When spring arrives in the Ozarks, it arrives quietly. It delicately tiptoes in by way of warmer afternoons, budding flowers in the fields, and fresh breezes that smell of sunshine. Then, almost overnight, the Ozarks are bursting with new colors, signaling its arrival. In Springfield and beyond, there are many ways to welcome the season for those who wish to offer greeting.
Starting where spring always feels intentional, the Springfield Botanical Gardens provide the perfect afternoon setting for reading, as sunlight stretches gently forward, warming cheeks and noses with a soft, golden touch. By early April, the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden begins to bloom and offers a meditative walk among awakening trees that beautifully frame the scenic views. Around the same time, the Cherry Blossom Kite & Piñata Festival fills the gardens with spirited tunes and cultural performances as stunning as the season itself.
For a more adventurous take on the arrival of spring, head to Silver Dollar City in Branson, where you can beat the summer crowds, ride roller coasters that thrill, and taste dishes bursting with home-cooked flavor.
Closer to home, the Greater Springfield Farmers’ Market presents spring’s fresh flavors: morel mushrooms, early greens, and aromatic flowers that adorn tables with their bright faces. Local growers like Cassidy Flower Co. at Estes Farms or Pa’s Posey Patch offer photo ops among opening blooms.
Spring also makes space for art and escape. ArtFest on Walnut Street turns downtown Springfield into a creative corridor of artistry, unique dishes, and live music. For an overnight getaway, sleep peacefully under the stars at Ozark Mountain Adventure, where glamping tents offer a secluded way to pause and reflect on all the new life that the season brings.
No matter how you choose to welcome spring this year, be sure to take time to intentionally pause and observe the Ozarks as they transform with its arrival.
There are many ways to welcome the season for those who wish to offer greeting.