Missouri State University Parent Guide
Welcome to Springfield; Home of Missouri State!
Dear Parents,
When your student selected Missouri State University to pursue a college degree, he or she selected a fine school set in a great city they will come to call home over the next four or so years. Springfield, the third-largest city in Missouri, offers plenty for your student year-round and for you when you’re in the city for a visit.
Set in the rolling hills of the Ozark Mountain Range, Springfield is where the outdoors and indoors blend. Springfield was named a “Top 50 Adventure Town” by “National Geographic Adventure” magazine and a “Sportstown USA” by “Sports Illustrated.”
Many of the city’s finest amenities, in fact, are its outdoor activities and attractions, such as the Ozark Greenways Trails Network where walking, biking, running and skating are popular ways to see the city and enjoy the outdoors. Another great outdoor asset is the Springfield Conservation Nature Center. Not only does the center offer walking trails through a variety of natural habitats, you and your student will enjoy the informative visitors’ center and free programs offered on a variety of topics. Other attractions include Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, Fantastic Caverns, dozens of city parks and public gardens and many others.
Your student also will enjoy the variety of dining and entertainment options, particularly in the downtown area near campus. Downtown Springfield is home to more than 40 locally-owned restaurants and is the site of many activities and events, such as First Friday Art Walk each month and annual events such as Artsfest, Cider Days, Taste of Springfield and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Along with things to do inside the city, Springfield is surrounded by plenty of day trip options, including the theme parks and shows in Branson, Table Rock Lake, streams and rivers, national forest and many other towns and attractions.
Those are just a small sample of what Springfield has to offer for residents and visitors alike. For more information about the city’s attractions and events, call the Convention & Visitors Bureau at (800) 678-8767 toll free or (417) 881-5300 locally or visit the bureau’s Web site. Information also is available at the city’s tourist information centers at 815 E. St. Louis St. just a few blocks north of campus, 3315 E. Battlefield Road or at Springfield-Branson National Airport.
Last, but not least, welcome to you and your student! We’re pleased you chose Springfield and are sure you will enjoy your stay here.
Sincerely,
Tracy Kimberlin
President
Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau
