Visited the aquarium at Bass Pro in Springfield, MO and was really impressed. It's much larger and…read moremore thoughtfully designed than I expected. The exhibits are immersive and well-themed, moving from local Ozark freshwater habitats to larger ocean environments, with clear educational signage throughout. The underwater tunnels and shipwreck exhibit were highlights, and the freshwater sections featuring native fish species were especially interesting. You can tell there's a strong conservation focus behind the displays, not just entertainment. Plan to spend a couple of hours to see everything comfortably. It's well maintained, clean, and suitable for both adults and kids. Definitely worth the stop if you're in Springfield or passing through.

Pretty much anything Johnny Morris does, he does it well.........and this place is no exception!…read more Made the trek to see the Aquarium, and this place is so much more than that. The whole experience is well planned, well laid out, and stuff for everyone to see.......It took a few minutes for our eyes to adjust to the darkness inside, but that was to be expected. Definitely worth making the trip here, and definitely a fantastic experience.

So, perhaps I'm a bit biased because we have the coolest Kid Museum at my home in Washington State…read more(Everett, to be precise), but my family found the Museum to be kind of meh. But, the front desk lady was dellightful and extremely personable. The thing that really stood out in epic-ocity was the bee exhibit. My granddaughter absolutely loved it. Everything else was kinda lackluster. However, honorable mention definitely goes to the Bed of Nails exhibit. It was a true bed of nails, with a pillow provided for comfort!! In conclusion, if you happen to be in Springfield, MO, give this place a visit. Otherwise, don't bother making a special trip, you could be disappointed.

Such a neat place. Every interaction with staff was positive! Yes some attractions could be updated…read moreor use some work, but overall this place is amazing. So many things for all ages.

This is a really interesting and well-displayed view of Springfield's past. Multiple floors…read more Excellent docents to whom you can ask endless questions.

From the owner: The History Museum on the Square is committed to building and preserving an extensive collection of…read morehistorical documents and artifacts, as we share stories of the crossroads to engage, educate, and inspire our diverse audience. We strengthen our community’s future by learning about our past and our culture. The Museum is located on the original square of Springfield, MO. Enjoy 5 floors of interactive and engaging exhibits that share the stories of Springfield and Greene County, Missouri.

We had a blass at this museum because of the staff, exhibits, and more! Due to the size of this…read moremuseum the staff are open for questions from opening to closing. They also are more than happy to help you into the real, retired, helicopter and fighter plane. The staff is very knowledgeable about anything US military history and especially friendly. During the time we were there the staff told us that the reason for the museum is to help teach kids about the US history so that the wars, battles, people, and artifacts are never forgotten. All the staff there are volunteers and the tickets, they told us, are to pay rent and keep the lights on. Over all I would highly recommend this small museum to any pass-byers and tourist in the area. Would go again if I could!

Don't be put off by the outside, it's much larger than you would expect. It's full of interesting…read moredisplays, an actual cobra helicopter that you can get in, and it's run by enthusiasts

Xuehua Jin is a Master's degree student at Missouri State but his biography is already quite…read moreimpressive. Having founded a private art school in China and co-authoring three collections there, based on what I saw here, I'd sign up for an art class from this young master right now. 'The Truth of the Great Wall - 1' is a two-sided ink and charcoal drawing on cotton that stood in the center of a gallery and I came back to it again and again during my visit. 'Silent Excruciating' is a landscape featuring actual grass. 'The Lonely Road of Self-Redemption' is another landscape that employs tree bark. 'Masters from China' is a black and white landscape of acrylic, ash, and ink upon which a blood red section of a shirt hovers over it. His style is a mashup of Anselm Kiefer and free-wheeling calligraphic elements. I guess I should mention that there's more here. It's a small museum to be sure but there are some surprises in the permanent collection including an early Jackson Pollock and a deck of large playing cards by Jean DuBuffet. Manage your expectations and you may be glad you visited.

Really nice variety of pieces, the facility is beautiful. There's an outdoor area that would be…read morenice when it's sunny out. Everyone working there was really nice and helpful

Oh. My. Gosh. I love this place. So much fun and so many great throwbacks. A wonderful place for…read moreall ages. If you're looking for a date spot or a place to take your kids or even if you're just with your buddies it's a good time. People are always so nice and the BATHROOM IS AWESOME! Haha check it out totally worth it

This arcade would be a treasure in any city in the world. It's in Springfield, Missouri. Make a…read moretrip. Stay a while. Worth the visit. Like so many arcades today, it's a labor of love. Parking is easy on the street. They're open Wednesday through Sunday, 4-11pm. Flat fee entry gets you credits all night. Pinball is still metered. But as long as they keep their pins running well I'll keep saving up quarters all year long just to bring them back to Springfield for family Christmas. Adults, the kids are alright. Kids, you're touching treasures. We like their shirts. They've got a print "Ugly Christmas Sweater" design right now that I just wish was actually in knit. Epic.

Staff was very welcoming upon arrival. Was able to walk the exhibits and learn a few things…read more Shopped the gift area with out feeling pressured to purchase a thing. Then we took a short walk to the rock formations to look for fossils this was fun for both my husband and I. We came home and were more than happy to tell our friends and family about our experience.

What a hidden gem! I absolutely loved this place and so did my kids! Will definitely return! We had…read morefun searching for fossils outside too!!

Tucked inside Bass Pro Shops in Springfield, the NRA National Sporting Arms Museum feels less like…read morea retail add-on and more like a time machine disguised as a detour. You walk in expecting camouflage and fishing reels and suddenly you're staring at centuries of American history told through craftsmanship, innovation, and survival. This museum quietly traces the evolution of firearms from early colonial America through the frontier, the Civil War, world conflicts, and into modern sporting culture. The collection includes exquisitely engraved pieces, early hunting arms, military firearms, and guns tied to presidents, explorers, and cultural icons. It's not flashy -- it's deliberate, curated, and respectful of the historical weight these objects carry. What stands out most is how the museum frames firearms as tools that shaped exploration, self-reliance, and national identity, rather than as props or politics. You leave with a deeper appreciation for the engineering, artistry, and context behind each era. The interpretive plaques actually explain why these pieces mattered, not just what they are. Best part? Admission is free. The space is clean, well-organized, and quiet considering it sits inside one of the busiest Bass Pro locations in the country. Staff and volunteers are knowledgeable and genuinely enthusiastic, especially if you ask questions. If you're a history buff, a museum lover, or someone who enjoys understanding how America got from point A to point chaos, this place is worth your time. Come for the store, stay for the story.

Had a fun time looking at all the firearms in the museum! The archery displays were amazing so…read moredon't miss that to. Lot of great history in the museum. My son and I had a great time talking about all the firearms.

Lovely trail and I love the that the first stop is the museum/gift shop. It has loaded information…read moreon the wars in trans-Mississippi. Driving around felt so calming. I wish we were warned that there were deers in the area. There was a deer that crossed the road and we had to hard brake. Overall, lovely experience if you want to hike.

I been to so many places in the NPS system and was blown away by how well done this small museum is…read moreat Wilson's Creek National Battlefield. There is so much information about what led up to the battle and who fought at this site as well as its place in the Civil War timeline. This is the site of the first Union general killed in action as well as the first Civil War battle that took place West of the Mississippi River. I did the Junior Ranger packet to obtain my free badge and watched the film. I chatted so long with Ranger Clayton Hanson about the Civil War and racism that his colleagues had to basically kick us out because they had the gate to the gift shop already down! It's great to chat with rangers who are passionate about their post. There was no entrance fee at this site. Visited December 2024