Here are 10 places to see the best fall colors around the Ozarks

Greta Cross, Springfield News-Leader

Though most trees are still bearing green leaves, soon the Ozarks will be full of red, orange and yellow.

The News-Leader compiled a list of the 10 best spots to see fall foliage throughout the Ozarks, from Jordan Valley Park in downtown Springfield to Dogwood Canyon in Lampe. This list is not comprehensive as fall foliage is beautiful throughout every region of the Ozarks.

Missouri State University

Address: 901 S. National Ave.

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It's hard to miss a beautiful tree preparing to shed its leaves on Missouri State University's campus.

Maple Park Cemetery

Address: 300 W. Grand St.

Red, orange, and yellow leaves cling to the trees at Maple Park Cemetery in Springfield on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023.
Red, orange, and yellow leaves cling to the trees at Maple Park Cemetery in Springfield on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023.

Maple Park Cemetery is one of the most photographed spots in Springfield during the fall season. The historic nonprofit cemetery is located in the heart of the city, open to all.

To celebrate the fall season, Springfield Little Theatre is hosting its Tree Top Jamboree at Maple Park Cemetery on Saturday, Oct. 12 from 3-7 p.m. The event will include hayrides, live music and snacks. Apples, mums and pumpkins will be available for purchase. Admission is $25 per person. For an additional $25, guests 6 and up can take a ride in a hot air balloon. All proceeds from the event benefit Maple Park Cemetery. Advance tickets are available on the SLT website.

Jordan Valley Park

Address: 635 E. Trafficway St.

Located in the heart of Springfield, Jordon Valley Park boasts a beautiful fall landscape.

More: Looking for fall activities? Here are 16 pumpkin patches, corn mazes in the Ozarks

Springfield Conservation Nature Center

Address: 4601 S. Nature Center Way

Hours: Everyday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Fall color at the Springfield Conservation Nature Center in 2009.
Fall color at the Springfield Conservation Nature Center in 2009.

It's hard to miss the fall foliage on the Springfield Conservation Nature Center's 78.8 acres. Maintained by the Missouri Department of Conservation, the nature center offers three miles of walking trails, perfect for taking in colorful trees. The nature center's building is open Tuesday through Saturday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Fellows Lake

Address: 4200 E. Farm Road 66

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Folks interested in being near water to enjoy the fall leaves should explore Fellows Lake, a 860-acre body of water that serves as one of main sources of drinking water.

Galloway Creek Greenway

Address: Pershing Middle School at 2713 E. Seminole St. to Old Iron Bridge in Nixa

The Galloway Creek Greenway, which runs between Springfield and Nixa, is about five miles in length. It features a combination of asphalt and concrete surfaces with moderate inclines. Folks may enjoy the trail on foot or bicycle.

More: These 27 fall festivals around the Ozarks celebrate the best of harvest time

Lake Springfield

Address: 2312 Lake Springfield Park Road

Cyclists decked out in a mix of warmer and cooler-weather gear ride past fall foliage during a recent bike race at Lake Springfield Park.
Cyclists decked out in a mix of warmer and cooler-weather gear ride past fall foliage during a recent bike race at Lake Springfield Park.

Lake Springfield Park offers 158 acres of trails, woods, bluff and shoreline to explore — covered in reds, oranges and yellows during the fall season.

Wilson's Creek National Battlefield

Address: 5242 S. State Highway Z in Republic

Wilson's Creek National Battlefield is the location of the first major Civil War battle fought west of the Mississippi River. The site also marks where Nathaniel Lyon, the first Union general killed in action, died.

The park grounds are open 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. The park's vehicle entrance opens at 8 a.m. and the visitor center and museum is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day.

More: As ideas about the Civil War change nationwide, here's how Wilson's Creek stays relevant

Historic Iron Bridge

Address: Seneca Road in Nixa

The Historic Iron Bridge crosses over Finley Creek, accessible along Seneca Road in Nixa.

Dogwood Canyon Nature Park

Address: 2038 State Highway 86 in Lampe

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Dogwood Canyon Nature Park in Lampe is a great place to see fall foliage.

Dogwood Canyon's Fall Fest is Oct. 25-31. The festival features several family-friendly activities throughout the week, including foraging workshops, critter encounters, an owl prowl and hot apple cider stations. Tickets to Dogwood Canyon include access to Fall Fest. Tickets are available on the Dogwood Canyon website. Admission is $16-20 for adults and $11.25-14 for children.

Greta Cross is the trending topics reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. She has more than five years of journalism experience covering everything from Ozarks history to Springfield’s LGBTQIA+ community. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Story idea? Email her at gcross@news-leader.com.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Best places to see fall colors in the Ozarks when leaves change

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