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Day Trips from Springfield

← All Springfield day trips

Day Trips from Springfield Within 3 Hours

The best day trips from Springfield within a 3 hours drive. Discover destinations, attractions, and activities — all with real drive times, ratings, and photos.

NatureHistoryFood & WineFamilyAdventureBeachArts & Culture

12 destinations within 3 hours of Springfield

Forest Park, MO 63112, USA

Forest Park

MO 63112, USA

Why this destination?

Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.8 by 34.2k+ visitors) · 1 hr 35 min from Springfield

1 hr 35 min4.8 (34,151)NatureAdventure
Pebble Isle, IL 60555, USA

Pebble Isle

IL 60555, USA

Why this destination?

Recommended because: Adventure destination · well rated (4.8 stars) · 2 hrs 54 min from Springfield

2 hrs 54 min4.8 (36)Adventure
Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO 63110

Missouri Botanical Garden

St. Louis, MO 63110

Why this destination?

Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.8 by 17.6k+ visitors) · 1 hr 37 min from Springfield

1 hr 37 min4.8 (17,627)Adventure
Museum of Illusions - St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110

Museum of Illusions - St. Louis

St. Louis, MO 63110

Why this destination?

Recommended because: History destination · highly rated (4.8 by 9.6k+ visitors) · 1 hr 36 min from Springfield

1 hr 36 min4.8 (9,570)HistoryAdventure
Matthiessen State Park, Oglesby, IL 61348

Matthiessen State Park

Oglesby, IL 61348

Why this destination?

Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.8 by 5.7k+ visitors) · 1 hr 58 min from Springfield

1 hr 58 min4.8 (5,655)NatureAdventure
The Morton Arboretum, Lisle, IL 60532

The Morton Arboretum

Lisle, IL 60532

Why this destination?

Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.8 by 14.0k+ visitors) · 2 hrs 46 min from Springfield

2 hrs 46 min4.8 (14,041)Adventure
World's Largest Pitchfork, IL 62420, USA

World's Largest Pitchfork

IL 62420, USA

Why this destination?

Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.8 by 0.4k+ visitors) · 2 hrs 12 min from Springfield

2 hrs 12 min4.8 (366)Adventure
LaSalle Canyon, Oglesby, IL 61348

LaSalle Canyon

Oglesby, IL 61348

Why this destination?

Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.8 by 0.3k+ visitors) · 2 hrs from Springfield

2 hrs4.8 (314)NatureAdventure
Lover's Leap Overlook, IL 61348, USA

Lover's Leap Overlook

IL 61348, USA

Why this destination?

Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.7 by 0.1k+ visitors) · 2 hrs 1 min from Springfield

2 hrs 1 min4.7 (137)Adventure
Starved Rock State Park, IL 61348, USA

Starved Rock State Park

IL 61348, USA

Why this destination?

Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.7 by 17.3k+ visitors) · 1 hr 59 min from Springfield

1 hr 59 min4.7 (17,286)NatureAdventure
Woodland Palace, Kewanee, IL 61443

Woodland Palace

Kewanee, IL 61443

Why this destination?

Recommended because: Adventure destination · well rated (4.7 stars) · 2 hrs 5 min from Springfield

2 hrs 5 min4.7 (26)Adventure
️Matthiessen Lake Waterfall, IL 61348, USA

️Matthiessen Lake Waterfall

IL 61348, USA

Why this destination?

Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.7 by 0.2k+ visitors) · 2 hrs 2 min from Springfield

2 hrs 2 min4.7 (164)Adventure

Frequently Asked Questions About Day Trips from Springfield

What are the best day trips from Springfield within 3 hours?

The best day trips from Springfield within 3 hours include state parks, historic towns, wineries, scenic drives, and outdoor recreation. Use the destination cards above to see top-rated options with real drive times and ratings from Google.

What cities and attractions are within 3 hours drive of Springfield?

There are many cities, towns, and attractions within 3 hours of Springfield, IL. Our page shows the best destinations you can reach in that time, including attractions, parks, and activities -- not just a list of city names.

What are cheap or free things to do near Springfield?

Many of the best day trips from Springfield are free or low-cost, including state parks, hiking trails, scenic drives, and small-town Main Streets. Check the destination cards above for budget estimates and options.

Is 3 hours enough time for a good day trip from Springfield?

Yes! A 3 hours drive opens up plenty of great day trip destinations from Springfield. Many popular spots -- state parks, historic towns, and scenic areas -- are within this range, giving you a full day of exploration without needing an overnight stay.

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