The Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Gardens is a hidden gem in the middle of Springfield, Missouri. A few years ago, I heard about a Cherry Blossom and Japanese Kite Festival at the gardens and was astounded that I never knew of the place before. The gardens, part of the Springfield Botanical Gardens and the Springfield-Greene County Park Board, is a 7 1/2 acre stroll garden that is open from April 1 through October 31 every year. The grounds include a large koi lake, a meditation garden, a traditional tea house, Japanese landscaping, a moon bridge, and beautiful cherry trees.
The Cherry Blossom and Japanese Kite Festival, held in April of each year, is amazing! They also have a festival in September of each year. The festivals typically include traditional Japanese food, Kabuki dancing and drama, activities for children including making their own kites, and much more. We spent the day learning about Japanese culture while strolling through the gardens. If you are looking for a relaxing and beautiful location to visit, this is one of the best. The grounds are very well maintained.
A few years ago, we were exploring around Eureka Springs and wanted to find a hiking trail that was not touristy. We heard about Lake Leatherwood from a local and thought we would give it a chance. We have been back a few times since and have never been disappointed.
While our main goal of our trip was hiking, we were pleased to find out they have great options for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, bird watching, biking, camping, picnicking and much more on the nearly 1600 acre park. The first time we went was in the fall and the leaves were gorgeous. Our subsequent trips have been in the spring and summer when it is hot, but there is enough shade from the trees to still have a great time. The highlight of hiking at Lake Leatherwood is always the handcut limestone dam built in the early 1940s that has a beautiful waterfall flowing from it.
While we have explored about five miles of trails so far, the park boasts over 21 miles of hiking and biking trails--much more for us to explore. We hope to stay in one of the cabins or camp next spring. There are great locations for enjoying a picnic or letting kids play.
The Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Gardens is a hidden gem in the middle of Springfield, Missouri. A few years ago, I heard about a Cherry Blossom and Japanese Kite Festival at the gardens and was astounded that I never knew of the place before. The gardens, part of the Springfield Botanical Gardens and the Springfield-Greene County Park Board, is a 7 1/2 acre stroll garden that is open from April 1 through October 31 every year. The grounds include a large koi lake, a meditation garden, a traditional tea house, Japanese landscaping, a moon bridge, and beautiful cherry trees. 
The Cherry Blossom and Japanese Kite Festival, held in April of each year, is amazing! They also have a festival in September of each year. The festivals typically include traditional Japanese food, Kabuki dancing and drama, activities for children including making their own kites, and much more. We spent the day learning about Japanese culture while strolling through the gardens. If you are looking for a relaxing and beautiful location to visit, this is one of the best. The grounds are very well maintained. 
