Springfield Botanical Gardens
About
113-Acre Free Botanical Gardens with Japanese Garden and Butterfly House
Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park is a 113-acre free outdoor garden with the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden, Roston Native Butterfly House, an arboretum, trails, and playgrounds. The Butterfly House traces the full life cycle of native butterflies from egg to emergence.
Family Programs
Self-guided gardens, butterfly house, and seasonal events. Programs include:
- Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden
- Roston Native Butterfly House (seasonal)
- Themed gardens (rose, hosta, daylily, native)
- Arboretum trails
- Playgrounds
- Family events year-round
What's Included
- Free park admission
- Botanical Center entry separate (paid)
- Restrooms
- Picnic areas
Experience
Best free outdoor stop in Springfield. Plan 2 hours. Bring picnic; pair with a Japanese Garden visit. Best in spring and early summer.