Mount Pisgah Arboretum — Attraction in Springfield

Genuinely the worst day hiking in the area. Where to even begin?

Almost every trail is loose pea gravel that is uncomfortable and unstable to walk on. Most of the other trails are scrambles down water worn gulleys over fist to watermelon sized stones, while being smacked left and right by blackberry vines. Pisgah is the only place I've hiked that consistently leaves me with sore ankles. The hike to the top is barely worth it, since the views are a reminder that humans have destroyed every semblance of nature for dozens of miles in every direction.

The auditory landscape is tortuous. Your entire outdoor experience takes place against the backdrop of the constant thunder of automobile traffic, the brrt of semi trucks engine braking, the chopping of helicopter and prop planes from the nearby hobby field, and for much of the hike, the constant sound of static discharge from the hideous high voltage power lines that bisect the park.

If you happen to see other hikers, there's about a fifty percent chance you'll meet their off leash dog first, but you may hear them coming by the sounds emanating from their Bluetooth speaker. Don't expect to see much wildlife on a busy day. Much of the flora you encounter is invasive or introduced--entire fields of blackberry bramble, salsify, and tease choke out any native wildflowers and grasses.

And for anyone that's hiked here enough times, the entire walk back is punctuated by feelings of dread wondering if you're returning to a...

Attended my good friends wedding at the Arboretum. It was actually a very nice and kinda secluded event location. Since it's basically at the bottom of Mount Pisgah it was just far enough away from the main road and clustered rural areas that it was very peaceful and quiet enough to not disturb the wedding ceremony which they had right out back under a beautiful tree. They even had hanging chandeliers from the tree the got married under. The Arboretum was very spacious and nice looking building with huge windows all around along with changing rooms and bathrooms right next door in their own separate buildings. I'd say it comfortably fit around 75+ people at all their tables with a decent open bar area, a nice area that had all the food with room for people to easily grab their plates and plenty of room for people to dance as well without ever being shoulder to shoulder. Compared to some of the little venue areas in the area I've been to for weddings I'd say this one was one of the best all around (even price wise from what my friend had said). Last thing I'll say is it has plenty of parking lot room as well with I believe 3 long rows of parking. All in all I'd recommend this place for anyones wedding or even just a casual event itself. Hope that helps anyone...

Everyone has given plenty of wonderful reviews detailing the park itself for daily use... I'm not sure how many reviews are up regarding using the location as a venue, so I'll contribute there:

I have not personally booked the venue for a wedding/event; however, I have multiple friends/ family members who have... all of whom report overall good experiences and being very happy with the cost associated.

Now, from the perspective of a guest - wow, what a lovely spot this is for an event. I already knew how great the area is for day use, but the atmosphere that one can enjoy here in the evening in their building is excellent. It is cozy and romantic while still feeling open and natural. Parking is close by and trails, as always, easy to traverse. I don't have distinct memories of being impressed by that atmosphere of many of the venues I have been to for weddings, but I do have the distinct memory of being impressed by the looks and feel of this venue. If you're considering this spot for an event, my perspective as an attendee is that it is a...