A Two-Day Itinerary for Springfield, Missouri

Springfield is Missouri’s third-largest city and a great place to explore. Often referred to as “Queen City,” Springfield has many cool things to see and do, as well as fantastic food and drink options. Here are my suggestions for a fun-filled two-day itinerary in Springfield, Missouri, a favorite stop on the Mother Road, Route 66.

Day One: Breakfast

Breakfast at The Aviary, a place serving seriously good eats with creative crepes and dishes, is a must. The  decor is homey, yet chic, with a fun vibe. Try the mashed sweet potatoes as your side dish and an Italian cream soda–both the peach and raspberry are fantastic. The Crepe Lorraine with Applewood smoked bacon, spinach, and mornay is to die for!

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Day One: Afternoon Activity

Springfield is home to the original Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World. This mammoth property contains a hunting and fishing gallery, giant aquariums, and a cafe at the complex. Johnny Morris started the successful Bass Pro Shops company here in Springfield. Rest assured that the businesses with his name on them are world-class. 

One of the coolest things in Springfield is a feature property of Johnny Morris, The Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium, adjacent to the Bass Pro Shop. This unique attraction is devoted to conservation education and features amazing crystal clear aquariums with a vast dichotomy of taxidermies (stuffed dead animals) on display from around the world.

Day One: Lunch

Enjoy brunch seven-days-a-week or dinner at The Order, Hotel Vandivort’s modern restaurant. The Sous-Vide (pronounced Soo-Veed) Carrot & Roasted Beet Salad and The Order Burger are both excellent choices. For a more adventurous dish, try the Count of Monte Cristo, a bologna and ham sandwich on French toast with Edgewood Creamy Plain Jane cheese and blackberry fig jam. Oh, my! Don’t miss taking a bathroom selfie in the water closet’s mirror. It makes images Instagram-Worthy.

Day One: Beer Sampling, Plus Dinner

An itinerary for Springfield, Missouri, should include a beer sampling at both Mother’s Brewing Company and Lost Signal Brewing Company, two of Missouri’s best. Established in 2011, Mother’s has a cool taproom with an awesome outdoor patio. I was a fan of the Imperial Grind Coffee stout and the Strawberry Ginger Gose.

At Lost Signal, taps change often, but you’re most likely going to LOVE whatever you try. The Safecracker IPA, Smoked Pecan Porter, and Lost Signal Lager are all tasty beers to choose from, while the in-house smoked BBQ should not be missed either. Lost Signal Poutine and Loaded BBQ Nachos (with beer queso) are delicious appetizers to share.

Day Two, Breakfast

On day two in Springfield, enjoy a tasty breakfast or early lunch at Gailey’s Breakfast Cafe. Yummy, yet healthy choices at this eatery include the Hippy Omelet (avocado, walnuts, hummus) or the Gailey’s Stuffed Oatmeal. Splurge with the El Jefe Skillet (eggs, chorizo, jalapeños, avocado, queso) or the Breakfast Casserole (bacon, sausage, hash browns, biscuit crumbles, and cheese) topped with hollandaise (yes, please!) or sausage gravy.

Day Two, Morning Activity

Since Missouri is “The Cave State,” you should visit Fantastic Caverns, a one-of-a-kind caving system. Board a jeep-drawn tram for a 50-minute tour to explore America’s only drive-through cave. Enjoy the spectacular display of stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, and draperies as you ride through the comfortable 60-degree cavern.

Day Two, Lunch

Order lunch from the first Steak ‘n Shake on the iconic Route 66 highway. Made fresh-to-order burgers, fries, and milkshakes are all the rage at this popular hamburger chain. This particular Steak ‘n Shake location is decorated with iconic Route 66 pictures and memorabilia, which is even more photogenic at night if you get the chance to drop by.

Another tasty option is to eat burgers, chili, and fries from Casper’s, an offbeat fixture in Springfield for more than 100 years. The colorful 30-seat hut is worth a visit just to check out the nostalgic decor, even if you aren’t eating.

Day Two, Later Afternoon Activity

Tour the Route 66 Car Museum with more than 65 unique cars spanning every decade, including some film and movie vehicles, classics, brass era, and sports cars. Kids will love Batman’s Gotham Cruiser, while adults will appreciate the 1991 Ghostbusters Cadillac wagon and the 1926 Hudson Speedster from the “Grapes of Wrath” movie fame. With names like Rolls Royce, Packard, Horch, Delorean, Ford Model T, and Studebaker, there is a car for everyone to fall in love with.

Day Two, Dinner and Drinks

Bruno’s Italian Restaurant serves authentic Italian cuisine in a historical setting. The Beef Carpaccio and Tomato Bruschetta are excellent appetizers to whet your appetite. Let Chef Bruno and his team create a lovely dinner for you, such as Veal Scaloppine, Spinach & Ricotta Gnocchi, or Linguine with Clams. Pizzas are popular entrées, too. 

Enjoy an after-dinner cocktail at Missouri Spirits, offering custom-made vodka and whiskeys made from ingredients grown in the Midwest. Enjoy the spacious and welcoming venue as you swing, play games, or socialize. If you are not in the mood for Italian food, you get dinner here. Missouri Spirits serves shareable plates (pimento cheese, crab cakes, smoked pig nachos) and satisfying sandwiches such as the Fried Bologna Griller. 

My favorite spot in Springfield is the Golden Girl Rum Club, an upbeat place to have an Instagram-worthy premium rum drink and sing along to songs everyone knows and loves. Found in Springfield’s Park Central Square, Golden Girl Rum Club has a tropical party vibe that works remarkably well, despite being located in the Midwest. Adorable cups and mugs (plus vibrant bendy straws) that hold these tantalizing tikis and classic cocktails add to the festive spirit. Every city needs a Golden Girl Rum Club!

Where to Stay in Springfield

The University Plaza Hotel & Convention Center has large rooms, big enough for families to fit comfortably, and free breakfast. An inviting indoor pool and coffee shop are onsite, as well as a fitness center and restaurant. University Plaza’s location is excellent for seeing downtown Springfield on foot, plus parking is free. 

Previously a Masonic temple, Hotel Vandivort is now a luxury boutique hotel. An onsite rooftop bar in a glass-enclosed area draws clientele from near and far. Hotel Vandivort is Silver Weed certified, meaning they do all things positive for the environment while showcasing buying and using local in every possible aspect. Even if you are not staying there, at least take a gander at how beautiful Hotel Vandivort is. 

If a more historical or cultural stay is what you crave, consider the Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven Motel, on historic Route 66. This charming, yet nostalgic motel (circa 1938) is perfect for getting those cool Route 66 photos and offers a comfy bed and modern conveniences.

Springfield, Missouri: A City You’re Going to Love

Springfield, Missouri, is a wonderful place to spend time getting to know the local attractions and historical setting. It is a great Midwestern destination to satisfy both your big city and small town desires.

Here’s hoping my itinerary for Springfield, Missouri will come in handy for your vacation or weekend getaway. 

Springfield, Missouri Photo Gallery

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Thanks to Visit Springfield and NATJA for arranging my travel. As always, opinions and reviews are 100% mine and unbiased. 

Read about more of our Midwest travels:

Hotel Vandivort: Uptown Style in Springfield, MO

Discovering Bentonville, Arkansas

Can’t Miss Photo-Ops on Missouri’s Route 66