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Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park
4.9 ★★★★★ 4,735 Google reviews · Running trail in Springfield, Missouri · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
20+ landscaped botanical gardens, with BBQ/picnic areas, a lake & a native butterfly house.
What runners say about Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park
“Just keep your pet leashed and carry your “uh oh” bags to clean up any uh ohs!”
“My friend and I walked the perimeter of this beautiful park on a chilly February morning.”
“Good place for kids of all ages.”
We love this park! Here are some reasons why: 1. It is so beautiful! The time and care they put into the landscaping is obvious. Every time we go there is something new blooming! 2. There are great walking trails around the park, through flower gardens and around the lake. 3.
Springfield, MO. A free butterfly house, rose garden, hosta garden, English garden, a lake, streams, and ponds make this a wonderful place to walk and enjoy the abundant local wildlife. There is also an adjoining Japanese garden one may enjoy for a fee. Our friends come here often to stroll and visit.
This is a beautiful park. Lots of beautiful flowers and trees and great walking paths. Ducks, butterflies, birds and other wildlife. It’s definitely my favorite park in Springfield. I just wish the bathroom was open later.
I’ve been coming to this park for 20 years. The festivals they have, the butterfly garden in the summer, the creek, pond and water falls are incredible with having all the wildlife.
Trail conditions & character
“My friend and I walked the perimeter of this beautiful park on a chilly February morning.”
“One of us was 88 and used a walker and made it all the way around the lake, although the last incline back to the parking lot he was tired, but not too tired.”
“Sculptures were fun to look at, and there were several jogging paths that are stroller friendly.”
Plan your run at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteparkboard.org
- Phone(417) 891-1515
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM–6 PM |
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