Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park

The Springfield-Greene County Park Board developed the 207-acre farm park to celebrate the region's rich agricultural heritage near Republic, MO. There is an animal barn, a farm-themed playground, a visitors center, a gift store, and a fishing pond on the premises. There are demonstration crops and gardens on the grounds, as well as a 20-acre native grassland, grazing area, a one-mile paved path, urban community garden plots, and Wilson's Creek. Admission is free, although many festival activities demand a modest charge.

Facilities

The farm park is meant to provide educational, as well as different recreational opportunities for the community and commemorate the rich agricultural legacy of the area. The park features an animal barn, visitor's center and gift shop, farm-themed playground, demonstration crops and gardens, 20-acre native grassland, grazing area, one-mile paved walk along Wilson's Creek Greenway, and Wilson's Creek.

You may participate in the following activities while visiting Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park:

• Special events throughout the year
• Fish in the fishing pond
• Gift shop
• Play on the farm-themed playground and pedal tractors
• See who lives in the big red barn
• View fields of crops and a large butterfly garden
• Walk, run or bike the Wilson's Creek Greenway

Winter Activities

Throughout the month of December, Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park transforms into Candy Cane Lane, a Christmas lights trail. For $5 per car, visitors may stroll through the park and enjoy 10,000 sparkling lights in exhibits centered on farming. Purchase a hot chocolate to add to the effect's coziness. Additionally, the park's campfire rentals are accessible throughout the year, but are especially enjoyable on a chilly but not too cold evening. Visitors may book them for a minimum of two hours for $40 per hour (plus an additional fee after 5 p.m.) which includes pit access, wood to burn, and seats to sit on. Bring your own marshmallows and toasting sticks.

Spring and Summer Activities

When the warmer months arrive, it's all about having fun outside. Fish have been stocked in the park's pond. At Rutledge-Wilson, you don't need a fishing license to capture and release lil' swimmers, and you can even rent rods, reels, and bait for $3.50 per hour. After you've had your fill of pond time, take a walk along the park's walkway or gaze out at the 20 acres of native prairie area. Summer is also a wonderful time for farm-themed kids camps to keep your children entertained while school is out.

Fall Activities

At Rutledge-Wilson, fall is one of the greatest seasons because Harvest Fest seems to run forever—and there is so much to do. It is open throughout the month of October and combines nearly every fall activity into its vast space. The grass is crammed with carnival games and inflatables (the huge slide is a crowd favorite), as well as snack sellers. Before you select a pumpkin from the patch and call it a day, you may get lost in a corn maze or take a hayride. There is a ghost trail walking route with bonfires at night, and the hayrides continue into the evening. One of the Harvest Fest days is devoted to Halloween activities around Halloween, and children are encouraged to dress up.

Information Provided by ABC Damage Restoration.