Greene: History, Gardens and Trails

At Wilson's Creek National Battlefield, the history of the first major battle of the American Civil War west of the Mississippi comes to life. The site is partly in Greene County, about 16 km southwest of Springfield. Visitors can explore a museum and follow in the footsteps of the soldiers who fought there on August 10, 1861.

Landscape and Trails

Wilson's Creek National Battlefield is in the Springfield Plateau section of the Ozark Plateau. Its historic tour road is 7.9 km long. The Springfield-Greene County area also has more than 110 miles of trails and shared-use side paths, as well as more than 80 miles of in-town bike routes. These figures provide an overview of a larger trail network, while the tour road’s length refers to the Battlefield.

The Galloway Creek Greenway is suitable for walkers, runners, cyclists, inline skaters, wheelchair users and people with strollers. At the Galloway Creek Greenway, Sequiota Park includes caves at a former fish hatchery site. The trails and park offer different ways to enjoy a trip that combines outdoor activity with an interest in the landscape.

Historic Sites

The Ray House is the only surviving residence from the Battle of Wilson's Creek. From 1858, it served as the post office for the community of Wilson Township. The house thus connects Civil War history with a later chapter in the community’s everyday life.

The Nathan and Olive Boone Homestead State Historic Site preserves the Boone family’s last residence and offers a glimpse into the 1830s. It includes a cabin, the remains of outbuildings, the family cemetery and an African American cemetery. It also encompasses 370 acres of the original Boone Homestead. Together, these features highlight daily life, places of remembrance and the scale of the historic homestead.

Gray/Campbell Farmstead offers a glimpse into the self-sufficient lifestyle of the 1860s and gives visitors the chance to learn more about local heritage. Practical educational offerings include a special program for fifth-grade students. Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park offers a different agricultural focus: an authentic farm experience with educational and recreational activities centered on Greene County’s agricultural tradition.

Gardens and Special Experiences

Springfield Botanical Gardens features dozens of themed gardens and collection gardens. Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden was established in 1986 in partnership with Springfield’s sister city, Isesaki, Japan. The two gardens offer different highlights: alongside the variety of themed and botanical collections, the Mizumoto garden also reflects its connection to a Japanese sister city.

In the context of host city Springfield, Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium offers an aquarium experience with a capacity of 1.5 million gallons. At Fantastic Caverns, visitors can travel through the cave in trams pulled by Jeeps. These experiences complement the historic sites and gardens with two other distinct themes.

Seasonal Trip Planning

Lake Springfield Boathouse offers canoe and kayak rentals from May through September, weather permitting. Gray/Campbell Farmstead is listed as open Saturdays and Sundays from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. from May through September. Because volunteer availability may affect access, check visiting hours before you set out. At the Boathouse, rentals depend on the season and weather; at the Farmstead, volunteer availability affects access.

Discover More Destinations

Springfield, Republic, Boone, Stoddard County, Stone, Hickory County, Saline County, Cedar

For the main travel overview: Missouri.