Life

What to do for Memorial Day Weekend

Start planning for Memorial Day weekend. Here's how you can safely enjoy barbecues, splashing around under the Ozarks sun and local celebrations.

By Jamie Thomas

May 01 2021 at 8 a.m.

Memorial Day Weekend in Springfield, MO

Photo by Sheri Holloway PhotographyCelebrate Memorial Day Weekend safely with your family with these local activities.

Memorial Day marks the unofficial beginning of summer. Things might look a little different this year, but that's no reason not to enjoy the warmer weather by spending some time outside. Plan a float trip, quick getaway to a popular Midwest city or find a local celebration. Make sure you call ahead or contact venues to check that event details haven't changed, and take sensible steps to stick to the reopening steps outlined by the Springfield-Greene County Health Department.

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Fassnight Pool photo from SGF Parkboard

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Take a Dip at Fassnight Park This Memorial Day Weekend

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Hosta Park photo by Aaron Scott

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Four Places to Find Zen in Springfield

We rounded up four of our favorite places in Springfield to have a calming moment in nature—where it’s just you, your thoughts and the fresh air.

Sides at a barbecue

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Shawnee National Forest in Illinois

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Outdoor Activities for Memorial Day Weekend

Family jumping off a bluff at Bull Shoals Lake at sunset

Lake Season Begins

Your Guide to the Best Lake Getaways in Missouri

We love lake season here in the Ozarks. Whether you're looking for a family friendly getaway, an afternoon of sailing or a quiet cove to relax in, Table Rock Lake, Bull Shoals Lake and Stockton Lake have exactly what you need.

Grand Falls in Joplin, MO

Eat & Play

Best Riverside Picnics in the Ozarks

Use this guide to find the local riverside picnic spot that's perfect for you. Then pack up your favorite snacks and maybe a few lawn chairs, and enjoy the view.

Canoe or float Big Piney River in Missouri

Hit the River

Best Float Trips in the Ozarks

Explore 10 scenic float trips that can only be enjoyed in the Ozarks. Find tips for floating the Big Piney River, Jack's Fork, Current River, James River, Niangua and the North Fork in Missouri and the Kings River in Arkansas among others.

Hemmed In Hollow Waterfall in Northwest Arkansas

Chasing Waterfalls

Best Wet-Weather Hiking Trails with Waterfalls

Break out the rain boots and grab your umbrella: A heavy downpour is just the reason to explore some of the most exquisite waterfalls in the Ozarks.

cliff jumping into water

Swimming

Your Guide to the 13 Best Swimming Holes in the Ozarks

Explore the coolest places to swim the the great outdoors—that you can only find in Missouri and Arkansas.

Explore 28 Great Parks

Play Outside

Explore 28 Great Parks

Make it your mission to explore as many of these state, national and local parks as you can this summer, and use our guide as your road map to adventure.

Things to Do in Summer in Springfield, MO

Wet & Wild

Cool Off with Water Activities This Summer

With things finally heating up and the water looking so appealing, it’s time to celebrate the arrival of summer with some new activities.

Dog walking on a trail stock image

Best Friends

Happy Tails: Four Favorite Dog-Friendly Trails

Ben and Brina Thomas, owners of 5 Pound Apparel, spend much of their free time hiking with their black lab, Lemon. Read about their favorite southwest Missouri hikes that are equipped for pups and people alike.

Cook up Your Own Memorial Day Treats

Become a Grill Master: Inventive Ways to Tackle the Flames

GRILL IT

Become a Grill Master: Inventive Ways to Tackle the Flames

Change up your usual cooking routine, and make something a bit unexpected on your grill tonight. A local farmer and foodie spill some of their favorites.

pizza and pizza cutter on cutting board

HOMEMADE 'ZA

Build the Perfect Pizza Pie at Home

One of the best ways to take advantage of the bounty of local, seasonal ingredients—and get creative at the same time—is to make homemade pizza. We dug up a few fun ways to get started.

Grilled Glazed Peaches with Peach Thin Crisps

JUST PEACHY

Grilled Glazed Peaches with Peach Thin Crisps

Serve warm peaches next to cold ice cream and top with a crisp. Recipe courtesy of The Food Channel.

Mixed Berry Puff Pastry

CLASSIC TREAT

Mixed Berry Puff Pastry

Strawberries, blueberries and blackberries go into this mixed berry puff pastry. Recipe by Chef Johnson Tan of Ocean Zen.

Easy Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

I SCREAM, YOU SCREAM

Easy Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

Homemade ice cream couldn't be simpler. Make this vanilla ice cream for a cool summer treat.

Cowboy Carl Burger

GIDDY-UP

Cowboy Carl Burger

The Cowboy Carl Burger will give your guests a little extra giddy up. Recipe by Chef Mike Jalili of Touch, Flame and Black Sheep.

Peachy Caprese Recipe

TWIST ON A CLASSIC

Peachy Caprese

Swap tomatoes for your favorite fruit for an outside-the-box take on caprese salad.

Radicchio melon salad

SUMMER SALAD

Radicchio Melon Salad

Use up your leftover cantaloupe in a bitter, salty, creamy, juicy summer salad.

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