This post is also on: Português English
The pleasant city of Campo Grande, capital of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, is characterised by its urban planning, with wide, tree-lined avenues.
The city of Campo Grande is almost flat, has well-kept parks and native forest reserves, which contribute to the good quality of life of its just over 700,000 inhabitants.
Campo Grande began to form in the second half of the 19th century, when farmers from Minas Gerais settled at the foot of the Maracaju mountain range, attracted by the fertile soils.
The city flourished as a trading post for cattle, taking off in a big way with the arrival of the Noroeste do Brasil railway in 1914, which facilitated transport to the centre-south of the country.
In the Constitutionalist Movement of 1932, it allied itself with São Paulo and proclaimed itself capital of the state of Maracaju, which only lasted five months – President Getúlio Vargas’ forces quelled the revolt.
In 1977, with the division of Mato Grosso, it became the capital of the new state, Mato Grosso do Sul.
For tourists, the so-called “Morena City”, known as such because of the reddish colour of the land, serves as a base for those going to the Southern Pantanal or Bonito, in the Bodoquena mountains, and also offers some attractions.
The nightlife is lively: there is a wide variety of bars with live music, good restaurants and concert halls.
An unusual place to go in the evening is the Feira Livre (Free Market), with a variety of gastronomic options that reveal a little of the diversity of the local culture.
As well as the Portuguese, the indigenous and the gauchos, the people of Campo Grande have received a strong contribution from the traditions of the countries of the River Plate basin, especially Paraguay.
The city was also influenced by Japanese immigration – it is home to one of the largest Japanese colonies in Brazil, which explains the popularity of dishes such as soba (a kind of noodle stew with pork and chicken).
The tourist attractions in the capital of Mato Grosso do Sul are spread out, and the best way to get around is by car.
There are two main thoroughfares, Avenida Afonso Pena and Avenida Mato Grosso, which run parallel to each other and cut across Campo Grande from east to west.
Hotels, restaurants, bars, shops and banks are concentrated on the outskirts. It is advisable not to walk around the centre at night.
Tourist attractions in Campo Grande MS
1. Casa do Artesão
Located in a building dating from 1918, this is the best place to buy local products.
Here you’ll find ceramics made by the Cadiuéus (Kadiwéus) and Terenas Indians, as well as seed necklaces, baskets made from buriti leaves, liqueurs and typical sweets.
Wooden sculptures depicting Indians covered in beeswax – the work of artist Conceição de Freitas – are among the most sought-after pieces. Avenida Calógeras, 2050, Centre.
2. Don Bosco Museum of Cultures
Museu das Culturas Dom Bosco is a Brazilian museum, idealised by the Salesian Province of Mato Grosso, located in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul (MS).
The Dom Bosco Museum, better known as the Indian Museum, was created in 1950 and inaugurated on 27 October 1951 by Salesian priests.
The museum is known worldwide for the scientific rigour of its considerable collection. It is located in the Parque das Nações Indígenas and is aimed at development, education and leisure for adults and children.
During its existence, the museum has built up a rich and varied collection due to the work and dedication of the following Salesians: Félix Zavataro, Cesar Albisetti, Angelo Jaime Venturelli, João Falco and recently Emilia Kashimoto in the area of archaeology, Aivone Carvalho in the area of ethnology and Liane Calarge in the area of palaeontology.
3. Pantanal Biopark
Bioparque Pantanal is the largest freshwater aquarium in the world.
You’ll see the main species of fish from the Pantanal and the five continents in tanks with incredible scenery.
The site also has an open environment that represents the Pantanal in its “raw” form, allowing contact with typical animals of the biome such as the caiman living in the open air and a viewpoint for contemplating birds and other animals in their natural habitat, as well as a biodiversity museum.
Address: Parque das Nações Indígenas (Av. Afonso Pena, 6277 – Chácara Cachoeira);
4. MARCO – Museum of Contemporary Art of MS
MARCO’s collection originated from the State Pinacoteca, acquisition prizes from art shows (held since 1979), as well as spontaneous donations and donations from artists.
It is worth highlighting the donation of 110 works by Lídia Baís, made by her family, considered one of the pioneers of plastic arts in the state.
Address: Rua Antônio Maria Coelho, Parque das Nações Indígenas, 6000, Campo Grande – MS.
5. Central Market
At the Central Market you can find the dish considered Municipal Intangible Heritage, Sobá – a kind of yakisoba with egg and meat.
There is even a monument to the dish at the entrance. You can choose from several restaurants. Sometimes there are musical performances. The traditional Sobá Festival takes place in August.
Address: Rua 14 de Julho, 3351 – Centro, Campo Grande – MS.
6. Memorial of Indigenous Culture
Created in 1999, the Cacique Enir Terena Indigenous Culture Memorial is located in the Marçal de Souza Urban Village. It has an emu-shaped structure where ethnic products from the Terena, Kinikinau, Guarani and Kadiwéu cultures are sold.
The Marçal de Souza Urban Village, the first urban village in Mato Grosso do Sul, covers 340 square metres, mostly occupied by families of the Terena ethnic group.
Address: R. Terena, 88 – Tiradentes, Campo Grande – MS.
7. Campo Grande Market
A visit to the municipal market is always a good way to get to know the local products and culture.
This is a good place to buy your tereré kit (the typical drink which, unlike chimarrão, is consumed cold), with various herbal options in different flavours.
Address: R. Sete de Setembro, 65 – Centro, Campo Grande – MS.
8. Fogo Caipira Restaurant
The house is a reference for those who want to try the best Pantanal food. Among the specialities: carne de sol na moranga, moqueca de pintado and arroz carreteiro. For dessert, petit gateau de rapadura.
Address: R. José Antônio, 145 – Centro, Campo Grande – MS.
9. Horto Florestal – Antônio de Albuquerque Forest Park
The park has an arena theatre, library, playground, water mirror, jogging track and is a good place for bird watching. Take the opportunity to see the Carro de Boi Monument, a large panel installed at the confluence of the Prosa and Segredo streams.
It promotes a historical record of the beginning of the urban occupation of Campo Grande, around 1872. It was designed by artists Neide Ono and Marisa Oshiro Tibana, with pieces cast in aluminium and gold metal on a black granite background.
Address: S/N 65894, R. Joel Dibo, 1 – Vila Carvalho, Campo Grande – MS.
10. Praça das Araras
Located at the junction with Rua Dom Aquino, it has a sports court and playground.
It’s common to see a round of tereré while friends watch the sunset. The Macaws Monument has a trio of macaws in blue and red colours, made by the artist Cleir D’Avila, who sought to awaken in the population the importance of preservation.
Address: At the junction with Rua Dom Aquino, Praça Cuiabá, S/N – Amambai, Campo Grande – MS.
11. Lake of Love
A place where capybaras pass through, the artificial lake is a tourist attraction. In 2008, the sculpture O Beijo, by artist Pedro Guilherme, was inaugurated at the lake’s roundabout.
The monument is made of reinforced concrete and depicts two manatees kissing. It’s a good tip for enjoying the sunset.
Address: Av. Sen. Filinto Müler, 713-917 – Pioneiros, Campo Grande – MS.
12. Orla Ferroviária – Maria Fumaça
A nostalgic trip to the point of arrival and departure of those who helped build the state. The Maria Fumaça Monument was installed in honour of the old Noroeste do Brasil railway.
It is five metres high and 20 metres long – weighing 20 tonnes. The work is suspended on a swing, with the impression of taking flight. It is located at the intersection of Avenida Mato Grosso and Avenida Calógeras.
Address: Av. Calógeras, 5045 – Centro, Campo Grande – MS.
13. Morada dos Baís
The historic Morada do Baís building was built in 1913 to house the family of Italian Bernardo Franco Baís.
The most representative personality in the arts in Campo Grande, Lydia Baís, daughter of Bernardo Baís, lived in the townhouse for some years.
There you can see part of her collection and museum pieces;
Address: Av. Noroeste, 5140 – Centro, Campo Grande – MS.
14. Radio Club Square
This square is the scene of many activities. Also known as Praça da República, it is home to the Japanese immigration monument. There are a few Japanese restaurants in the area, including.
Address: Av. Afonso Pena – Centro, Campo Grande – MS.
15. Pantaneira Square
Close to the Town Hall, it has decorations inspired by the Pantanal biome, with animal statues created by artist Levi Batista. It’s worth a stroll for a photo.
Address: R. Vinte e Cinco de Dezembro, 230 – Centro, Campo Grande – MS.
16. Museum of Image and Sound (MIS)
A place to preserve the records that make up the visual and audio memory of the state of Mato Grosso.
The MIS collection has more than 8,000 thousand items including photographs, films, videos, posters, vinyl records, objects and sound recordings.
Address: Av. Fernando Corrêa da Costa, 559 – Centro, Campo Grande – MS.
See the following publications on the Pantanal of Mato Grosso:
- Watching Mammals and Reptiles in the Pantanal
- Fishing in the Pantanal – Best places, baits, methods and seasons
- Most common fish species in the Pantanal
- Bird watching in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso
- Most common bird species in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso
- Flora of the Pantanal of Mato Grosso
- Fauna of the Pantanal of Mato Grosso
- Mato Grosso Pantanal – Geography, Climate, Soil and Rivers
- History of the Mato Grosso Pantanal – Discovery and Economic Development
- Southern Pantanal Region
- North Pantanal Region
- Why go to the Pantanal in Mato Grosso?