University Plaza Hotel | Blog | Hotels in Springfield, MO

Haunted History

The Pythian Home of Missouri, also known as Pythian Castle, is an actual haunted attraction with a rich and spooky history. Located less than 10 minutes from The University Plaza Hotel, the Pythian Castle offer both history and haunted tours.

The attraction was originally built by the Knights of Pythias in 1913 as a home for elderly and needy members as well as widows and children. Later, the property was owned and run by the US military for over 50 years. Throughout that time, Pythian Castle has gained a reputation of being haunted by some of its former inhabitants. History tours are offered Monday through Saturday at 11 am and Monday through Sunday at 2:30 pm. For those more interested in the supernatural aspects of the castle, Night Time Ghost Tours are offered on Tuesdays and Fridays. This hour and a half tour is filled with ghost stories, history, and lots of fun.

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Stroll The Garden

The peaceful, tranquility of nature is something that all of us yearn for from time to time. The 7.5 acre Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden at the Springfield Botanical Gardens is the perfect place to relax and calm your soul with a casual walk.

Located just 15 minutes from the University Plaza Hotel, the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden is home to a moon bridge, meditation garden, koi lake, tea house, and traditional Japanese garden landscaping. Imagine walking hand in hand with the one you love as you make your way around the koi lake, stopping to look at the majestic fish as they swim. Think about the serenity you will feel when you turn off your mind and just admire the landscape and plant life all around you. The Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden is one of the most peaceful and beautiful places in all of Springfield and in fact, the entire state.

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Catch Baseball Fever

All of your favorite Major League Baseball players likely got their start in the minor leagues so that they could hone in on their skills and really be ready for “The Show.” When you attend a Springfield Cardinals baseball game, you will have the chance to see the players who will be starring for the St. Louis Cardinals in just a few short years.

The beautiful home diamond, Hammons Field, is only about half a mile from the University Plaza Hotel, so you could easily walk to the game if the weather cooperates. Catcher Andrew Knizner, outfielders Randy Arozarena and Jordan Schafer, and pitcher Corey Littrell all made good impressions during Spring Training and will be starting the season with the Springfield Club. Hard-throwing prospect Conner Greene, part of the Randal Grichuk trade, will also begin the season with the club as he starts what the organization hopes is a long career with the Cardinals. When you attend a minor league baseball game, you might just see the next big superstar right before they are about to take off to Major League stardom.

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Walk on the Wild Side

Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium is one of the largest wildlife attractions in the entire world. The mission of this one of a kind museum is to allow visitors the opportunity to take a journey around the world while also educating the next generation on the wonders and beauty of the natural world.

Located less than 10 minutes from the University Plaza Hotel, the museum has a 1.5 million gallon aquarium featuring 35,000 live fish, mammals, birds, and reptiles. Additionally, visitors are able to explore 1.5 miles of immersive trails and exhibits. The museum and aquarium are open seven days a week with admission options including aquarium only, museum only, and combination tickets. While exploring the aquarium, be sure to keep your eyes open for zebra sharks, leopard rays, and the wildly popular sea turtles. Johnny Morris’ allows you the opportunity to experience the great outdoors in a wonderful indoor complex.

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Hall of Fame

What do Stan Musial, Jim Edmonds, Bill Bradley, Jackie Stiles, Steve Stipanovich, Hale Irwin, and Dick Vermeil have in common? They are all just a few of the many athletes who have been inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.

This unique Hall of Fame is about more than just athletic dominance. In fact, inductees to the hall include successful athletes who were born in Missouri or played a large portion of their careers in the state, coaches, and other contributors that helped shape athletics in the Missouri. Located about 15 minutes from the University Plaza Hotel, the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame is open daily, and admission is only $5. Missouri has been home to some of the greatest baseball, soccer, football, basketball, golf, and hockey players that have ever played their sport. At the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, they are appropriately honored for their amazing accomplishments and historic contributions to sports in Missouri.

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College Hoops

The Missouri Valley Conference is one of the most exciting mid-major conferences in all of college basketball. This year, the Missouri State Bears have started the season with a promising 13-4 record. Missouri State’s home court, JQH Arena, is only about half a mile from University Plaza Hotel so you could walk to the game if the weather cooperates.

In the next couple of months, the team has multiple home games against conference rivals that you can attend. If you are able to visit in January or February, you can see the Bears take on Indiana State, Valparaiso, Southern Illinois, Illinois State, Evansville, Drake, and Bradley. Hopefully, the team gets on a hot streak as they approach the MVC tournament and hopefully a bid to the NCAA tournament. With stars like Alize Johnson, JT Miller, Obediah Church, Reggie Scurry, and Jarred Dixon, the team is primed for an extended postseason run.

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Christmas Bash at Bass Pro

From now until December 24, Bass Pro Shop will be transformed into Santa’s Wonderland to help celebrate the holiday season. This event is the perfect opportunity to do some holiday shopping while also enjoying some family style holiday fun.

Bass Pro Shop is less than 10 minutes from the University Plaza Hotel, so it is a very convenient stop for you and your family. All month long, Bass Pro Shop will be offering free pictures with Santa as well as a free wooden picture frame. There will also be fun craft activities and fun for the little ones. They can create cabins and houses in the Lincoln Logs Building Area. A Laser Or Foam Toy Arcade allows participants to practice their shooting skills in a safe way. In between playing with remote control cars and perusing the holiday sales in stores, your kids can even write their own letters to Santa Claus.

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Cheers to Local Beers

It is always fun to sample the local beer offerings when visiting a new city. Whether this is your first or fortieth trip to Springfield, you should definitely check out Mother’s Brewing Company during your stay.

This local favorite was established in 2011, and they have 21 taps in their Tasting Room for you to sample. Located only 5 minutes from the University Plaza Hotel, Mother’s Brewing Company has weekly events to go along with their delicious beers. Tuesday is game night, Wednesday features live music, Friday has food trucks, and Saturday is tour day. The Tasting Room is exceptional every day of the week, but the tour offers an insightful behind the scenes look at the brewing process. In November, there will also be an exciting beer release event. On November 17, at 6 PM, Mother’s Brewing Company will release their new Foggy Notion offering. After one visit, you are sure to find your new favorite beer.

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Bring Your Wedding Ideas to University Plaza Hotel & Convention Center

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life and we understand the importance of organization and order. We want you to have an uniquely special day while treating your guests like royalty. After all, aren’t weddings just an excuse to celebrate love amongst your friends and family?

Select from 39,000 square feet of elegant wedding space which includes two stately ballrooms, indoor and outdoor areas, and a courtly sun deck. A space this beautiful makes planning easy. Bring your wedding ideas and we’ll do the rest. Whether you’ve been planning since childhood or you are just getting started, our expert team will bring your dreams to life. From lavish banquets to first-class catering, we have the winning combination for an unforgettable celebration. Discover the breathtaking opportunities at our luxurious hotel and request a quote today. For more information click here.

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The Top Three Attractions in Springfield, Missouri

Whether you are joining us for a jammed-packed convention or fun-filled vacation, squeeze in these brilliant tourist attractions before you leave. Springfield is the third largest city in Missouri, bringing world-class venues worth exploring.

Discovery Center of Springfield | 438 E St. Louis St. | 417-862-9910

Established in 1980, this interactive hands-on science center focuses on learning, discovering, and playing. Perfect for families and children of all ages, the center features hundreds of exhibitions on chemistry, energy, health, culture, physics, the environment, and more. Take note, it is the first southwest Missouri LEED Gold Certified building, making it an example of what it preaches.

Dickerson Park Zoo | 3040 North Fort | 417-864-1800

Explore an impressive collection of over 500 live animals from 160 different species. The zoo includes an animal hospital and rehabilitation program, making it a place of learning and caring. Both the animals and the staff have been described as super friendly, so head over for a great day of adventure in the sun.

Fantastic Caverns | 4872 N. Farm Road 125 | 417-833-2010

All the excitement of a exploring a cave without the danger or hardship of having to walk or climb. The only all-riding cave tour in America. Sit back and relax as a Jeep-drawn tram leads you along the ancient river path that once ran through this stunning and preserved cave. Ideal for families, seniors, and small children.

Visit one or all three and let us know what you think. Welcome to Missouri!

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Haunted History

Stroll The Garden

Catch Baseball Fever

Walk on the Wild Side

Hall of Fame

College Hoops

Christmas Bash at Bass Pro

Cheers to Local Beers

Bring Your Wedding Ideas to University Plaza Hotel & Convention Center

The Top Three Attractions in Springfield, Missouri

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