Nathanael Greene Close Memorial Park
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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

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

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.9 · 4,573 reviews

Type

Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

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.

InstagramReddit
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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

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