Featured photo: Sarpy County Rodeo in Springfield, Nebraska. Photo by DroneSmith Aerial Photography.
Springfield, Nebraska, may be one of the smaller communities in Sarpy County, and it would be easy to assume there isn’t much to do there.
You’d be wrong.
There are more things to do in Springfield Nebraska than you might expect, from exploring its small downtown and locally owned restaurants to biking the MoPac Trail, cooling off at a free splash pad, dining along the Platte River and experiencing one of Sarpy County’s biggest summer traditions.
Whether you’re planning a day trip from Omaha, looking for someplace new to explore close to home or considering a move to Springfield, here’s what you’ll find when you get off the highway and take a closer look.
Table of Contents
Things to Do in Springfield Nebraska: Explore Downtown
One of the first places I’d stop is downtown Springfield.
It’s small, walkable and filled with the kind of locally owned businesses that give small towns their personality.
If charming Main Streets are your thing, I’ve also put together a guide to charming downtown areas around Omaha. And yes, Springfield has officially earned a spot the next time that guide gets updated.
See What’s Hiding Inside Robin’s Nest
You aren’t going to drive past Robin’s Nest without noticing it.
Located at 101 W. Main Street, the distinctive turquoise building houses an eclectic mix of new and vintage finds sourced from estate sales and markets. You’ll find everything from furniture and antiques to art and other unexpected treasures.
It’s also just a block from the Sarpy County Fairgrounds, making it an easy stop while you’re exploring downtown.
Stop for an Old-Fashioned Treat at Springfield Drug
Springfield Drug gives you another reason to slow down downtown.
Along with the pharmacy, you’ll find an old-fashioned soda fountain serving ice cream and fizzy drinks. The store also carries candy, toys, greeting cards, T-shirts, gifts and antiques.
In other words, this isn’t your typical run-in-and-grab-your-prescription pharmacy.
Learn more at Springfield Drug.
Grab Thai Food at Sweet Rice
If you’re hungry while you’re downtown, Sweet Rice Thai Food Express is another local option.
And this recommendation comes with actual boots-on-the-ground research: Alison has eaten here and reports that it was good.
That’s about as scientific as our restaurant-rating system gets around here.
You can check out the menu at Sweet Rice Thai Food Express.
Eat Along the Platte River at Heron Bay
One of Springfield’s best surprises sits right along the Platte River.
Heron Bay is the kind of casual, tucked-away place where the setting is every bit as much a reason to visit as the food. Grab a table outside and you can eat overlooking the river, surrounded by trees and a laid-back atmosphere that feels much farther from Omaha than it actually is.
People who visit consistently mention the outdoor seating, river views, friendly service and relaxed atmosphere.
If the weather cooperates, this looks like a pretty great way to end a day exploring Springfield.
Outdoor Things to Do in Springfield Nebraska
Springfield may be small, but there are several ways to get outside without leaving town—or spending much money.
Bike or Walk the MoPac Trail
The MoPac Trail in Springfield follows 13.2 miles of a former Missouri Pacific Railroad corridor.
The crushed-stone trail begins north of Springfield and travels south through town toward the Platte River. Along the way, it passes through the heart of Springfield and right by the Sarpy County Fairgrounds before continuing through open farm country.
At its southern end, the trail connects with the Platte River Connection for riders who aren’t ready to call it quits.
There’s also a much bigger connection: this portion of the MoPac is part of the Great American Rail-Trail, a developing cross-country route stretching from Washington state to Washington, D.C.
Don’t worry. You don’t have to ride that far.
A bike ride followed by ice cream in Springfield sounds considerably more reasonable.
Cool Off at Buffalo Park
Here’s one I didn’t know about until putting together this guide: Springfield has a free splash pad.
Buffalo Park is located at 271 S. 6th Street, just one block south of Main Street.
The splash pad is open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. But there’s much more here than somewhere for the kids to cool off.
Buffalo Park also includes a nine-hole disc golf course, playground, baseball field, paved walking and biking trail, two covered picnic pavilions and plenty of open grass for throwing a ball around.
The baseball field is also home to the Springfield Platteview High School and Springfield Legion baseball teams.
If you’re exploring Springfield with kids, downtown followed by the splash pad would make for an easy—and inexpensive—summer afternoon.
Experience the Sarpy County Fair and Rodeo
If there’s one event that puts Springfield on the map every summer, it’s the Sarpy County Fair.
The fairgrounds are right in Springfield, and each summer they fill with livestock shows, carnival rides, food, entertainment and all the traditions you’d expect from a county fair.
The Sarpy County Rodeo is another highlight and brings some serious action to the fairgrounds.
And unlike some of the places in this guide that we’re just discovering, we have photographic proof that Alison was wandering around this fair back in 2019.
Apparently she’s been conducting Springfield research for years without knowing it.
Stock Up at Wild Willy’s Fireworks
You might already know Wild Willy’s if you’ve ever gone looking for fireworks around Omaha, but you may not realize just how big its Springfield operation is.
Wild Willy’s Fireworks is a family-owned business established in 2008. Its Springfield property includes a 75,000-square-foot wholesale distribution warehouse on 25 acres, serving customers throughout the United States.
The company operates permanent indoor stores in Nebraska and Iowa in addition to seasonal stands.
If July 4th or New Year’s Eve is approaching, I’ve got an entire guide to where to buy fireworks in Omaha with even more options.
What Is It Like to Live in Springfield, Nebraska?
Of course, Springfield isn’t just somewhere to spend an afternoon.
It’s also one of the smaller communities that make up Sarpy County, offering a different lifestyle from larger nearby cities like Bellevue, Papillion and Gretna.
Springfield has a distinctly small-town feel, with a compact downtown, community events and plenty of open space surrounding town. At the same time, you’re still part of the greater Omaha metro area.
For someone who likes the idea of living outside the more heavily developed parts of Sarpy County without completely disconnecting from the metro, Springfield is certainly worth exploring.
If you’re comparing communities, take a look at my complete guide to moving to Sarpy County, Nebraska.
How Far Is Springfield from Offutt and Omaha?
Springfield sits in southwest Sarpy County, close to the Platte River, but it’s still an easy drive to the rest of the metro:
- Offutt Air Force Base: about 20–25 minutes
- Papillion: about 15 minutes
- Gretna: about 15 minutes
- Downtown Omaha: about 25–30 minutes
For military families, that makes Springfield a realistic option if you want a small-town setting and don’t mind a slightly longer drive to base. Compare it with other communities in my Best Places to Live Near Offutt AFB guide.
Springfield Platteview Community Schools
Springfield is served by Springfield Platteview Community Schools.
The district serves Springfield and surrounding areas, with elementary, middle and high school options within the district.
Because school attendance boundaries can change and may vary by property, homebuyers should always verify the assigned schools for a specific address directly with the district rather than relying solely on a real estate listing.
For a broader look at schools, housing, taxes, weather, military relocation and life throughout the area, you can also download my free Sarpy County Relocation Guide.
Are There Enough Things to Do in Springfield Nebraska for a Day Trip?
Absolutely—especially if you’ve lived around Omaha for years and somehow never bothered to turn off the highway and see what’s there.
You could easily build a laid-back Springfield day around a bike ride on the MoPac Trail, wandering around downtown, grabbing lunch or an ice cream, cooling off at Buffalo Park and eventually heading toward the Platte River for dinner.
Come during fair week and you’ll see an entirely different side of town.
Springfield isn’t trying to be Omaha, Papillion or Gretna.
That’s kind of the point.
It’s a small Sarpy County community with its own traditions, locally owned businesses, outdoor spaces and just enough unexpected finds to make it worth getting off the highway and taking a look.
Frequently Asked Questions: Things to Do in Springfield Nebraska
What is there to do in Springfield, Nebraska?
Popular things to do in Springfield include exploring the small downtown, browsing Robin’s Nest, grabbing a treat at the Springfield Drug soda fountain, biking the MoPac Trail, cooling off at the free Buffalo Park splash pad and dining along the Platte River at Heron Bay. Every summer, the Sarpy County Fair and Rodeo fill the fairgrounds in town.
Where is the Sarpy County Fair held?
The Sarpy County Fair is held at the Sarpy County Fairgrounds in Springfield, Nebraska. Each summer it features livestock shows, carnival rides, food, entertainment and the Sarpy County Rodeo.
Does Springfield, Nebraska have a splash pad?
Yes. Buffalo Park, at 271 S. 6th Street one block south of Main Street, has a free splash pad open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The park also has a nine-hole disc golf course, playground, baseball field, paved trail and two covered picnic pavilions.
How long is the MoPac Trail in Springfield?
The MoPac Trail in Springfield follows 13.2 miles of a former Missouri Pacific Railroad corridor. The crushed-stone trail runs from north of Springfield through town and past the Sarpy County Fairgrounds toward the Platte River, and it’s part of the cross-country Great American Rail-Trail.
What school district serves Springfield, Nebraska?
Springfield is served by Springfield Platteview Community Schools, which offers elementary, middle and high school options. Attendance boundaries can vary by property, so verify the assigned schools for a specific address with the district.
What is it like to live in Springfield, Nebraska?
Springfield has a small-town feel, with a compact downtown, community events and plenty of open space, while still being part of the greater Omaha metro. It’s a good fit for people who want to live outside the more developed parts of Sarpy County without disconnecting from the metro.
How far is Springfield, Nebraska from Offutt AFB and Omaha?
Springfield is about 20 to 25 minutes from Offutt Air Force Base and about 25 to 30 minutes from downtown Omaha. Papillion and Gretna are each about 15 minutes away, so Springfield offers a small-town setting while staying connected to the rest of the metro.
Thinking About Moving to Springfield, Nebraska?
If you’re considering a move to Springfield—or anywhere else in Sarpy County—I’ve put together resources to help you get to know the area before you start house hunting.
My Sarpy County Relocation Guide covers local communities, schools, housing, taxes, weather, recreation and military life near Offutt Air Force Base. It’s designed to give you a much bigger picture of what living here is actually like.
And when you’re ready to start exploring homes, I’m happy to help.
I’m Justin Ogburn, a Navy veteran and REALTOR® serving Omaha and the surrounding communities. Whether you’re moving across town, relocating to Nebraska or PCSing to Offutt Air Force Base, I’ll help you find the community—and the home—that fits what you’re looking for.
Contact Justin to start your Springfield or Sarpy County home search.
Photography Credit: Special thanks to Eric Smith with DroneSmith Aerial Photography for allowing us to feature his Sarpy County Rodeo photography. See more of his work on Facebook and TikTok.
