As most Ozarkians do, we love to brag about our local businesses, especially our coffee shops. Coffee shops, especially in the Ozarks, are an important part of a community. There is always a push and an incentive for locals, visitors, and college students to visit the local coffee shops to fuel their caffeine addictions. 

In 2021, to promote locals and non-locals alike to connect with the Ozark coffee scene, the Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau launched what is known as the Ozarks Coffee Trail. The Ozarks Coffee Trail is back for its third year and is an ongoing year-long event supporting 37 local coffee shops. 

Participants in the Ozarks Coffee Trail must purchase a coffee, or a tea, that earns them 10 points for each location visited. When a participant checks in at fifteen locations on the Trail and reaches 150 points, they can earn a limited and free 2023-2024 Ozarks Coffee Trail t-shirt while they last. This year’s trail will last until September 2024. 

Not only does participating and completing the Ozarks Coffee Trail offer a free t-shirt and loads of coffee, but it also allows for the exploration of new coffee shops and study spots for a local college student. A bonus of many of the coffee shops on the trail is their point systems and punch cards that can lead to free coffee and drinks.

Among locations in Springfield, close to Drury’s campus, on the Ozark Coffee Trail are Black Lab Coffee Co. Downtown, Brick & Mortar Coffee, Classic Rock Coffee Downtown, The Coffee Ethic, Echelon Coffee, Eurasia Coffee Co., Green House Coffee + Affogato Bar, and many more. This adds to the growing list of local coffee shops to support, and it is hoping to grow.

Within the first three years of the creation of the Ozarks Coffee Trail, the Trail has grown almost 2 times since its launch in 2021. 19 coffee shops participated in their launch year, 30 in 2022, and 37 this year, their most involvement yet. Most of the coffee shops are located in Springfield, but other participating cities with shops include Niza, Ozark, Billings, Branson, and Battlefield, Missouri. Even the number of sign-ups has jumped, with 1,400 sign-ups in two weeks. 

To participate in the Ozarks Coffee Trail, one can go to the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau’s website at springfieldmo.org. From there, click the get yours, sign up for the free Ozarks Coffee Trail pass, and begin exploring the local coffee shops the Ozarks have to offer.