Just minutes from Route 66, Springfield, and Branson
Looking for things to do near Route 66, Springfield, or Branson? Christian County is full of local experiences worth the short detour, whether it’s outdoor adventure, live entertainment, local dining, or hidden gems.
66 ways to explore Christian County like a local:
- Enjoy a cold craft beer on the patio at 4 By 4 Brewing Company while a food truck sets up for the evening
- Grab dinner and house-made pasta at Piccolo
- Hike to a creek crossing or bluff overlook inside Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area
- Attend a live performance at Aetos Center for the Performing Arts
- Fill a bucket with fresh-picked berries at a local berry farm
- Shop locally at Rosebud’s Cottage in Nixa
- Catch an evening show at Stained Glass Theatre
- Try multiple local flavors in one stop at 14 Mill Market, Southwest Missouri’s first food hall
- Play a round of disc golf at McCauley Park or Neal and Betty Grubaugh Park
- Follow wooded trails past historic springs at Garrison Springs Community Forest
- Ride beginner to advanced trails at Two Rivers Bike Park
- Explore contemporary art at Chelsie Nicole Contemporary
- Take a guided tour through Smallin Civil War Cave
- Grab a hearty meal at Double E Burger, a family-owned spot serving Southern comfort food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Book a guided visit at National Tiger Sanctuary
- Take a scenic drive between Ozark, Sparta, and Chadwick on winding backroads
- Fish for stocked trout at Mountain Springs Trout Park
- Find unique styles at Plumb Lily in Nixa
- Browse local artwork at Finley River Art Gallery
- Make a weekend stop at Black Stag Mercantile — open Fridays and Saturdays only
- Walk through exhibits at Christian County Museum
- Spend the day riding dirt trails at Chadwick Motorcycle and ATV Use Area
- Saddle up and ride horseback through the Ozarks at Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area or Swan Creek Wilderness Area
- Walk the grounds and explore events at Cassidy Station at Estes Farms
- Try Filipino comfort food at Purple Panda in Ozark
- Visit Lavender Falls Farm during peak bloom
- Spend a Saturday evening at Oldfield Opry
- Make a lunch stop at Spring Creek Tea Room — known for homemade cakes and antiques
- Tour the historic mill at Ozark Mill at Finley Farms
- Join a league or open play night at Volleyball Beach Ozark
- Watch a tournament at Ozark Mountain Sports Complex
- Catch a matinee, grab some popcorn, and settle in for a movie
- Reserve a court online and play pickleball with a coffee in hand at Dropshots Pickleball
- Grab opening-day ice cream at Blue Jay Scoops on March 9
- Browse fresh produce at local farmers markets
- Spot wildlife while birdwatching in conservation areas
- Grab BBQ at Meat Hooks BBQ and load up on brisket, pulled pork, and burnt ends in Clever
- Experience Nixa Sucker Days — May 15 & 16, 2026, with fried sucker fish, a parade, live music, and booths
- Watch thousands of rubber ducks race at the Sertoma Duck Race Festival & Balloon Glow — June 19 & 20, 2026 at Finley River Park
- Stay for the balloon glow at Finley River Park
- Watch fireworks at the Clever Freedom Festival June 27th
- Attend a First Saturday Art Show at Lucid TLC Arts in Nixa
- Go boutiquing at Huckabella in Ozark
- Enjoy wine and food pairings at Vineyard Market — and explore the cigar lounge
- Explore antique and flea markets around Billings
- Sign up for an aerial class at 417 Aerial — with options for kids and adults
- Look for murals and photo spots around Nixa
Spend a Saturday morning at Ozark Market Days — first Saturdays May through October, 9 AM to 3 PM - Take a class or attend a family-friendly program at one of the Christian County Library branches, including access to the Library of Things
- Kayak or float the James River on a warm day
- Tour the farm at Finley Farms
- Stay at a unique Airbnb — including one that used to be a morgue
- Keep an eye out for upcoming local car shows
- Find a quiet stretch along the Finley River for fishing, skipping rocks, or just slowing down for a bit
- Stop into a local coffee shop like Grounded Coffee Co for a slow morning and a fresh cup
- Create your own stained glass piece at Lokovich Art Studio
- Check out upcoming classes, workshops, and community events hosted by One Nixa
- Grab breakfast and coffee before a morning hike at Billy Gail’s
- Grab lunch and a drink at Lambert’s Café and catch the famous throwed rolls
- Walk the trails and learn local Civil War history at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield
- Catch a Friday night social at Whiskey Tango’s Beer & Spirits
- Visit Alpacas in Sparta at Details Above Alpacas
- Plan a night at The Garrison at Finley Farms for an elevated dining experience
- Hit the lanes for a casual bowling night with friends or family
- Step onto the mat and try a judo class at a local dojo
- Take a stroll around the Ozark Historic River District
- Relax with a Japanese-inspired head spa experience at Color Works Salon & Spa
📍 Out exploring? Tag us in your stops — @ExploreCCMO
Christian County, Missouri offers a wide variety of things to do just minutes from Route 66, Springfield, and Branson. From outdoor adventure and local dining to events, shopping, and unique attractions, it’s the perfect destination for a day trip or weekend getaway in the Ozarks.
Hosting an upcoming event in Christian County? Make sure it’s on the Explore Christian County Local Events Calendar so visitors and locals alike can plan ahead and join in. Submit event details online and help keep the community connected.
