Whether it's fishing in Rainbow Run Trout Park, floating downriver
in a locally rented canoe, hunting for antiques at the Eagles Nest
or dining at the Lighthouse Grille, you can do it all here.
Springfield is in the middle of Missouri's lake country, with
plenty of opportunities for hunting and fishing. More than 75% of
the state's waterways, including 9 lakes, are within a 90-minute
drive. Area rivers and lakes provide outstanding fishing and tons
of other recreation for boating enthusiasts. Floatable waterways
include the James River, Current River, Niangua River and Jacks
Fork. Professional fishing tournaments are often held at Table
Rock and other area lakes, with the nation's best anglers
competing for cash and prizes.
Table Rock Lake is probably one of the most popular attractions of
the area, a veritable banquet of Ozark recreation. With 43,000
acres of surface water and 800 miles of shoreline, this is more
than just one of the premier freshwater fisheries in the nation.
It's also a great place for boating, water skiing, scuba diving,
and camping on the shore. In the midst of it all is 350-acre Table
Rock State Park, which provides a boat launch, dive shop, full
service marina and more.
It's less than 25 miles to Branson, "The Live Entertainment
Capital of the World." Branson has over 100 live performances to
explore, but there's a lot more to do as well. You could also tour
the Branson Scenic Railway, attend a horse show or rodeo, visit
one of nearly a dozen museums, experience the rides and
old-fashioned crafts at Silver Dollar City amusement park, or try
your skill at the Branson Creek Golf Club.
If you're looking for golf, however, you don't need to go to
Branson to find it. There are 15 golf courses either within the
Highlandville/Springfield region or merely a short distance away.
With this much variety, golfers of any skill level can find a
course to suit their needs.
The Ozarks are also home to Mark Twain National Forest,
approximately 1.5 million acres featuring over 530 native wildlife
species. With such a wide expanse of land, the variety of wildlife
on display is impressive. In some locations, you could catch sight
of a roadrunner. In others, you might find white-tail deer, bald
eagles or even a black bear! There are also 14 floatable streams,
16 lakes and trails for everything from hiking to ATV and
motorcycle riding. The Chadwick ATV/Motorcycle area is
particularly popular for the latter activity. It winds in and out
of deep forest and over long ridgetops, providing views and
excitement for all sorts of riders.
Still not enough outdoor adventure to satisfy you? Then head into
the Busiek State Forest & Wildlife Area. These 2,505 acres include
awesome campsites with fire pits and numerous trails for mountain
biking, horseback riding or hiking.
Would-be spelunkers will find heaven on Earth in Christian County.
Crystal Cave, Marvel Cave, Fantastic Caverns and the Talking Rocks
Cavern are all open to the public and waiting for you to explore
their depths. Fantastic Caverns is particularly unique for being
the country's only public drive-thru cavern.
Archers or riflemen can hunt for deer and wild turkey in many
areas throughout our region. These animals are abundant, so the
opportunities for hunting are just short of limitless.
If you don't care for hunting or the wilderness, you can still opt
to watch the animals in a more urban environment by visiting
Springfield's Dickerson Park Zoo. Elephants, tigers, cheetahs,
giraffes, monkeys, pythons, kangaroos and more are waiting to
greet you!
Hammons Field is another primary draw to the city. This nearly new
stadium is where the Springfield Cardinals, a minor league
affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, play. Attendance at the
games has been incredible for a minor league team, which only
helps to illustrate the enthusiasm and spirit Springfieldians
bring to their area. Our team has already successfully groomed
many major league players such as Rick Ankiel. If you want a
different kind of sport, the Springfield Lasers are a World
TeamTennis group who play in the Cooper Tennis Complex. Or, if you
prefer collegiate athletics, the Missouri State Bears are always
sure to entertain.
Springfield serves as a commercial hub for numerous surrounding
counties. Along with Battlefield Mall, there's also the incredible
Bass Pro Shop Outdoor World, the original Bass Pro Shop store that
is known as the "granddaddy" of the company. Our revitalized
downtown area is full of both shopping and dining options. The
antique stores, furniture and clothing shops, jewelry stores,
pubs, clubs and restaurants total over 150 different
establishments.
One of the most unique corners of downtown is Patton Alley. Those
who come to play in the alley can try food and drink at Agrario,
The Patton Alley Pub, Hickok's Steakhouse & Brewery and Bodega
Bar.
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