Lifestyle
Things to do Labor Day Weekend in Southwest Missouri
Make your Labor Day celebrations worth remembering with the great outdoors, local activities and weekend getaways.
By Abigail Blaes, Katie Pollock Estes
Aug 01 2025 at 9 a.m.
Photo by Brandon Alms
Purchase Photo
Things To Do Outdoors
Southwest Missouri is filled with adventures, whether you’re looking to hit the lake or jump on a thrill ride. Take a look at some of the outdoor adventures waiting for you this Labor Day weekend.
Stargazing in the Ozarks
Take advantage of the long evenings before fall and see the stars above the Ozarks. Here's our guide for where (and how) to go stargazing in southwest Missouri
Hit Your Favorite Patio
Sit and sip on one of the many picturesque or luxury outdoor eating and drinking areas dotted throughout southwest Missouri.
Take to Two Wheels
Enjoy the the transition from summer to fall by taking to one of the many cycling trails you can find around the Ozarks.
Best Waterfalls in the Ozarks
Take a break and across the Ozarks to visit some of our region’s beautiful waterfalls.
Best Swimming Holes in Southwest Missouri and Beyond
Explore the coolest places to swim in the great outdoors—that you can only find in Missouri and Arkansas.
Great Trails in Southwest Missouri and Arkansas
From a stroll on the Ozark Greenways to an adventurous hike to a spectacular outlook on Mount Magazine, there are plenty of ways to get outside and enjoy nature.
417-land Staples
Whether you're a native, new to the area or are just visiting for the long weekend, southwest Missouri has a ton to do! Check out some of these lists of local activities and staples to see how many you've completed, and how many more you have to go.
New Restaurants in Springfield
Work up an appetite and eat at one of Springfield, Missouri's new restaurants.
Visit a Foodie Neighborhood
We've got plenty of places to eat great food in Springfield, Missouri. Here's a guide to which neighborhood offers which eats.
Go Global
You can find far more to eat in the Ozarks than Midwest staples. Here's your guide to finding all the best global cuisine available in and around the Ozarks.
Where to Get Your Mexican Food Fix in Springfield
Southwest Missouri is dotted with Mexican restaurants both old and new and big and small. Check out what makes them so good.
Where to Get the Best Pizza in Springfield
What’s in a pizza? In Chicago, it’s a deep dish pie with a high ratio of sauce to cheese. In New York, it’s ultra thin crust with savory tomato sauce and mozzarella. Here in southwest Missouri, pizza is all this and more.
Bite into the Best Burgers
Read all about the burgers from Springfield, Missouri's menus that surprise us, delight us and always indulge us.
Weekend Getaways and Road Trips
There’s no better way to break up the monotonous tone of summer than with a road trip and weekend spent away from your typical stomping grounds. Whether it’s cross-country, a 417-land small town, or a drop off I-44, it’s an easy way to keep things fresh and exciting!
417 Magazine's Guide to State Parks
Here's a list of our favorite state parks in southwest Missouri and Arkansas to help you map out your next outdoor adventure.
Weekend Getaway Adventures
Feeling adventurous? There’s plenty of adventure to be found nearby, and lucky for you, we’ve planned out amazing trips ready for you to take.
Small Town Getaways
We've rounded up nine of our favorite nearby small towns that offer big fun without extensive travel.
Send Us Your Where's 417 Pics!
Bring 417 Magazine along for the ride on your next adventure—whether you’re traveling or exploring close to home. Take a snapshot with the magazine and send us a copy for a chance to see yourself in an upcoming issue!
