5 Best Springfield Parks & Trails You Can Access By Bus

The kids are home for the summer and it’s time to get moving outside! Communities in Motion Week is next week and we’ve got the perfect activity that will get you out of the house and moving (for FREE)! Are you ready for an adventure?

Thursday, June 15, is Dump the Pump Day and everyone rides The Bus for free. We’ve collaborated with Ozark Greenways to bring you the five best greenway trails and the bus route you can take to get there! Grab a picnic lunch and get ready for an adventure right in your backyard.

Frisco Highline Trail, Springfield Trail Head

Take the Line 35-Industrial Express-Purple to the stop at Alliance & Kearney then walk a couple blocks east to the trailhead on Kearney & Eldon. The Frisco Highline Trail features six miles of paved trail from the Springfield Trailhead to the Willard Trailhead – perfect for walking or a bike ride. There’s a drinking water station at the five-mile mark in case you need a refill.

Galloway Creek Trail, Sequiota Park

Take the Line 31-SE Loop-Aqua to the stop at Battlefield & Lone Pine. Hop on the Galloway Creek Trail from here and head south less than a mile to Sequiota Park. You’ll find trailhead parking at the Towers Shopping Center on the northeast corner of the intersection. The trail is paved so it’s perfect for the kiddos and their bikes. Sequiota Park has plenty of outdoor adventure in store including plenty of rocks that need climbing and caves that need exploring.

South Creek Greenway, McDaniel Park

McDaniel Park is the trailhead for the South Creek Greenway. Take the Line 36-SW Loop-Pink or the Line 5-Glenstone/National-Blue to the stop at National & Sunset. Hop off the bus and enjoy the park or head down the South Creek Greenway just over three miles to Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park. If you get there and everyone is too tired to peddle back to McDaniel Park, there’s a stop on the Line 36 just outside the entrance to Nathanael Greene!

South Creek Greenway, Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park

Not feeling like a long walk or a bike ride? Take the Line 36-SW Loop-Pink to the stop at 2400 S Scenic. This stop is just outside the entrance to Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park. There is plenty to see in this beautiful Springfield park including the Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center.

Jordan Creek Greenway, Jordan Valley Trail

Kids always love Jordan Valley Park. Take the Line 3-Division-Orange to the stop at Water & Jefferson. The trailhead is just north of that intersection and heads east. When you get to the east side of Jordan Valley Park, you can walk a block south to the corner of St. Louis & Hammons Pkwy to catch either the Line 12-National/Glenstone-Maroon or the Line 5-Glenstone/National-Blue.

The routes we’ve recommended are all day routes that run from 6 a.m. to 6:35 p.m. We have a handy trip planner tool that can help you find the best route to get from where you are to the trailheads. You can also call us at 417-831-8782 or Tweet us for more information. If you have any questions about the Ozark Greenways Trails, you can contact them.

Communities in Motion Week

Monday, June 12 – Customer Appreciation Day

Stop by the Transit Center for a Krispy Kreme Doughnut and a cup of coffee from 6-11 a.m.

Thursday, June 15 – Dump the Pump Day

Dump the pump and leave your car at home. Everyone rides The Bus for free on June 15.

Friday, June 16 – Take a Ride with Mike the Intern

Look out for KKLH’s Mike the Intern broadcasting LIVE on a randomly-selected route from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Taking your bike on the bus?