Free & Cheap Things to Do in Springfield

History & Culture

The site of the first major Civil War battle west of the Mississippi, Wilson's Creek is a stunning free National Battlefield Park with a 5-mile self-guided auto tour, hiking trails through original battlefield terrain, and an excellent visitor center museum. Admission was permanently eliminated in 2023 — one of the best free NPS sites in the Midwest.

Address: 6424 W Farm Rd 182, Republic, MO 65738

Tip: The visitor center film is an excellent 20-minute introduction before doing the auto tour. Trails wind through preserved Civil War terrain — the Ray House and Bloody Hill overlook are the most evocative stops. About 10 miles southwest of downtown Springfield.

Parks & Nature

Free to wander year-round, the Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park feature dozens of themed garden areas — including a Japanese stroll garden, native butterfly house, rose garden, iris beds, and native plant collections — spread across a beautiful 113-acre park. One of the best free botanical gardens in the Midwest.

Address: 2400 S Scenic Ave, Springfield, MO 65807

Tip: The outdoor gardens are always free and open year-round during park hours. The Japanese Stroll Garden and butterfly house (April–October) are the highlights. The $6 Botanical Center is optional but worth it for the indoor exhibits.

Arts & Culture

The jaw-dropping world headquarters and flagship store of Bass Pro Shops is a free attraction in its own right — a 500,000-square-foot outdoor sports mecca with massive indoor aquariums, waterfalls, wildlife mounts, and three free on-site museums: the National Archery Museum, National Sporting Arms Museum, and Motor Sports Museum. Hundreds of thousands of people visit just to explore.

Address: 1 Bass Pro Dr, Springfield, MO 65807

Tip: Even if you have no interest in fishing or hunting gear, the sheer spectacle of the store is worth visiting. The free museums inside are surprisingly well done. Next door, the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium is a separate paid attraction (one of the best aquariums in the country).