Adventure Travel in Springfield, MO
Ranked #11,230 in Travel & Places, #282,112 overall
Don't wait for the adventure to find you - Go find your adventure!
If you're tired of sitting on the couch, living your adventures vicariously through television because you don't know what else to do -- put the remote down and listen up!
If you live in the Ozarks... I'm talking anywhere around southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas, then take a look at what I have in store for you. I have articles on all types of outdoor adventures from camping and mountain biking, to skydiving and ziplining, and more.
We're fortunate to be living in one of the most beautiful, scenic places in the United States. I'll help guide you to some of the best trails for mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding. I'll also let you know where to go to really get your adrenaline pumping.
Be sure to visit often, because I'm continually seeking out adventures to experience and share with you. I'll also be talking with experts in the field of adventure travel and outdoor gear to help give you some educated insight into pursuing your adventure. In additon, I'll be sharing some events that are local to Springfield, MO. (My neck of the woods.)
I believe that great adventures begin between the ears. It's really all about attitude and how you approach your life.
You don't have to have a lot of money to be an adventurer, and you don't have to travel to exotic destinations. You simply need a curious, inquisitive nature, a positive mental attitude, and you'll find great adventures in your own backyard.
If you live in the Ozarks... I'm talking anywhere around southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas, then take a look at what I have in store for you. I have articles on all types of outdoor adventures from camping and mountain biking, to skydiving and ziplining, and more.
We're fortunate to be living in one of the most beautiful, scenic places in the United States. I'll help guide you to some of the best trails for mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding. I'll also let you know where to go to really get your adrenaline pumping.
Be sure to visit often, because I'm continually seeking out adventures to experience and share with you. I'll also be talking with experts in the field of adventure travel and outdoor gear to help give you some educated insight into pursuing your adventure. In additon, I'll be sharing some events that are local to Springfield, MO. (My neck of the woods.)
I believe that great adventures begin between the ears. It's really all about attitude and how you approach your life.
You don't have to have a lot of money to be an adventurer, and you don't have to travel to exotic destinations. You simply need a curious, inquisitive nature, a positive mental attitude, and you'll find great adventures in your own backyard.
Photo Courtesy of MICHAL MARCOL
Table of Contents
- Is This Heat Putting a Damper on Your Outdoor Adventures?
- Historic 18th Century Eureka Springs
- Voluntourism: Working Your Way Through a Great Adventure
- Indoor Rock Climbing
- Find Fellow Adventurers to Join You on Your Outdoor Excursions
- Lake Springfield offers up nature trails, canoe & kayak rentals
- Visit the George Washington Carver National Monument
- 2011 National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
- Mountain Biking in the Ozarks: Sunday driver or serious single tracker
Is This Heat Putting a Damper on Your Outdoor Adventures?
What you can do about it...
Well... maybe when I made that wish, I should have added some parameters, like low 80's, low humidity... that can kind of stuff.
Oh well, here we are under a great "heat dome" and we're dying to get out of the house. Here are some suggestions that I apply to my own summer adventures, maybe you'll find something useful.
The humidity still kicks my butt... but I still jump back up.
Be careful in this heat.
Photo Courtesy of graur razvan ionut.
Historic 18th Century Eureka Springs
A great way to spend a relaxing day... or a romantic weekend
A little less than a two hour drive from the Springfield area, in northwest Arkansas, is what I like to think of as my little "Brigadoon."Whenever my husband and I drive down there, I can just feel the weight of my worries slide off little by little on the apex of every turn of the snaky Hwy 62.
By the time we arrive, I feel like a whole new woman. The carefree, bohemian side of me emerges and... it's great!
Eureka Springs has great food, friendly people, and they celebrate everything! read more
Photo Courtesy of Ann Tiller
...
Voluntourism: Working Your Way Through a Great Adventure
... volunteer vacations are becoming so 21st Century
Two problems that can be solved by one suggestion... voluntourism or a volunteer vacation.
Voluntourism is really the best of both worlds. It's a fun-filled adventure that's sure to leave you with lifelong friendships and great stories to share with friends and family. And, because you'll be working for a good cause you'll have warm fuzzy feelings that will leave you yearning for more.
In addition to those two good selling points, is the fact that you can choose to take a volunteer vacation near home or stateside... or you can experience exotic locales like Peru or Nepal - for a fraction of the cost of a traditional vacation. Read more...
Photo Courtesy of Arvind Balaraman
Indoor Rock Climbing
A rockin' good adventure in Springfield, MO
In fact, while researching this story, I came across several comments from Navy Seals who discussed the role that indoor rock climbing plays in their staying fit and ready. So, yes... this can be serious stuff.
While many die-hard rock climbers prefer "real rock", indoor rock climbing serves as a safe way to "learn the ropes", so to speak.
And, for those of us who are just looking for ways to make staying in shape more fun - well, it's good for that too. Read more...
Photo Courtesy of Chaiwat
Find Fellow Adventurers to Join You on Your Outdoor Excursions
.... hiking, kayaking, mountain biking
If you're like me, then you sometimes have trouble finding folks who share the same passion as you have for the great outdoors.Afterall, it's kind of hard to convince someone of the benefits of carrying a 70-pound pack up the side of the mountain, just so you can crash your exhausted body down on a rockhard bed. Then, wake up all stiff and sore to greet the frosty morning with a cup of camp coffee.
What? I gave up my hot shower and cozy bed for this?
That's alright... because I've stumbled across a website that will help you to find people who share the same interests as you, regardless of whether it's hiking, backpacking, kayaking or... scrapbooking.
And, by the way, these are not just for single folks. These are people who are just like you and me... looking to share the experiences of the great outdoors with someone who can appreciate it. Read on...
Photo Courtesy of Michal Marcol
Lake Springfield offers up nature trails, canoe & kayak rentals
I don't know why, but the Lake Springfield Park has never been the first place that springs to my mind when I've wanted a quick hike on a nature trail, or maybe to do a little canoeing.I recently discovered, however, that Lake Springfield Park has beautiful trails that meander through the woods and prairies. In addition, they also have a water trail through Lake Springfield that you can canoe or kayak.
So, if you're itchin' to get in touch with nature, but you're short on time, just take a look in your own backyard... read more.
Photo Courtesy of Ann Tiller
Visit the George Washington Carver National Monument
A great man against all odds... an inspirational story
On the longest day of the year - first day of summer - and all of that, my 12-year-old son and I paid a visit to the nearby George Washington Carver National Monument, located about an hour away from Springfield, in Diamond, Mo.
The weather was perfect, so we enjoyed our walk along the Carver Trail. We also enjoyed the interactive displays in the museum. We'd been there for three hours and weren't ready to leave... except they were closing.
George Washington Carver is one of the most amazing individual. I was glad I brought my son there, if for nothing more than to show proof to him that a person can do absolutely anything - if they put their heart and mind into it.
See the slideshow and read more about George Washington Carver's National Monument here.
Photo Courtesy of Ann Tiller
2011 National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
Contest deadline less than a month away
Just a head's up for adventure travel photographers... the deadline for the prestigious 2011 National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest is July 11, 2011.Check out contest prizes and guidelines at National Geographic Traveler.
There's a great slide show of the 2010 National Geographic Traveler's Contest at examiner.com.
Photo Courtesy of prozac1
Mountain Biking in the Ozarks: Sunday driver or serious single tracker
Find the best trail for you
You're biggest challenge will be figuring out where you can find the best trails for you. Places like the Mark Twain National Forest, Busiek State Forest and Roaring River State Park - just to name a few - are right here in the Ozarks. For more information on finding where the best trails are, read my article at examiner.com.
Photo Courtesy of TOM CURTIS
Living Your Bucket List in the Ozarks
Get your adrenaline pumping with these 3 high-flying adventures
Well, I think a bucket list serves as an excellent reminder to appreciate our life... via some death-defying means. It reminds us to live for the moment and to appreciate the little things.
At the very least, it'll take your mind off of your worries for a little while.
Death-defying is a relative term, so check out my article at examiner.com for a couple suggestions on high-flying adventures you can do right here in the Ozarks.
Photo Courtesy of GOLDSAINT
Ha Ha Tonka State Park
A multi-faceted outdoor experience
Sitting high atop a hill, overlooking some incredible scenery near the Lake of the Ozarks are the remains of a wealthy Kansas City businessman's vision - a three and a half-story mansion fashioned after a European castle.
Find out more about this beautiful destination at examiner.com.
Photo Courtesy of DUSTIN HOLMES
Get lost at Lost Valley State Park
Arkansas' hidden treasure
The lovely Lost Valley State Park is a relatively short and easy 2.1-mile trail. However, this trail is full of some great features... and a few surprises. So, keep your eyes open.Be sure to bring your camera... and a good flashlight or two.
Lost Valley State Park, located just south of Ponca, Ark., is a scenic two-hour drive from Springfield, Mo.
Read more about this trail in my article on examiner.com.
Photo Courtesy of XYZPDQFOO
Great Stuff on Amazon
eBay
Springfield, Mo. Movie Listings
- 1. Men in Black 3 - $55.0M
- The Men in Black are back, and this time Agent J (Will Smith) must take a trip into the past in order...
- 2. Marvel's The Avengers - $36.9M
- Marvel Studios delivers the ultimate comic-book film, which ties together such characters as Iron Ma...
- 3. Battleship - $10.8M
- Milton Bradley's enduringly popular strategic board game makes the leap to the big screen in Hancock...
- 4. The Dictator - $9.6M
- Comic Sacha Baron Cohen re-teams with director Larry Charles (Borat, Bruno) for this satirical tale...
- 5. Chernobyl Diaries - $8.0M
- An extreme vacation turns terrifying when a group of friends visit the Chernobyl disaster site, and...
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by Mizpooh
Ann Tiller, a former Air Force journalist, is currently a freelance writer and photographer. She enjoys a variety of activities, such as outdoor recre... more »
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