Springfield is the third largest state in Missouri, and is nicknamed the ‘Queen of the Ozarks’ for its proximity to that mountain area. There are important universities and hospitals in Springfield, which is also known as the ‘Birthplace of Route 66’. The centerpiece of running in Springfield is on its network of 100+ miles of multi-use trails along the city’s numerous creeks. There are numerous parks, but they tend to be small.
If in the downtown area, the best option is east of the CBD, around the campus of Missouri State University and the attractive Rountree neighborhood. Among our favorite multi-use trails near the center are the Galloway Creek Greenway, South Creek Greenway/Nathanael Greene Park, & Wilson’s Creek Greenway. North of town is the Springfield terminus of the Frisco Highline Trail, which runs for 37 miles north to Bolivar. We also like the Ozarks Greenways Trail along the South Dry Sac River. For a great destination run, head to the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield. Trail runners will love Busiek State Forest.
