It’s Fall, Y’all!

With the fall weather finally approaching, people are actively searching for all the fun fall activities to do; and with a little research here are some things that might just suit your means of “fun”! 

Some common, but fun, fall activities are the many corn mazes around Springfield and the outside Springfield areas. There are many different ones to choose from- some partnered with other activities like petting zoos, hay bale rides, or on the more exciting side, haunted ones. One location of a maze you can attend is Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park (corn mazes, petting zoo, and hay rides). They open at 9 AM and close at 5 PM in the evening.

A very famous maze is the Exeter Corn Maze. It was rated the #1 fall attraction for South and Northwest Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. With having this ranking, Exeter has a ton of attractions to offer. It offers many activities such as axe throwing, zip lines, haunted houses, a giant slide, corn cannons, and of course the main attraction, and the corn maze. Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday the Exeter is not open, but Wednesday (5-8:30 PM), Friday, (2-10 PM), Saturday (10:30 AM-10 PM) and Sunday (10:30 AM-8:30 PM) are open to the public.

The last recommendation is the Field of Screams Haunted Trail and Forest. The first opening date is October 1-2 at 7 PM, followed by every weekend in October at 7 PM. While reading the reviews on their website, an anonymous person stated, “AMAZING, the actors were phenomenal and the scares were priceless! Can’t wait for next year!”

If you’re looking for a family friendly fall event to attend, there are many festivals in the area. High Street Baptist Church is hosting their annual Fall Fest October 31st from 5-7 PM. This is a free event where there will be carnival games, rides, and lots of candy.

Harvest Festival at Rutledge Wilson Farm is a great festival to attend this time of year. There is a 5 acre corn maze where you can learn more about the crop itself, a pumpkin patch, and eat food. While the festival itself is free to get into, some activities cost money (those being $1).

Apple Butter Makin Days happens to be a very popular festival happening in Mt. Vernon this weekend starting Friday, and going through Sunday. There’s tons of booths with all kinds of knick knacks, decor, clothes, and lots of food. The Festival even features a live band and lots of other music.

A more laid back activity to do would be taking a drive up to Branson to explore the views of Dogwood Canyon. This park offers 6 miles of hiking, biking, tram rides, horseback riding, and more. During the autumn season, it is a beautiful escape to see all the colors and really experience the cool fall weather. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 dollars for children to walk the park. If you want to get the day pass that allows horseback riding, tram rides, renting bikes, fishing, and more, your admission would be $55 per adult, and $30 per child.

There are plenty of local fall festivities for those who wish to find them.