Marshfield is a quiet community with its own culture
A small replica of the Hubble Space Telescope is on the lawn of the Webster County Courthouse in downtown Marshfield, Missouri. The replica honors famous astronomer and Marshfield native Edwin Hubble. Down the street, numerous plaques on a sidewalk have stars next to the names of actors, musicians, writers and other famous figures. These landmarks are just some of the attractions in this Ozarks city of about 7,000 people. Otherwise, Marshfield is a quiet community with various businesses that meet the everyday needs of its residents. “The nice thing about Marshfield is it’s a small town feel, but it has everything you need from a lumber yard and Walmart to a lot of small family businesses,” says Andrew Batdorf, a Realtor with Sho-Me Real Estate. “And if you can’t find it in Marshfield, in 20 minutes, you’re in Springfield . It’s located right along the interstate.”
Houses include many ranch-style and New Traditional homes
Homes in the city line wide and narrow roads, several of which have no sidewalks. Many lots go from about a quarter acre to 2 acres, while the rural areas outside Marshall offer more room. In some parts of the city, dense groups of mature oak trees surround high-end homes on spacious lots. Most houses were built between the early 20th century and today and include many ranch-style and New Traditional homes. There are also several Craftsman bungalows. Homes in the city mainly go from about $120,000 to $420,000. The rural area outside Marshfield has a few upscale homes that go over $900,000. Also, just under half of properties here are rentals.
Dining options include Mexican and classic American fare
Several restaurants and shops are in the vintage buildings around downtown’s courthouse square. Dining options near the square include Sheila’s Place, where many go for comfort foods, pies and classic breakfast options like bacon, eggs and gravy-covered biscuits. Other staples in the city include Las Cazuelas Mexican Food Restaurant. “We call it the ‘garage’ because it was a garage years and years ago, with the big rolled doors, and they converted it to a Mexican restaurant,” Batdorf says. “They’re the best in town.” Grillo’s Cafe is a casual spot and another option for classic American breakfasts and comfort foods. For groceries, Price Cutter of Marshfield and Walmart offer options. Other local businesses include Marshfield Lumber & Supply, which sells tools and parts to residents working on their homes.
Many come out for Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival
Marshfield hosts the Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival, which occurs in April and consists of many activities at different locations in the city. The event started in the 2000s, following the start of a local effort to plant cherry blossom trees around the city. Those who have shown up over the years have included descendants of American presidents and actors who have been in hit shows like “Little House on the Prairie.” Festival activities include breakfasts, guest speeches and an expansion of the city’s walk of fame. Writer Laura Ingalls Wilder and President Harry S. Truman are just a few of the names on the walk. “People come from all over the country for it. It’s a pretty big deal,” Batdorf says. “They have autograph signings and all kinds of things going on.”
Recreation options range from parks to pool and golf course
Many in Marshfield live within walking distance of several neighborhood parks. These parks range from quiet spaces with groves, a few picnic tables and small creeks to busier places with playgrounds, baseball fields and tennis courts. During summer, many cool off at Dr. Tommy Macdonnell Aquatic Center. The pool facility includes a few spiraling slides, a diving board and a splash pool. The public and 18-hole Whispering Oaks Golf Course offers more recreation.
The TransAmerica Bike Trail, or U.S. Bicycle Route 76, also passes through Marshfield, making the city a stop for many journeying cyclists from around the country. It’s not unusual to see some of these visitors resting in one of the city’s restaurants.
Marshfield schools serve the community
The city is home to Marshfield R-I Schools, which receives a B-minus from Niche. Students may go to different elementary schools, depending on their grade. Edwin P. Hubble Elementary School receives a B-minus and serves kindergarteners and first graders. Students may then go to Daniel Webster and Shook elementary schools. Daniel Webster Elementary receives a B, while Shook Elementary gets a C-plus. Marshfield Junior High School receives a B, and Marshfield High gets a B-minus. The high school’s athletics include a growing baseball program. In 2025, the team won a district title and reached the state semifinal.
I-44 goes to Springfield and St. Louis
The city is located along Interstate 44, which provides a direct route to other cities like Springfield. Marshfield is less than 30 miles northeast of Springfield, the largest city in Southwest Missouri. Travelers may go to Springfield to catch flights out of Springfield-Branson National Airport, the nearest hub for commercial flights. Springfield is also home to Mercy Hospital Springfield, one of the nearest hospitals to Marshfield. I-44 also goes to St. Louis, about 190 miles northeast.
