Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park

Learn More About Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park

The Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park is located on Scenic Avenue in Springfield and is home to over 20 botanical gardens. The memorial park and botanical gardens feature BBQ and picnic areas, the glistening Lake Drummond, a Japanese stroll garden, and a charming native butterfly house. 

There is a greenhouse and many themed gardens, displaying the likes of daylilies, Asiatic lilies, peonies, roses, dwarf conifers, and ornamental grasses. Here, you will also find an abundance of native plants. All plants are grown and maintained by volunteer organizations arranged by “Friends of the Garden.”

The serene Mizumoto Japanese stroll garden is 7.5-acre of Japanese shrubs and winding paths. It also features three mini lakes, a ceremonial teahouse, a moon bridge, and even a meditation garden. This blissful area is ideal for relaxing and connecting with nature on a warm, sunny afternoon. The Roston native butterfly house is another peaceful part of the memorial park. Here, you can watch caterpillars feeding and butterflies laying eggs and emerging.

You can also visit the 1860s Gray/Campbell farmstead, which is the oldest cabin in Springfield. You can explore the two-crib barn, kitchen, granary, outhouse, and schoolhouse, glimpsing what life was like during this time.

Activities for kids include the Hop on the Solar Tram, which gives adults and children a tour of the park. Then, there is the children’s play trail. The trail contains five botanical-themed play pods with wildlife delights like butterflies, caterpillars, and mushrooms.

The Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center also hosts events, educational classes, and nature exhibits all year round. You can find more information in the welcome center. Here you can also access the reference library, gift shop, and rest rooms. The memorial park connects to South Creek Greenway and the 8-mile paved trail.

Looking for place with history and ghost stories? Go visit Pythian Castle .

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