Life at Missouri State University

To take a break from studies, students often meet up with each other to grab some grub. This is one of the many ways students like to catch-up and hang out with friends. With so many restaurants near campus or just a short drive downtown, Springfield has a variety of restaurants to offer. When the weekend hits and you’re ready for a well-deserved drink, head to one of the many favored bars or nightclubs in the area and dance the night away. MSU even designed a program for designated drivers called CHEERS.

Here are a few places you won’t want to miss.

Best Restaurants:

Metropolitan Grille
Bambino’s Cafe on Delmar
FD’s Grillhouse
Cheddar’s INC
London Calling Gourmet Pasty Company

Best Bars:

Scotch & Soda
Midnight Rodeo Nightclub
Bair’s All-American Sports Grill
The J O B Public House
417 Taphouse

Things To Do in Missouri State University

The MSU recreation center is a very popular spot for students to engage in several activities with one another. They are several intramural sports to get involved in like volleyball or soccer. Students can even utilize many of the outdoor fields to lay a game. Some other popular activities within the rec center are rock climbing and floating down the lazy river in the pool. They even have a zip line! Often times students head to the Plaster Student Union for a game of pool or ping-pong. Every Friday at the Union, they offer students free frames of bowling. Head off-campus and walk at the Springfield Conservation Nature Center. Here, you can experience the interactive exhibits and take in the sites of the surrounding scenery and the James River. Get out your flashlight and head to the Fantastic Caverns and ride the tour tram through the spooky cave!

Even though Springfield is one of the largest cities in Missouri, it is compact and most everything you need to do within the city is fairly accessible. Students at MSU are really big into sports! Join in on a pep rally and tailgate for a Bear’s football game. Baseball is also really popular here. Both St. Louis and Kansas City are within driving distance (consider taking a weekend trip) of Springfield so there are a ton of Cardinals and Royals fans. The Springfield Cardinals are a Double-A minor league baseball team owned by the Cardinals and their field is located in Springfield. Tickets are affordable, so check out a game. Since the MSU campus is so close to downtown Springfield, students often head downtown to eat at one of the restaurants or go shopping. MSU even offers a shuttle service that takes students from campus to downtown Springfield. On the first weekend of every month, there is an event called Art Walk, which allows musicians and artists to showcase their talent to the public. You can watch glass blowing, listen to bands, and view art galleries all for free. On-campus, join one of the 300 different student organizations like a frat/sorority or debate club. With so many options there is certainly something for everyone. As you’re exploring the city and campus if you see a bear statue or mascot, or maybe even a live bear, don’t forget to take a picture! After all, it’s tradition!

Highlights Include:

Tour the Fantastic Caves
Shop at the Battlefield Mall
Tailgating a Bear’s football game
Walk along the James River