SPRINGFIELD, MO
Fall foliage spots to visit this autumn
Autumn comes with a cozy, safe feeling of nostalgia for many, and one of the best ways to appreciate that fall feeling is to soak in the fresh, vibrant colors of nature. No matter where you live new colors are bound to bloom as leaves delicately glide to the ground, the nights get longer and the air gets crisper.
According to the mental health publication Verywell Mind, “The cooler temperatures and spectacular foliage encourage us to spend time in nature, which has been connected with improvements in our happiness, wellbeing, relationships and sense of having a life purpose.”
Springfield is engulfed in beautiful nature. With a high concern for conservation, Springfield offers a variety of nature-based attractions and experiences to connect with the breathtaking Ozarks.
The Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail at Top of the Rock
Top of the Rock is a beautiful place to view the fall scenery of the Ozarks thanks to its high elevation. According to their website, the Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail is a 2.5-mile paved path that is available to experience from a golf cart if hiking isn’t your forte. The trail includes views of waterfalls, rock formations, caves and Table Rock Lake. The tour lasts about 40-50 minutes and the experience includes admission to the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum –– and afterward, if you need a breather there are several high-end bars and restaurants available.
Top of the Rock is located in Ridgedale, MO –– about 50 miles from Missouri State University.
Wilson's Creek National Battlefield
This national battlefield preserves the site of the Battle of Wilson’s Creek from the American Civil War. According to their website, the battle was fought on Aug. 10, 1861 and was the first major engagement west of the Mississippi River. The park is a beautiful place to view fall foliage due to its many different trail systems which allow for walking, running, hiking and horseback riding. The 5-mile paved tour has eight stops so you can soak up the autumn colors while learning some history.
Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield is located in Republic, MO –– about 12 miles from MSU.
The Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden
The Springfield Botanical Gardens at the Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park offers a whimsical, fairy-like experience like no other. If you haven’t visited this magical place it should be on the top of your Springfield bucket list. The staff at the Botanical Gardens put in a great deal of effort to provide a much-needed experience with nature.
One of the nine features and attractions they provide is the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden which was created in 1985. According to their website, the 7.5-acre stroll includes views of a large koi lake, moon bridge, meditation garden, tea house and traditional Japanese landscaping. The only thing that could make it better is the fall weather.
The Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park is located in Springfield, MO on Scenic Avenue –– about five miles from MSU.
The Springfield Conservation Nature Center
The Springfield Conservation Nature Center is home to many protected wildlife and plant species. The 80 acres of Ozarks include three miles of trails and creeks with multiple educational programs and exhibits about nature and conservation. During autumn the peaceful, hilly trails are perfect for viewing the sea of trees that transform into all different shades of orange and red.
The Springfield Conservation Nature Center is located in Springfield, MO off Glenstone Avenue –– about six miles from campus.
There are many activities to take part in at Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, as it consists of 10,000 acres of natural Ozark beauty. The park offers hiking, biking, wildlife tours, segway tours, horseback riding and trout fishing. The trails tower over the Ozarks and feature waterfalls, creeks and beautiful woodwork. With its mission being conservation, the park’s wildlife is thriving and observable.
Dogwood Canyon Nature Park is located in Lampe, MO –– about 58 miles from MSU.
If you’re looking for a simpler nature experience, Ritter Springs is perfect for you. This 245-acre park in Springfield includes a playground, picnic pavilion, woodland trails and a beautiful lake along with streams and waterfalls. The autumn colors and cool weather make this experience even more enjoyable during that time of the year.
Ritter Springs Park is located off Farm Road 92 in Springfield, MO –– about eight miles from campus.
The 153 acres of Lake Springfield Park are packed with gorgeous natural features like rolling green hills, trails in the Ozarkian woods and miles of shoreline alongside the ever-changing scenery of Lake Springfield. Canoes, kayaks and paddleboards are available for rent at the Boathouse from April 1 to October 31. Visitors can also fish largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, bluegill and carp.
The hiking trails at Lake Springfield Park include the Greater Ozark Audubon Trail, the James River Greenway and the Lake Springfield Park Trail. Some wildlife that is commonly seen there are deer, turkey, ducks and geese. During the fall months, the water grows an abundance of greenery, the bugs disappear and the trees turn amber –– what more can you ask for?
Lake Springfield Park is located in Springfield, MO on Kissick Avenue –– about seven miles from MSU.
If you’re having trouble getting in the fall mood, viewing fall foliage at Springfield’s oldest cemetery should do the trick. Maple Park Cemetery was founded in 1876 and was badly damaged during the Civil War’s Battle of Springfield. The 40-acre site was repaired and features a large Victorian-style gazebo near the entrance.
Many important figures are buried at the cemetery including Davis Tutt, who was killed in a face-off by Wild Bill Hickok in Springfield’s town square, and William Weaver, who served in the Missouri House of Representatives.
History is a lot cooler when it’s paired with spooky fall vibes and foliage. Maple Park Cemetery is located in Springfield, MO on Grand Street –– half a mile from campus.
Published on The Standard: September 19, 2022