Cub Scout Pack 289 - Springfield, Missouri

The Cub Scout follows Akela (say Ah-KAY-la). Akela means "good leader" and is an important part of Cub Scouting. Akela can be a den leader, a teacher, or other important adult. As your boy's adult partner, you are Akela.

Here are some ideas for den leaders and parents to keep your scout growing:

• Cub Scout Monthly Themes
• Ozark Trails Council, Boy Scouts of America
• Wonders Of Wildlife
• Springfield Nature Center
• Springfield-Greene County Parks and Recreation
• Boy's Life On-Line. Great games, stories and ideas for both boys and leaders!

Amusements

• Discovery Center 438 St. Louis Street, Springfield, MO 65803, 417-862-9910, An interactive, hands-on facility for children of all ages to explore, learn, and have fun with exhibits including an exploratory lab, Paleo-Lab, a Wonderland, and a Body Works. Traveling exhibits are also featured throughout the year.

Historic Homes & Buildings

• Gray/Campbell Farmstead (circa 1856) 2400 South Scenic Avenue, Springfield, MO 65803, 417-724-0880, Once the home of John Polk Campbell, the nephew of the founder of Springfield, this farmstead includes the historic house, two crib barns, the family cemetery, a log granary, and a detached log kitchen. Costumed guides tell the history of the farmstead.
• Walnut Street National Register Historic District Downtown Springfield, Springfield, MO 64804, Between John Q. Hammons Pkwy. & Glenstone Ave., 417-831-2627, Over a mile long, this historic district features close to 150 historic homes built between 1870 and 1940 in a variety of styles including Queen Anne, Periodic Revival, and Bungalow.

Historic Sites & Monuments

• Crystal Cave 7225 N. Crystal Cave Lane and Hwy H, Springfield, MO 65803, 417-833-9599, Listed as a Greene County Historic Site.
• Springfield Little Theater 311 E. Walnut St., Springfield, MO 65806, Springfield, Missouri, 417-869-1334, National historic site theater with full screen of plays and musicals.
• Springfield National Cemetery 1702 E. Seminole St., Springfield, MO 65804, Springfield, Missouri, 417-881-9499, Heroes from all wars are buried in the Springfield Cemetery.
• Wilson's Creek National Battlefield 6426 W. Farm Rd. 182, Springfield, MO 65807, Springfield, MO, 417-732-2662, Preserves the site of the first Civil War battle in Missouri. Visitors center has film and exhibits. Five-mile tour road accesses 1,750-acre battlefield.

Museums & Galleries

• Air & Military Museum of the Ozarks 2305 East Kearney, Springfield, MO 65806, 417-864-7997, Includes military vehicles, airplane models and more.
• American Fish and Wildlife Museum 500 West Sunshine, Springfield, MO 65807, 417-890-WILD, The new, large interactive museum/aquarium exhibits fish, birds, mammals and reptiles in natural habitats that include a river, 140,000-gallon freshwater lake, 222,000-gallon saltwater ocean and more.
• Discovery Center of Springfield 438 St. Louis St., Springfield, MO 65802, 417-862-9910, Museum for people of all ages.
• General Sweeny's Museum 5228 S. State Hwy. ZZ, Springfield, MO 65804, Springfield, Missouri, 417-732-1224, Great Civil War Museum.
• Grizzly Industrial Showroom 1815 W. Battlefield, Springfield, MO 65807, Springfield, MO, 417-887-9191, Stroll past the indoor fish pond and waterfall as you view the beautiful displays of fine woodworking, antique and collectible guns, swords and knives.
• History Museum of Springfield-Greene County 830 Boonville Avenue, Springfield, MO 65803, Historic City Hall, 417-864-1976, Devoted to preserving the history of Springfield and Greene County, this museum features an array of exhibits from prehistoric times through the 1950's. There are also rotating exhibits that highlight various historical topics on site. Hands-on areas for children are also on site.
• Missouri Sports Hall of Fame 3861 East Stan Musial Drive, Springfield, MO 65809, 417-889-3100, 800-498-5678, This 22,000 square foot museum is filled with numerous sports memorabilia and interactive displays including areas where you can broadcast a game or throw a touchdown pass.
• Railroad Historical Museum 1300 North Grant Street , Grant Beach Park, Springfield, MO 65810, 417-883-5319 or 417-865-6829, Preserving railroad history of the St. Louis, San Francisco Railroad, and other Railroads including Frisco Locomotive No. 4524, Burlington Baggage Car, Chicago and Northwestern Commuter Car No.2, Burlington Northern Caboose No.10786, and model locomotives from the 1904 worlds fair. Hundreds of pictures, paintings, and many artifacts from the Frisco Railroad and others.
• Springfield Art Museum 111 E. Brookside Dr., Springfield, MO 65807, Springfield, Missouri, 417-837-5700, The city's oldest cultural institution with eight galleries.

National Parks & Natural Wonders

• Crystal Cave 7225 North Crystal Cave Lane, Springfield, MO 65803, 417-833-9599, A Greene County Historic Site, this beautiful cave features natural paths and stone steps to guide you to different areas of the cave including The Cathedral, Rainbow Falls, and Upside Down Well. Indian symbols adorn the walls. A guided 80 minute tour is available.

Parks, Gardens & Zoos

• Dickerson Park Zoo 3043 North Fort Ave., Springfield, MO 65803, 417-864-1800, Asian elephants, cheetahs, flamingos, and many other different types of animals.
• Exotic Animal Paradise 888-570-9898, Drive through an exotic animal theme park.
• Japanese Stroll Garden 2400 South Scenic Avenue, Springfield, MO 65803, 417-864-1049, Beautifully landscaped seven and a half acre garden that features wonderful flowers, winding paths, bridges, a moon deck, a pagoda, and a teahouse. Tours are available.
• Springfield Conservation Nature Center 4600 S. Chrisman, Springfield, MO 65804, 417-888-4237, Great place for the family to go.
• Wilson's Creek National Battlefield 6424 W. Farm Rd. 182, Springfield, MO 65738, Springfield, Missouri, 417-732-2662, Exciting place to tour.

Tours & Cruises

• BalloonSport USA 2013 Battlefield Road, Springfield, MO 65804, 417-865-0800, Enjoy year round hot air balloon rides over the Springfield area and the scenic Ozarks with this tour company. Rides are available daily from sunrise to sunset. Reservations are required.
• Fantastic Caverns 4872 North Farm Road 125, Springfield, MO 65803, 417-883-2010, A guided 50 minute tour takes you through America's only ride through cave into the ancient underground riverbed that is filled with massive formations. The cave stays 60 degrees year-round.