If you want to spend a day out with your family, there are several attractions to enjoy in Springfield, Missouri. You can spend your time at Dickerson Park Zoo, the Discovery Center of Springfield, or Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield. If you need a more in-depth experience, there are also several museums to explore.
The Missouri Spirit House
The Missouri Spirit House is a new cocktail lounge located in the heart of downtown Springfield. Located near Springfield’s iconic Springfield Brewing Company, just down the street from Mother’s Brewing Company, the space is a former auto body shop and has three parts: the front part houses a production room for corn whiskey and bourbon, and the back section houses a tasting room where patrons can sample all three liquors.
Springfield is home to the historic Gillioz Theatre, which opened in 1926. It has a history of ghost sightings, starting in the 1960s when people first reported seeing a little boy in the building. The little boy was most often seen around the restroom. While there are no solid proofs that the ghost haunts the building, many people claim to have seen it.
Dickerson Park Zoo
The Dickerson Park Zoo in Springfield, Missouri, is a zoological park featuring over 500 animals from over 160 species. It is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Its staff is devoted to preserving the animal kingdom. The park offers educational programs and seasonal activities for children of all ages.
The zoo is open Monday through Sunday. Kids can enjoy the petting zoo and play area, water feature, gift shop, and train ride. The Dickerson Park Zoo is open all year, but may close during severe weather. Those with allergies can stay home and avoid the zoo during the winter months.
The Dickerson Park Zoo was founded in 1922 and is home to hundreds of animals. These animals come from the continents of Africa, South America, Asia, and Australia. The giraffe exhibit allows visitors to feed them crackers. Another exhibit showcases reptiles and amphibians from all over the world.
The Dickerson Park Zoo is a historic landmark in Springfield, Missouri. It was founded in 1922 by the Springfield Park Board and was built during the Great Depression with WPA labor. It was in disrepair by the 1970s and was in need of major restoration. In 1975, the Friends of the Zoo formed to raise funds to save the zoo from deterioration. The Friends of the Zoo established a membership base, started education programs, and sought support from donors. In addition, the City of Springfield provided budget dollars to cover expenses.
While there is not a complete list of stories in Crocker’s book, the book does offer an interesting insight into the life of a longtime zoo director. It’s a wonderful glimpse into the history of the Dickerson Park Zoo and the career of a longtime zoological manager.
The zoo’s herpetarium features cultural immersion, allowing guests to learn about different reptile species and their native habitat. The Tufted Deer has tusks on both sides of its mouth. While we were there, we also had a chance to observe African Lions sunning and napping. Other animals in the zoo include a warthog and zebra.
Discovery Center of Springfield
The Discovery Center of Springfield is a hands-on science center that aims to inspire curiosity and a love of learning in children. You can enjoy science experiments in a hands-on environment and even participate in experiments. The Discovery Center of Springfield also offers a range of special events and activities.
The Discovery Center of Springfield is open to the public every day. It features hands-on activities, exhibits, and exhibits about the local wildlife and their habitats. Kids can take part in a science workshop or use a magnifying glass to look at local animals. The facility also has a play area that children will love.
The Discovery Center of Springfield is a great place for a wedding or other special event. You can rent the facility and have your event there. It offers a variety of rental options, including audio equipment, a dance floor, and wheelchair access. You can also host a pre-nuptial event at the Discovery Center of Springfield.
The Springfield Art Museum is another great option for people who love art. It is one of the oldest and largest cultural institutions in the city and is free to visit. The permanent collection of the museum includes nearly 10,000 works of art. There are also rotating exhibitions, as well as special collections. On weekends, large sculptures are displayed outdoors on the museum’s outdoor grounds. There are several galleries dedicated to the local arts, including the Family Art Lab and Book Nook.
The Discovery Center of Springfield is a great place to visit with kids. Families should plan a full day to enjoy it to the fullest. If you’re planning a vacation in Springfield, Missouri, you can choose to stay in one of several nearby towns such as Aurora or Mount Vernon.
If you’re looking for a more relaxing and unique place to stay while in Springfield, consider Hotel Vandivort, located in Downtown Springfield’s historic center. The hotel was originally a Masonic Temple, but was recently renovated and features upscale boutique rooms. It was constructed in 1906 and features both vintage and industrial touches. In addition, the hotel has a rooftop lounge, Vantage, and conservatory, both of which serve breakfast, dinner, and weekend brunch.
Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield
Near Republic, Missouri, the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield preserves the site of the Battle of Wilson’s Creek. This engagement took place on August 10, 1861 and was the first major Civil War battle west of the Mississippi River. Today, you can learn about this important battle and see the monuments that have remained from the historic battle.
The Union forces advanced on Wilson’s Creek, but they were outnumbered more than two-to-one. As a result, they were forced to retreat back to Springfield. As the Union retreated, they suffered heavy casualties, and they were almost out of ammunition. Lyon, meanwhile, lost his life during the battle. However, his goal of keeping Missouri in the Union was accomplished. The war would bring more battles for Missouri, and the state would become the third most-fought-over state in the nation. However, most battles were guerrilla activities, with small groups attacking anything military.
If you’re interested in the Civil War and want to learn more about the men and women who fought on the ground, consider visiting Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield in Springfield. The park covers 1,927 acres and preserves 75 percent of the actual combat area. The battlefield also features a 4.9-mile tour road and 50 archaeological sites. Many of these sites are associated with the battle that took place on August 10, 1861.
Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield is open daily. The visitor center is generally open from 9 am to 5 pm. In the summer months, the hours may be extended. You can also tour the battlefield by car through its five-mile interpretive auto route. Admission is $7 for adults and $15 per vehicle. Admission fees are subject to change, so check before visiting.
The Battle of Wilson’s Creek marked the beginning of the Civil War in Missouri. Fighting in the state lasted three and a half years. Most of the fighting took place on Bloody Hill. This battle secured Southwest Missouri for the Confederates. The Union had hoped to prevent Missouri from becoming a slave-owning state. However, Missouri’s Governor, Claiborne Fox Jackson, had Southern sympathies and intended to work with the Confederacy’s bid for independence.