From traveling historic Route 66 to experiencing the natural wonders of Wildcat Park, the Joplin area offers an array of things to do in the southeast corner of the Show-Me State. Many of the attractions are free or low cost, making a trip to Joplin an affordable adventure.
Route 66
Joplin was a popular stop during the heyday of Route 66, one of the country’s original interstate highways. It was a road made famous in song – “Get Your Kicks on Route 66” – and on TV and the silver screen. Head down the storied highway into the heart of downtown Joplin to explore a mix of shops, galleries and restaurants.
Swing by the Route 66 Mural Park where a replica Corvette is the centerpiece of a three-dimensional mural that pays tribute to the “Mother Road.” For a retro road trip experience, head to Carthage, 17 miles northeast of Joplin, to watch a movie under the stars at the 66 Drive-In Theatre. Catch a classic flick or a new release April through September.
Outdoor Adventure
Visit Grand Falls, the largest continually flowing waterfall in Missouri. The waters of Shoal Creek flow over a solid rock ledge extending more than 160 feet across the stream. Nearby, Inspiration Point offers a sweeping view of the creek from above, and a bluff in McClelland Park overlooks the waterfall.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Ozarks at Wildcat Park. Learn about the area’s native plants and animals at Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center. The Rotary Centennial Trail leads to a rare chert glade ecosystem that is home to cactus, lizards and other desert-loving creatures. Additional trails will take you to limestone bluffs, sparkling streams and a natural spring.
Art and Architecture
For an artistic view of Joplin in its early days, stop by city hall to see the mural, “Joplin at the Turn of the Century, 1896-1906,” painted by acclaimed Missouri artist Thomas Hart Benton. Then check out the exhibit, “Evolution of a Mural,” which traces Benton’s process for creating the work of art and includes one of his few remaining clay models.
More creativity is on display at the George A. Spiva Center for the Arts. The center hosts national and regional art exhibits as well as art classes and workshops.
Admire some of Joplin’s oldest architecture on a walking or driving tour of the Murphysburg Residential Historic District. Many of the city’s most prominent citizens built impressive residences in the area during the late 1800s and early 1900s. The tour features 37 houses, including a German “castle” and several classic Queen Anne homes, restored to their former glory.
Science and History
Take a short drive to Diamond, 20 miles southeast of Joplin, to see the George Washington Carver National Monument. The site explores Carver’s life and the contributions he made to the world as a scientist, educator and humanitarian. It is the first national monument in the United States to honor an individual other than a president. The park area includes Carver’s birthplace and childhood home, a visitors center, a walking trail, and a pre-civil war cemetery.
Find more intriguing stories from the past at the Joplin History & Mineral Museum. The museum focuses on the city’s early years and the major role mining once played in the region. Exhibits display mineral collections and mining equipment.
The museum also highlights historic events in the area including a shootout with outlaws Bonnie and Clyde and the 2011 Joplin tornado – one of the most devastating tornadoes in U.S. history.
Family Fun
Schifferdecker Park is one of Joplin’s most beloved outdoor spaces and was recently the site of the World Street Painting Festival. Visitors can enjoy the Route 66 street paintings – created during the event – that celebrate the Route 66 Centennial coming up in 2026. It’s a great place for fun photo opportunities.
If the weather is less than perfect outside, hop inside Ocean Adventures Indoor Playground. This three-level ocean-themed playground is a great place to let the kids burn off some energy. It’s geared towards toddlers up to age 10, but all ages are welcome to play. Take a selfie on the oversized Adirondack chair that can fit your entire family.
Just 15 minutes outside Joplin is the can’t-miss Supertam on 66. Specializing in hand-dipped ice cream, this parlor is anything but ordinary. In addition to serving up some delicious treats, the owners share a collection of Superman memorabilia gathered over more than 30 years.
Restaurants Around Joplin
Joplin offers an abundance of local restaurants serving a variety of cuisine. The menu at The Bruncheonette features meats, cheeses, vegetables, and freshly baked breads produced by local farms and bakeries. Choose from several versions of eggs benedict, or sample the poutine made with house-cut fries, chorizo sausage and bacon.
Wilder’s Steakhouse has been serving the Joplin area for nearly a century. The restaurant is located in a building that dates back to 1908 – the art deco-inspired interior sets the stage for a special dining experience. Try the Chilean sea bass, pesto chicken or a hand-cut steak. The Filet Dupont is a tenderloin cut topped with mushrooms, caramelized onions and Gruyere cheese.
Experience a modern take on classic Mediterranean cuisine at Mythos. The upscale eatery specializes in American, Italian and Greek fare. Order the Mediterranean Chicken – a grilled chicken breast with orzo pasta, lemon cream sauce, roasted tomatoes, artichoke hearts, spinach and feta cheese. The Beef Vesuvius is a grilled tenderloin drizzled with balsamic caramelized onions and served over linguine with spinach Gorgonzola cream sauce.