Springfield, Missouri
Springfield is the largest city in Southwest Missouri, with a metro area population of over 400,000 people.
Since it's a fairly large city, there are many Springfield websites that can do a much better job than I can of filling in all the details about Springfield for you. I've listed some of my favorites below.
The information here is to help you use Springfield as a resource: general information, health care, colleges, shopping, restaurants and fun things to do when you come and visit "the big city" on a day trip from your new country paradise!
The Basics
Springfield Chamber of Commerce
Find out what's going on around town with the Springfield News-Leader or the local TV station websites: KY3, KSPR, and KOLR
Higher Education
- Missouri State University is the state's second largest university, with over 19,000 students, 150+ undergraduate programs and 40+ graduate programs.
- Drury University is a private university with around 1,500 full-time undergraduate students, offering a full range of undergraduate programs, as well as some graduate degrees.
- Ozarks Technical Community College focuses on associate's degrees and workforce training, with about 8,500 students.
- Evangel University offers undergraduate and graduate degrees with current enrollment of around 1,850 students.
- Springfield also has a variety of smaller colleges, including Central and Baptist Bible Colleges, Cox College of Nursing, and more.
Health Care
If you buy a home or farm in an rural area or small town in Southwest Missouri, you will most likely come to Springfield for some of your care. Many smaller towns have some health services, but the larger hospitals and most specialty care are found in Springfield and Joplin.
The Springfield Chamber of Commerce site has a community health care page that includes links on the right-hand side for acute and specialized healthcare services in Springfield and the surrounding area. For a quick look at the size and location of our hospitals, be sure to also check the statistics link in the text area of the page.
Outdoor Fun
- Check out Springfield's many parks.
- Enjoy the Dickerson Park Zoo.
- Go to Ozark Greenways for news about bike trails, canoe trails and other "linear parks" throughout the area. Definitely a website worth checking out.
Other Good Stuff
- Bass Pro's flagship store in Springfield is every hunter and fisher's dream. Even if you don't want to shop for gear, it's still worth a look. Go on a weekday if you can, it's usually very crowded on weekends. The Wonders of Wildlife live exhibits are currently closed for renovation.
- 417 Magazine is the local glossy lifestyle magazine. 417 is our area code, by the way. Your source for "Best of 417" ratings, higher-end shopping, a fairly comprehensive dining guide, etc. This magazine covers all of Southwest Missouri, but the focus is on Springfield.