24 hours in Springfield is not enough at all, but if that’s all the time you’ve got, fret not! We’ve got you covered. To make the most of every minute in Springfield, we’ve designed a 24-hour itinerary that features some major highlights of the city. You surely won’t be disappointed for adding Springfield “The Birthplace of Route 66” to your holiday bucket list, as the city as plenty to offer to all types of travelers.
Image By Trint Williams from Springfield, MO, USA (Hammons Tower Lightning Uploaded by xnatedawgx) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
9:00am- Breakfast at Gailey's Breakfast Cafe!
Start your day with partake of traditional American breakfast at the Gailey’s Breakfast Cafe. Some must-try dishes on the menu include sausage gravy & biscuit, sweet potato hash brown, eggs benedict and pumpkin waffle.
Address: 220 E Walnut Street, Springfield 65806, MO, United States
Phone: 1 417-866-5500
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 7:00am-2:00pm
10:00am-Marvel at the classic cars at Route 66 Car Museum!
Car aficionados flock to the Route 66 Car Museum that features an impressive and extensive collection of Guy Mace’s cars. It houses 70 classic cars, including Brass-Era cars, 1930 movie truck, rolls Royce’s, eight jaguars, trio of KisselKars, 1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III, and much more. It has something for just about every car fan!
Address: 1629-1631 W College Street, Springfield 65806, MO, United States
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 9:00am-5:00pm
Distance from Gailey’s Breakfast Cafe: 1.3miles or 6minutes drive via E Walnut Street
10:30am- Immerse yourself in history at History Museum on the Square!
Next, absorb some Springfield history at the History Museum on the Square. The museum features the story of Springfield through historical narratives. From the pre-historic times until 20th century; from homestead to motor racing to the Civil War to modern era, know it all at this museum.
Address: 155 Park Central Square, Springfield 65806, MO, United States
Phone: 1 417-832-1200
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 10:30am-4:30pm
Distance from Route 66 Car Museum: 2.3miles or 7 minutes drive via W Chestnut Expy
11:30am- Edutainment Tour at Discovery Center of Springfield!
After you’ve absorbed enough history to satisfy your thirst, make your way over to the Discovery Center of Springfield that has four floors of interactive exhibits on history, art, culture, science and technology. Exhibits include high wire bicycle, dinosaur bones, cultures of the world, Van de Graff generator, anti-gravity mirror, BodyWorks, ChromoZone Lab with cells, Wonderland and Wind Tunnel, just to name a few. Learn about different cultures, world history, inner workings of human body and eyeball, and much more. A place for all ages!
Address: 438 E St Louis Street, Springfield 65806, MO, United States
Phone: 1 417-862-9910
Opening hours: Tuesday to Thursday: 9:00am-5:00pm; Friday & Saturday: 9:00am-6:00pm; Sunday: 1:00pm-5:00pm
Distance from History Museum on the Square: 0.3miles or 2 minutes drive via E Olive Street
12:30pm- Explore the Pythian House of Missouri!
Next, take a 90-minute history or ghost tour of the imposing Pythian House of Missouri. It is steeped in history, as well as rated as one of the haunted sites in the state by the Paranormal Task Force. It features a dungeon, a tower room, buffet rooms, sleeping rooms and a ballroom. Know about the history of the castle, from its establishment in 1913 to the time when it was owned by the U.S. military. A must-see!
Address: 1451 E Pythian Street, Springfield 65806, MO, United States
Phone: 1 417-865-1464
Distance from Discovery Center of Springfield: 2.0miles or 6minutes drive
2:00pm- Lunch!
Craving for Mexican food, stop by Jose Locos (853 N Glenstone Ave). For American cuisine, make your way over to Houlihan's Restaurant and Bar- at DoubleTree (2431 N Glenstone Ave) or Andy's Frozen Custard (2119 N Glenstone Ave). Taste the Asian or Thai cuisine at Rama Thai Cafe (1129 E Walnut St).
3:00pm- Insight into military history at Air and Military Museum of the Ozarks!
Visit the Air and Military Museum-Ozarks that houses more than 5,000 military artifacts and memorabilia. Aside from the military uniforms, medals, military equipment, restored armored vehicles and memorabilia, it also features military aircrafts. The most attractive and interesting exhibit pieces include Cobra helicopter, army trucks, jeeps and T-33 jet aircraft.
Address: 2305 E Kearney Street, Springfield 65803, MO, United States
Phone: 1 417-864-7997
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 12:00pm-4:00pm
4:00pm- Get up-close with the terrific animals at Dickerson Park Zoo!
Spend an hour with animals at the Dickerson Park Zoo that houses over 500 animals that represent 170 different species. It has animals from Africa, Asia, South America, Missouri Habitats, Australia and more. Hop on a guided mini-trail ride and see the animals roaming in their natural habitat, like the Gray wolf, cheetah, Asian elephants, mountain lions and other animals. See the reptile house that houses different kinds of lizards and snakes. To cap off your visit, savour sandwiches and snacks at the cafe on-site.
Address: 1401 W Norton Rd, Springfield 65803, MO, United States
Phone: 1 417-833-1570
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 9:00am-5:00pm
Distance from Air and Military Museum of the Ozarks: 4.6miles or 9minutes drive via I-44
5:00pm- A little retail therapy!
Head to Mother Road Antiques & Uniques that features plenty of one-of-a-kind items, collectibles, souvenirs, antiques, postcards and Route 66 vintage clothing. A smorgasbord of different antiques and collectibles.
Address: 1031 W College Street, Springfield 65806, MO, United States
Phone: 1 417-861-9917
Distance from Dickerson Park Zoo: 4.0miles or 10 minutes drive
Shop local at Downtown Springfield that features chic and stylish clothing stores, antique shops and boutiques. From antiques and unique finds to clothes and accessories to gifts and souvenirs, you’ll find it all here.
Address: 304 W. McDaniel Street, Springfield, MO, United States
Phone: (417)-831-6200
Distance from Mother Road Antiques & Uniques: 0.7miles or 5minutes drive via W College Street
7:00pm- An Aperitif at Mother’s Brewing Company!
Now, it’s time to sit down, relax and knock back a cold beer at the Mother’s Brewing Company. Take a tour of this brewery and sample a few craft beers on tap. It has an array of craft beers and seasonal beers from well-known labels. Learn about the beer making and bottling process, as well. A popular place for craft beer fans!
Address: 215 S Grant Avenue, Springfield 65806, MO, United States
Phone: 1 417-862-0423
Opening hours: Tuesday to Thursday: 4:00pm-8:00pm; Friday & Saturday: 1:00pm-9:00pm; Sunday: 2:00pm-5:00pm
Distance from Downtown Springfield: 0.4miles or 5minutes drive via W College Street
8:00pm-Dinner!
Head to Casper (601 W Walnut St) that puts out delicious American cuisine or stop by Flame Steakhouse and Wine Bar (314 W Walnut St) for juicy steak and American fare. For Italian food, head to Pappo's Pizzeria (221 E Walnut St). In mood for some Mexican bites, swing by Maria’s (406 South Ave).
10:00pm-Immerse yourself in lively and bustling nightlife of the city!
A visit to lively nightclubs or bars of the city would be an idyllic way to end your 24 hours in the “The Queen City of the Ozarks”.
In mood for some dancing to the music of 70s and 80s or house and hip-hop, make your way over to Vintage Dance Lounge, a hottest dance club in Springfield. With neon-lights and spacious dance floor, it sets the mood right. In addition to great music, it also features a wide variety of drinks. Get ready to groove!
Address: 301 Park Central E, Springfield 65806, MO, United States
Phone: 1 417-831-4500
Opening hours: Thursday to Saturday: 10:00pm-1:30am
Or
If looking for a musical night, head to Ernie Biggs, a lively dueling piano bar with plenty going on. It features live pianist from Thursday to Saturday evenings, and DJs and karaoke on Tuesday & Wednesday nights. Sing out loud, dance, mingle and sip on a few drinks, while listen to music. A perfect place to have a gala time!
Address: 312 South Avenue, Springfield 65806, MO, United States
Phone: 1 417-865-4782
Opening hours: Wednesday: 9:00pm-1:30am; Thursday to Saturday: 7:00pm-1:30am
12:00am- Late-night drinks and nibbles!
Still going? Stop by 417 Taphouse, a casual and fun watering hole. Carouse the night away at this vibrant spot. It has an extensive selection of craft beers and other spirits and a menu of delicious bar nibbles. It also has shuffleboard, darts and video games to keep you occupied. Enjoy a craft beer on tap, while playing darts.
Address: 431 S Jefferson Avenue #160, Springfield 65806, MO, United States
Phone: 1 417-942-0958
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 11:00am-1:30am; Sunday: 4:00pm-12:00am
24 Hours in Springfield Map Guide
