springfield-greene county botanical center

This place is so gorgeous during the fall, when the tress leaves turn gorgeous colors..... all the walking trails are well maintained as are the gardens..... All that surrounds this place is so beautiful.... you can see the geese in the lake and other birds too and spend the day strolling around and commune with nature and marvel at the beauty God has allowed us to enjoy.....If you like taking in nature and like to see pretty things..... then this is the place to be...... bring your camera.... :):)

We visited here today. We parked at " the centre". Go here for a brochure & to ask what places are open to explore.It is open from April to October from 8-8 on Mondays to Saturdays & Sundays From 11-6. From November - March it is open 8-5 on Monday to Saturday & Sundays from 11-5. They advertise a self guided cell phone audio tour . No cost except your minutes, but since we are from Canada this was not an option we could use, but would have liked !!! There are miles of walkways & gardens. The main pathways are paved.Some places like the butterfly house, Grayson-Campbell farmstead, tram service, Japanese gardens, are only open certain days & hours so phone ahead.It is pet friendly. Dogs have to be on a leash & you must pick up after them. There are grills & picnic tables on site.The Japanese gardens are $3 per adult & it was definitely worth the few bucks!

They do such a great job taking care of all of the flowers and bushes here. It is absolutely beautiful so bring your camera!

What a beautiful addition to the west side of Springfield. A great place to picnic. My kids love to chase the birds (uh-oh) and a walk around the lake is lovely.

The Botanical Gardens consist of three major features. There's the Botanical Center with a gift shop, classrooms, meeting rooms and fantastic stained glass windows that look out upon the second major feature which is Close Memorial Park. The Park surrounds a lake with a seven-tenths of a mile walking trail (which joins with one of Springfield's many bike/hike trails) and includes dozens of specialty gardens, a butterfly house, picnic areas and much more. The third feature is the amazing Mizumoto Japanese Garden - well worth a walk-through with or without your camera. Beautiful settings all well maintained. Intimate, colorful and peaceful - just like a Japanese garden should be. A lake with swans and ducks, a small waterfall and a Japanese Tea House are also included.