Nathanael Greene Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Nathanael Greene Park is a 113-acre park located in Springfield, Missouri.


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Summary

It is a popular destination for both locals and tourists due to its various recreational activities and natural beauty. The park features several points of interest, including a botanical garden, a lake, and a nature center. The botanical garden is home to over 30 themed gardens, including a butterfly house and a Japanese stroll garden. The lake offers fishing, boating, and paddleboarding activities, while the nature center provides educational exhibits and trails for hiking and biking.

One interesting fact about the park is that it was named after Nathanael Greene, a Revolutionary War general who never actually visited the area. The park was established in 1938 and has undergone several renovations and expansions since then.

The best time to visit Nathanael Greene Park is during the spring and fall months when the weather is mild and the flora is at its peak. The park is busiest during the summer months when families take advantage of the lake and other outdoor activities. Visitors should also be aware that the park is closed on Mondays for maintenance.

Overall, Nathanael Greene Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to enjoy the beauty of nature and engage in various outdoor activities. Its many points of interest and rich history make it a unique and fascinating place to explore.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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