Things to do in Springfield, no research required

Springfield, Missouri splits between the outdoors and the history, and Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium leads both at once as one of the country’s larger aquariums. Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield covers Civil War history a short drive out of town, and Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park handles the green space with strong reviews of its own. Hold Fast Brewing is the evening pick, one of the higher-rated breweries on a list with a full set of bars. Enough here to stretch a weekend well past the usual Route 66 drive-through, which is what most people give this town.