One of the best ways to experience the beauty of the Ozarks is on your bicycle.
From rural America to urban metros, a bicycle ride helps you get off the beaten path, find the back alleys, and connect with the people that make a place unique. Head outside and experience someplace new by bike. To help you make that happen close to home, we have worked with our partners at Greene County and Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau to highlight five loops to promote exploring our beautiful Ozarks by bicycle. Click on the bicycle route's name to check it out on Ride with GPS. Click here to join Ozark Greenways' Ride with GPS.
Frisco Highline Trail - Boone Loop
All aboard! It’s time to ride on the Frisco Highline Trail, a once-bustling railway through major Midwestern cities. Thankfully for us, you can now enjoy this scenic thoroughfare by bicycle as you cruise through small towns and Ozarks woodlands. We love the Frisco Highline Trail, but that is only the beginning of this exciting excursion through some of the prettiest road biking in the area. After leaving the FHT, you will work toward the remnants of Phenix, an old mining community where a quarry still operates today. Bonnie Parker of the explosive Bonnie and Clyde duo even went to elementary school in this old ghost town! If you haven’t gotten your fill by now, you are in for a treat. The last highlight of this ride is the Nathan Boone Homestead Historic Site, once the estate of the youngest son of legendary pioneer, Daniel Boone. There are several trails on the Homestead, but bicycles are not allowed; bring a lock if you plan to explore them.
Loop the Lakes
The Loop the Lakes route begins at Valley Water Mill Park, home to the Watershed Committee of the Ozarks. Along with being a beautiful park, the Center serves as an excellent educational resource for understanding the value of watersheds to our ecosystems. From here, cyclists may enjoy some of the finest, low-traffic pavement in the area on their way to Fellows and McDaniel Lakes. Both Fellows and McDaniel Lakes are owned by City Utilities and serve as essential reservoirs for Springfield’s drinking water. Fellows Lake has a small playground, bathrooms, and a covered pavilion. One of our favorite parts of this route is the bridge over McDaniel Lake, which is no longer open to motorists. You see folks fishing on a nice day, and the half-mile stretch without vehicles is a great section to catch some shade on a hot day. Photo cred: Watershed Committee of the Ozarks
Bikes & Battlefields Loop
This route highlights some of our most popular greenway trails and the historic Wilson's Creek National Battlefield on the outskirts of town. Your journey will begin on the South Creek Greenway trail, winding its way through one of the largest parks in town, Springfield Botanical Gardens. Stop to smell the roses on your way to Wilson’s Creek Greenway trail. You'll exit the greenway trail and will then be on paved roads. Some of this trip takes place on Old Wire Road, a historic byway running through much of the Ozarks. When this road gained its name it followed an old Native American route, the Great Osage Trail, across the Ozarks before running along the telegraph line from Saint Louis to Fort Smith, AR. This route was also used by the Butterfield Overland Mail stagecoach. Be sure to check out the visitor's center. The Battlefield offers a paved, bicycle-friendly road that circles the Battlefield, highlighting key points and information along your way. The entry fee for those who would like to take the 5-mile loop is $10. Photo credit: Springfield CVB
SGF Brewery Loop
If you are like us here at Ozark Greenways, you enjoy your bike rides followed by a cold, locally brewed beverage. If this is the case, this route is for you! Unlike most days, you won’t just be chasing your ride with a cold one, you’ll be enjoying all of Springfield’s best offerings of craft beer all day long. This route is not for the faint of heart; please bike and consume safely. This loop is 23 miles. From all of us here at Ozark Greenways: Cheers! Here’s to friends, beer, and bikes! Photo credit: Springfield CVB
Springfield Sculpture Tour - Center City
Bike or wheel your way through an outdoor museum dispersed through the center city. With a changing cast of stars, this eclectic collection of public art is one you'll want to visit year after year. With lots of small businesses, restaurants, and breweries nearby, you will have all you need for an afternoon of fun. This tour is 10 miles. You can find more information on the organization and current installations at Sculpture Walk Springfield. Photo credit to 2frysCycling for the route.