Outdoor Activities in the Ozarks
Physical activity is extremely beneficial to personal health. Summertime in the Ozarks is an excellent time to explore all of the wonderful outdoor activities available, and keep yourself healthy in the process. This list of resources should help you get started finding activities in the region.
The Springfield-Greene County Park Board is an excellent place to find activities near you. Their website contains a list of local parks, public pools, golf courses, youth sports programs, special facilities and local events from the Park Board.
The Ozark Geenways website provides lists and maps of walking and biking trails in the region. This is a good place to check, not only for recreational trails, but also to find bike routes for commuting and traveling around town.
The Missouri State Parks website has lists and maps of places to go hiking, biking and swimming around the state. You can also find information about events and historical sites here in Missouri.
Also, the National Parks Service provides information on outdoor activities in the national park areas in our region, including the Buffalo National River and the Ozark National Scenic Waterways.
The Library has a wide variety of books available as well:
Let's go Outside!: Outdoor Activities and Projects to Get You and Your Kids Closer to Nature by Jennifer Ward
Over the Hill--and Into the Woods!: A Senior's Guide to the Great Outdoors by Herb Gordon
Cycling for Everyone: A Guide to Road, Mountain, and Commuter Biking by Leah Garcia and Jilayne Lovejoy
Ride Your Way Lean: The Ultimate Plan for Burning Fat and Getting Fit on a Bike by Selene Yeager
Hiking & Backpacking: A Complete Illustrated Guide by Buck Tilton
50 Hikes in the Ozarks: Walks, Hikes and Backpacks in the Mountains, Wildernesses and Geological Wonders of Arkansas and Missouri by Johnny Molloy
Walking for Health and Happiness: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Looking Good and Feeling Your Best by Dr. William Bird & Veronica Reynolds
A Canoeing and Kayaking Guide to the Ozarks by Tom Kennon
Follow the Trail: A Young Person's Guide to the Great Outdoors by Jessica Loy
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