Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park - Image 1
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Nathanael Greene Close Memorial Park

4.9
·5k reviews·Springfield, United States

Discover 118 acres of free, stunning botanical gardens, a butterfly house, and serene walking paths in Springfield, MO.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Redbuds and flowers in bloom

CrowdLow
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Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park - Image 1

Nathanael Greene Close Memorial Park

Best Time

Spring mornings

Redbuds and flowers in bloom

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover 118 acres of free, stunning botanical gardens, a butterfly house, and serene walking paths in Springfield, MO.

4.9
(5k reviews)

"Probably the best park in Springfield! Very pretty, always clean. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Free Admission Gem

Enjoy 118 acres of stunning gardens and a butterfly house at no cost!

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll want to explore all the walking paths, so wear comfy shoes!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Springfield Botanical Gardens

Springfield Botanical Gardens

118 acres of themed gardens

Wander through diverse themed gardens, including hosta, rose, and redbud, showcasing vibrant blooms year-round.

Instagram+1
Butterfly House

Butterfly House

Within Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park

Experience the magic of hundreds of butterflies in a free, volunteer-run sanctuary.

Instagram+1
Serene Walking Paths

Serene Walking Paths

Throughout the park

Enjoy peaceful strolls along well-maintained paths, perfect for nature lovers and dog walkers.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Free Beauty

Discover over 118 acres of stunning themed gardens, a butterfly house, and serene walking paths, all completely free to explore! Instagram

Plan for Park Hours

While the park itself is vast, some facilities like restrooms may close early. Check operating hours to ensure a comfortable visit, especially for evening strolls. Reddit

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Redbuds and flowers in bloom
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Summer evenings
Why
Cooler temperatures, wildlife
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Parks we think everyone should visit when they’re in Springfield, Missouri. 📍Sequiota Park 📍Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park 📍Lost Hill Park 📍Ritter Springs Park 📍Miller Park at Fellows Lake 📍Doling Park 📍Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park #springfieldmo #springfieldmissouri #417 #thatsmymo #lovespringfield #beautifulparks
@lovespringfield
1.4K likes • 33.3K views

🎯 Free Admission Gem

Enjoy 118 acres of stunning gardens and a butterfly house at no cost! InstagramReddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll want to explore all the walking paths, so wear comfy shoes! Reddit

5 gorgeous parks and gardens to visit this year near Springfield, Missouri. #417 #springfieldmo #parksandgardens #missouricheck #missouristate
@lovespringfield
1.3K likes • 21.1K views
Let’s Tour Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park in Springfield, Missouri. 📍 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield #springfieldmo #springfieldmissouri #thatsmymo #417 #visitsgf #visitspringfieldmo #lovespringfield
lovespringfield
303 likes • 9.1K views

🦋 Butterfly House Volunteers

Chat with knowledgeable volunteers at the free butterfly house. InstagramReddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails

Leashed dogs are welcome on the park's many walking paths. Reddit

Day dreaming about a walk through the botanical gardens on this cloudy morning 😴 🌧 Stay dry today, Springfield, and don’t forget to stop by Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park once the weather clears to see all the gorgeous plants in bloom! 🌸 🌺 🌹 📷These lovely photos belong to @mowanderlustphoto, be sure to check out their page for more great work. #sgfparks #sgfbot #botanicalgardens
theparkboard
172 likes • 10.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free Admission Gem

Enjoy 118 acres of stunning gardens and a butterfly house at no cost! InstagramReddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll want to explore all the walking paths, so wear comfy shoes! Reddit

🦋 Butterfly House Volunteers

Chat with knowledgeable volunteers at the free butterfly house. InstagramReddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails

Leashed dogs are welcome on the park's many walking paths. Reddit

📸 Perfect Photo Ops

Capture beautiful moments in the themed gardens and by the lake. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.9
(5k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Nathanael Greene Close Memorial Park for its stunning beauty, diverse themed gardens, and the delightful, free Butterfly House. It's considered a top park in Springfield, offering peaceful walking paths and abundant wildlife, making it a relaxing and enjoyable experience for all. InstagramReddit+1 The main drawback mentioned is the early closing time of restrooms, which can be inconvenient for those enjoying evening visits. Reddit

"This is a beautiful park. Lots of beautiful flowers and trees and great walking paths. Ducks, butterflies, birds and other wildlife. It’s definitely my favorite park in Springfield. I just wish the bathroom was open later. They lock the building up pretty early considering how much daylight remains and people going for evening walks. I couldn’t find a bathroom that was open which is frustrating. It’s huge park so maybe there’s an open bathroom somewhere but I didn’t find it."

Mindy Lin

"Probably the best park in Springfield! Very pretty, always clean. You get a good walk around the path. Lots of botanical/educational things as you walk. Nice pond/lake and waterfall. A few rivers to play in when the water isn't too high. Ducks, geese, squirrels and bunnies. Large fountain you can sit and enjoy. Lots of places to sit around the path. Very dog-friendly! Absolutely recommended!"

Kaleigh Gilbert

"The place was very beautiful. Clean peaceful, relaxing. You can have a picnic there. You can have children playing in the park. You can see wildlife. It was a very soothing atmosphere."

William Jackson

What People Like

Beautiful flowers and trees
Great walking paths
Abundant wildlife

What People Dislike

Restrooms close early

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The park is located at 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, MO. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. Instagram Many visitors mention it as a must-visit park in Springfield. TikTok+1

Information on public transportation routes to Nathanael Greene Close Memorial Park is not widely available in social media or Reddit discussions. Driving is the most common method of access mentioned by visitors. Instagram

The primary entrance is off South Scenic Avenue, leading to the main parking areas for the botanical gardens and other attractions. Instagram

Yes, the park features well-maintained walking paths that guide you through the various themed gardens and areas. Reddit

While there are roads within the park for access to parking, the focus is on pedestrian exploration of the gardens and trails. Some visitors use their cars to drive between points of interest due to mobility limitations. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, admission to Nathanael Greene Close Memorial Park and its Springfield Botanical Gardens is completely free! InstagramReddit

The park grounds are generally open from dawn to dusk. However, specific facilities like restrooms may have earlier closing times, which can be frustrating for evening visitors. Reddit

The Butterfly House is free to visit and is operated by knowledgeable volunteers. No advance booking is typically required. InstagramReddit

While the park is free, special events might occur. It's always a good idea to check local listings for any specific happenings. Instagram mentions an editorial shoot, indicating the park is a popular venue.

The park has paved walking paths, and some visitors use their cars to navigate between different sections due to mobility challenges. Reddit The main garden areas are generally accessible.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Don't miss the diverse Springfield Botanical Gardens, the free Butterfly House, and the scenic walking paths around the lake. InstagramReddit+1

Absolutely! The themed gardens, blooming flowers, and natural landscapes offer countless beautiful photo opportunities. Instagram+2

Yes, the park offers BBQ and picnic areas, making it a great spot for a relaxing outdoor meal. Reddit

Visitors often spot ducks, geese, squirrels, bunnies, and various birds. The Butterfly House is a highlight for insect enthusiasts. InstagramReddit

Yes, it's a peaceful and relaxing environment where children can play and explore nature. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no specific mentions of on-site restaurants or cafes within the park in social media or Reddit discussions. Visitors often bring their own food for picnics. Reddit

Springfield offers a variety of dining options just a short drive from the park. You can find everything from casual eateries to more formal restaurants in the surrounding areas. Instagram

Yes, bringing your own food and drinks is highly encouraged, as there are designated picnic and BBQ areas. Reddit

Information about water fountains is not readily available. It's advisable to bring your own water, especially during warmer months. Reddit

Picnics often include classic favorites suitable for outdoor dining. The park's serene atmosphere makes it ideal for enjoying a packed meal. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The themed gardens, especially during bloom seasons like the redbud trees, offer stunning backdrops. The Butterfly House and the lake area are also popular photo locations. Instagram+2

Yes, the park's beautiful landscapes and gardens make it a highly sought-after location for editorial and wedding photography. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best lighting for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and capturing a softer glow. Instagram

There is no specific information regarding drone usage in the provided content. It's recommended to check park regulations or contact park management directly before flying a drone. Instagram

Yes, visitors frequently photograph the ducks, geese, squirrels, and butterflies. Remember to maintain a respectful distance from all wildlife. InstagramReddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Nathanael Greene Close Memorial Park is a fantastic destination for families. The open spaces and walking paths are perfect for kids to explore and burn off energy. Reddit The free Butterfly House is a guaranteed hit, offering a magical experience for children to see colorful butterflies up close. Instagram Pack a picnic to enjoy in one of the designated BBQ or picnic areas, making for a fun and affordable family outing. Reddit The park's natural beauty also provides a great opportunity for kids to learn about plants and wildlife in a relaxed setting. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Nature Lovers

For solo travelers seeking tranquility, Nathanael Greene Close Memorial Park offers a peaceful escape. The extensive network of walking paths allows for long, contemplative strolls through diverse botanical gardens. InstagramReddit You can spend hours exploring the themed areas, enjoying the quiet beauty, and observing the local wildlife. Reddit The free admission makes it an accessible and rewarding experience for anyone looking to connect with nature at their own pace. Instagram

🐶 Dog Owners

Dog owners will appreciate that Nathanael Greene Close Memorial Park is very dog-friendly! Leashed dogs are welcome on all the walking paths, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful scenery with your furry companion. Reddit It's a great place for a refreshing walk or a leisurely stroll, ensuring both you and your dog get some exercise and fresh air in a scenic environment. Reddit

📸 Photographers & Content Creators

This park is a goldmine for photographers and content creators. The meticulously curated botanical gardens provide endless opportunities for stunning visuals, from close-ups of flowers to sweeping landscape shots. Instagram+2 The Butterfly House offers unique macro photography subjects, and the natural light filtering through the trees creates beautiful effects. Instagram+1 Whether you're capturing seasonal blooms, wildlife, or the overall ambiance, Nathanael Greene Close Memorial Park is sure to inspire your next creative project. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Springfield Botanical Gardens

Nathanael Greene Close Memorial Park is home to the expansive Springfield Botanical Gardens, a true gem for nature enthusiasts. Spanning 118 acres, these gardens are meticulously maintained by dedicated volunteers, offering a diverse array of themed areas. Visitors can wander through specialized gardens like the Hosta Garden, Rose Garden, and the vibrant Redbud Garden, which is particularly stunning when in full bloom. Instagram+2 The park also features a serene lake and numerous walking trails, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely day out. Reddit

One of the most enchanting features is the free Butterfly House, where you can get up close with a variety of fluttering species. Instagram+1 The volunteers here are often on hand to share fascinating insights about the butterflies and their life cycles. Beyond the themed gardens, the park provides ample space for picnics and relaxation, with BBQ areas available for visitors to enjoy. Reddit It's a place where you can truly immerse yourself in nature's beauty and find a sense of peace. Reddit

Wildlife Encounters and Nature Observation

Nathanael Greene Close Memorial Park is a haven for local wildlife, offering delightful opportunities for observation. Visitors frequently report seeing ducks and geese on the lake, as well as squirrels and bunnies hopping around the grounds. Reddit The park's natural setting and well-preserved green spaces create an inviting habitat for these creatures. The Butterfly House is a particular draw for those interested in entomology, showcasing a variety of butterfly species in a controlled environment. Instagram+1

For birdwatchers, the diverse flora provides ample food and shelter, attracting a variety of avian species. Reddit The park's commitment to maintaining natural habitats ensures that visitors can enjoy these wildlife encounters. It's a wonderful place for families and individuals alike to connect with nature and observe the local fauna in a peaceful setting. Reddit

Photography and Special Events

With its stunning botanical displays and picturesque landscapes, Nathanael Greene Close Memorial Park is a photographer's dream. The themed gardens, especially during peak bloom seasons, offer vibrant colors and textures that make for breathtaking shots. Instagram+2 The park has even been featured in editorial shoots, highlighting its aesthetic appeal for professional photography, including wedding photography. Instagram The serene lake and lush greenery provide a beautiful backdrop for capturing memorable moments. Instagram

Beyond personal photography, the park's beauty makes it a popular venue for various events. While not a primary focus of visitor content, the mention of editorial shoots and the general appeal of the gardens suggest it's a location that can host intimate gatherings or be a backdrop for larger community events. Instagram+1 The open lawns and scenic views offer a versatile setting for different types of celebrations or gatherings. Instagram

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