Themed Gardens and Arboretum

Dozens of themed and collection gardens, including hosta, daylilies, Asiatic lilies, iris, peonies, roses, dwarf conifers, ornamental grasses, native plants and more are grown and maintained by volunteer plant enthusiast organizations united under the Friends of the Garden.

Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden

Enjoy the serenity of this 7.5-acre traditional Japanese garden, established in 1986 through a partnership with the Springfield Sister Cities Association and Springfield's sister city, Isesaki, Japan. Includes mature landscaping, winding paths, three small lakes, ceremonial teahouse, moon bridge and meditation garden. Restrooms and pavilion outside front gate. Admission: $5/Adults, $3/Children 3-11 years, Free/Members of Friends of the Garden, Springfield Sister Cities Association, American Horticulture Society and children 2 years and younger. Open April-October, check hours at 417-891-1515.

Master Gardeners Demonstration Gardens & Hotline

Includes an ornamental shrub and perennial border, themed herb beds, Missouri native plants, turf plots and a kitchen garden. Call the hotline for home garden questions: 417-881-8909 or info@mggreene.org.

Roston Native Butterfly House

See native butterflies lay eggs, caterpillars feeding, chrysalises in camouflage, and butterflies emerging in this enclosed garden. Private tours available. Open seasonally, check hours.

The Gray/Campbell Farmstead

Discover life in the 1860’s at the oldest cabin in Springfield, along with a two-crib barn, kitchen, granary, outhouse and the recreated Liberty School one-room schoolhouse. Fieldtrips for 5th Grade or other tours available at 417-725-4921. Open seasonally, check hours.

Play Trail Kids!

Explore the main playground, then find the five botanical themed Playpods along the trail, with butterflies, caterpillars, mushrooms and more!

Host Lions Club History Walk

30+ granite stone lawn markers tell the stories of Americans who made a difference. Ethnic Life Stories Tree Trail Blackgum trees, hosting every color of the rainbow in fall foliage planted in honor of immigrants to Springfield. Their life stories are recorded in the Lois K. Boswell Memorial Botanical Reference Library.

Lake Drummond

Named for Springfield women’s business pioneer Anne Drummond, immortalized in a bronze statue near the lakefront.

South Creek Greenway

8-mile paved Greenway trail spans from McDaniel Park Trailhead to Wilson’s Creek Greenway. Perfect for biking, running, walking, strollers and wheelchairs. Visit the Ozark Greenways website for additional information and maps.