Fordland MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Fordland, Missouri.
1. Wild Animal Safari
WILDLIFE ADVENTURE PARK
Wild Animal Safari is an interactive wildlife park where visitors can drive through and observe exotic animals in a natural setting. Guests have the option to drive their own vehicles or take guided tours in safari vehicles to get up-close experiences with the animals. The park is highly rated with a 4.4/5 rating based on numerous visitor reviews, making it one of the most popular attractions in the area.
2. Comeonin Antiques
VINTAGE TREASURE HUNTING
Comeonin Antiques is a charming antique shop located in Fordland that offers a variety of vintage items and collectibles. The shop boasts a high rating of 4.6/5 based on visitor reviews, indicating excellent customer satisfaction. Visitors can explore unique historical artifacts, furniture, and decorative items while experiencing a piece of the past.
3. Mark Twain National Forest
NATURAL OUTDOOR PARADISE
Mark Twain National Forest is a vast woodland area that surrounds Fordland, offering numerous outdoor recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing across its expansive trails and waterways. The forest provides a serene natural escape with diverse ecosystems and scenic vistas that showcase the beauty of the Ozarks.
4. Chateau Charmant
MAJESTIC CASTLE EXPERIENCE
Chateau Charmant is an impressive castle featuring hand-crafted beams in the great hall that reach 42 feet high, all made by Amish craftsmen. The castle contains six main rooms, including two bedroom suites where guests can stay overnight for a unique lodging experience. Visitors can immerse themselves in the medieval-inspired architecture while enjoying the charm and elegance of this distinctive attraction.
5. Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World
OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST'S PARADISE
Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World in Springfield is an enormous retail experience dedicated to outdoor sports, hunting, fishing, camping, and wildlife. The flagship store features massive aquariums, wildlife displays, and interactive exhibits that make it more than just a shopping destination. Visitors can find gear for every outdoor activity while enjoying the museum-like atmosphere that celebrates conservation and outdoor traditions.
6. Wonders of Wildlife Museum & Aquarium
IMMERSIVE WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
Wonders of Wildlife Museum & Aquarium is an award-winning attraction connected to Bass Pro Shops that showcases immersive wildlife habitats and aquatic ecosystems. Visitors can explore over 1.5 million gallons of freshwater and saltwater habitats featuring thousands of live fish, mammals, reptiles, and birds. The museum combines art, science, and conservation to create an educational journey through the natural world.
7. Dickerson Park Zoo
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
Dickerson Park Zoo houses over 500 animals representing more than 160 species from around the world. Visitors can enjoy interactive experiences like giraffe feeding, elephant demonstrations, and educational presentations throughout the day. The zoo focuses on conservation efforts and provides an engaging environment for families to learn about wildlife and environmental stewardship.
8. Pythian Castle
HISTORIC HAUNTED CASTLE
Pythian Castle is a historic stone castle built in 1913 that offers tours showcasing its fascinating history as both a Knights of Pythias orphanage and a military hospital during World War II. Visitors can choose between history tours or ghost tours that explore the paranormal activities reported throughout the castle over the years. The castle's architecture and storied past make it one of the most intriguing historical sites in the region.
9. Smallin Civil War Cave
UNDERGROUND HISTORICAL WONDER
Smallin Civil War Cave features the largest cave opening in Missouri and offers guided tours through its impressive underground passages rich with history and natural beauty. The cave served as a shelter for Native Americans and later became important during the Civil War era, with historical artifacts still being discovered. Visitors can learn about the cave's geological formations while hearing stories about its historical significance throughout different periods of American history.
10. Discovery Center of Springfield
INTERACTIVE SCIENCE LEARNING
Discovery Center of Springfield is an interactive science museum featuring hands-on exhibits that make learning engaging for visitors of all ages. The center includes exhibits on physics, biology, astronomy, and environmental science with activities designed to spark curiosity and critical thinking. Families and school groups can spend hours exploring the various educational stations while having fun with the interactive demonstrations and experiments.
11. Springfield Conservation Nature Center
URBAN WILDLIFE REFUGE
Springfield Conservation Nature Center offers over three miles of hiking trails through diverse habitats including forests, glades, and wetlands within the city limits. The nature center building features educational exhibits, wildlife viewing areas, and regular programming about local ecology and conservation. Visitors can observe native plants and animals in their natural settings while enjoying a peaceful retreat from urban life.
12. Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home & Museum
LITTLE HOUSE AUTHOR
Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home & Museum preserves the farmhouse where the famous author wrote the beloved 'Little House on the Prairie' series. Visitors can tour the home filled with original furnishings and personal belongings of Laura and her husband Almanzo, seeing the very desk where she penned her classic books. The museum contains a comprehensive collection of family artifacts, manuscripts, and memorabilia that tell the story of Laura's remarkable life and literary legacy.
13. Crystal Cave
SPECTACULAR UNDERGROUND FORMATIONS
Crystal Cave is a fascinating underground attraction filled with stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and flowing calcite formations. Guided tours take visitors through narrow passages and open chambers while explaining the geological processes that created these natural wonders over thousands of years. The cave maintains a constant cool temperature year-round, making it a perfect activity during hot summer months or any season.
14. Whispering Oaks Winery
LOCAL WINE TASTING
Whispering Oaks Winery offers visitors a chance to sample locally produced wines in a charming rustic setting. The winery features a tasting room where guests can enjoy flights of different varieties while learning about the winemaking process from knowledgeable staff. Visitors can relax on the property's grounds, often enjoying seasonal events or live music while savoring Missouri wines.
15. Bushmasters Rockin Race Place & Hot Rod Museum
VINTAGE AUTOMOBILE SHOWCASE
Bushmasters Rockin Race Place & Hot Rod Museum displays an impressive collection of classic cars, hot rods, and racing memorabilia for automotive enthusiasts. Visitors can admire meticulously restored vehicles spanning several decades of American car culture and racing history. The museum offers a nostalgic journey through automotive design and innovation, celebrating the craftsmanship and engineering that defined different eras of transportation.