your room, you can have a drink by one of the fireplaces at nearby Top of the Rock, you can swim in the warm waters of the grotto pool at Cedar Creek Spa (which is also home to saunas and some fireplaces of its own), and you can book a massage as the icing on the cake.

50. The Ultimate Treasure Hunt

Find it: Around southwest Missouri
The perfect table for your entryway does exist—you just have to be willing to hunt for it. That’s why we love the antique shops and seasonal antiques markets in the Ozarks that always offer something new and unique. Schofield + Gray opens about three times a year in a sweet setting in Fordland, with vendors selling vintage goods, art and more. Backroad Relics in Bolivar opens one weekend per month, also selling antiques and vintage goods, presented in charmingly arranged vignettes within the store. But if you don’t want to wait for a seasonal market, local shops like The Vintage Peddler in Springfield and Camp Flea in Ozark offer antiquing opportunities all the time. Another Ozark spot, Spring Creek, is perfect for a midday stop because it also has a long-adored tea room inside serving to-die-for desserts and tea room classics like strawberry soup and delicate slices of quiche.

51. A Dreamy Little Swimming Hole

Find it: Three hours south of Springfield
Just south of the Buffalo National River in northwest Arkansas is an easy-to-access swimming hole that manages to feel like a secret spot just for you. That’s because although you have to travel well into the country to get to Falling Water Falls with its sparkling waters, the challenge ends there. The swimming hole itself is situated just off the road, so hiking to find it is not required. Pack a picnic lunch, though, because this spot is pretty darn remote and you won’t be making a mid-swim McDonald’s run to feed hungry kids. While you’re there, you’ll find families swimming in a little pool that sits below a small waterfall, kids trying their hands at the rope swing, dogs lazing about on the rocks and daring souls cliff jumping, all in an idyllic wooded setting.

Read about the best swimming holes in the Ozarks.

52. Rockbridge: Where the Fish Always Bite

Find it: 1.75 hours east of Springfield
Rockbridge Rainbow Trout & Game Ranch sits on more than 2,000 acres along Spring Creek, and it’s a prime destination for fishing. If you choose the catch-and-keep permits, the staff at Rockbridge will clean and pack your fish for you, so you can cook them at home. Beginners can even hire a guide to teach them all about fly fishing. After a long day of angling, you can hop over to the Grist Mill Club, a bar located inside an 1800s mill serving tasty cocktails. Also on site is a restaurant that serves dishes made from trout caught on-site. It’s easy to make it a day a Rockbridge, traveling there in the early morning and arriving back home in time for bed. But if you think you’ll be too pooped to trek back home, you can opt to reserve the on-site lodging instead.