Looking for the fun and best things to do in Joplin Mo? This city boasts a lot of fascinating attractions and activities to keep you entertained. Joplin is a charming and picturesque city in southwest Missouri. This little, lovely settlement lies in the counties of Jasper and Newton, at the start of the famous and magnificent Route 66. Joplin is a famous tourist destination due to its spectacular natural beauty, rich history, and unique culture.
Joplin boasts wonderful museums, beautiful parks, charming antique malls, a stunning waterfall, and much more. This city’s cuisine scene is also fantastic. All of the restaurants and cafes serve delicious American cuisine. Joplin offers a lot to see and do. To be honest, this is a city that wonderfully mixes nature and urban living. We’ve put together a list of some of the best and most exciting things to do in Joplin MO to help you get started on your trip. Ready to learn more?
Disclosure: Due to new safety regulations, some of the information regarding the attractions and sites listed below may have changed. For the most up-to-date information, please contact the location.
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Here are some of the fun & best things to do in Joplin MO:
1. Visit the Route 66 Mural Park
The Route 66 Mural Park, which opened in 2013, is a public park in Joplin, Missouri. It focuses on and serves an important role in preserving Missouri’s historical information. Begin your tour adventure by visiting Route 66 Mural Park and taking in the scenic route. Inside the park, two big, beautifully tiled murals by Jon White and Chris Auckerman can be found.
The Route 66 Mural Park also has a red mock 1964 Corvette in which many people sit for a good photo opportunity. Another mural, near the intersection of Main and 7th Streets, runs down the south side of the renowned green hardware shop Peale Brothers. A visit here is well worth it and full of excitement. You should add this place to your list of fun and best things to do in Joplin MO.
Address: 629-621 S Main St, Joplin, MO 64801
2. Visit Grand Falls
The Grand Falls is located in Shoal Creek and is one of the biggest continuously flowing waterfalls in Missouri. The Grand Falls is a well-known attraction in the area. The waterfall provides breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery. The waterfall will continue flowing no matter what time of year or season you visit because of the creek that never runs out of water. The location also has private swimming pools where friends and family may spend time together while still enjoying the beauty of the waterfall.
Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the incredible splendor of the waterfall as well as some wonderful photos to publish on your connected accounts. Because the terrain is uneven, it is best not to wear heavy shoes. The Grand Falls is a must-see attraction in Joplin and should be on your list of fun and best things to do in Joplin MO.
Address: 5685 Riverside Dr, Joplin, MO 64804
3. Bonnie and Clyde’s Joplin Garage Apartment Hideout
Bonnie and Clyde were two notorious criminals who lived in the Garage and Apartment hideout. The loving pair were known in the area for participating in robberies and numerous atrocities. You can go to the flat to see how the hiding looks and why they chose this particular house as a hideout for their unlawful activities.
You may now stay in the apartment where Bonnie and Clyde previously stayed by renting it out as an Airbnb. You can also take images outside the house and post them to your Instagram account. The lengthy line of these two’s history has been preserved, so people can come and observe how they lived their lives for themselves.
Address: 299 W 34th St #201, Joplin, MO 64804
4. Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth At Candy House Gourmet
The Candy House Gourmet, located in Joplin’s downtown area, is more of a candy factory. The location has long been a favorite of both locals and visitors looking for delicious candies. It was founded in 1970. The Shop offers a diverse selection of treats that will satisfy your sweet tooth. Chocolates, gourmet creams, caramels, chocolate truffles, fudges, jellies, and other delectable treats are popular at The Candy House.
The Candy House also serves seasonal treats. During the fall season, they have a variety of seasonal treats and fresh apples available for customers. In the spring, they serve freshly produced strawberries dipped in chocolate. You can purchase as many tasty sweets as you want, and there are numerous flavors to pick from. You can bring the kids along for some fun as well.
Address: 510 Kentucky Ave, Joplin, MO 64801
5. Sweet Caroline’s, Joplin, Missouri
Sweet Caroline is housed in a magnificent Historic Gryphon Building on Joplin Main Street. Locals and tourists alike frequent this location for ice cream and sweet coffee. There are over 32 different ice cream varieties to enjoy, as well as desserts, high ceilings, enormous pillars, keto cupcakes, gourmet chocolates, truffles, and many more.
Their ice cream is homemade, carefully prepared, and hand-dipped, their coffee is excellent and well flavored, and the aroma fills the café as you walk in. Caroline’s place should be on your list of fun and best things to do in Joplin MO if you enjoy wonderful sweet coffee.
Address:1027 S Main St, Joplin, MO 64801
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6. Schifferdecker Park
Schifferdecker Park is a quiet and enjoyable spot to visit when on vacation in Joplin. Basketball courts, swimming pools, a gold course, a gazebo, barbecues, horseshoe pits, a picnic pavilion, picnic tables, playgrounds, restrooms, and sand volleyball courts are all available in the Park. This park is a great place to spend a couple of hours alone or with friends and family.
Address: W 4th St, Joplin, MO 64801, United States
7. Pennington Station
Ben McNelly, a technology sector leader, established Pennington Station, a virtual destination for people of all ages. The open floor concept included separate spaces for various virtual reality games, as well as seating for guests to observe the activity. From Virtual Reality and Simulation Games to STEM and STEAM instruction, this entertainment center reveals creative flexibility.
It allows people of all ages to experiment with technology. Pennington Station also provides entertainment for those with disabilities. It can be reserved for youth group outings, team-building exercises, birthday celebrations, and a variety of other events.
Address: 518 Virginia Ave, Joplin, MO 64801, United States
8. Tilt Studio
The Tilt studio is one of many sites you don’t want to miss out on because it’s packed with entertaining activities that will make your day memorable. The studio has an 18-hole blacklight jungle safari mini golf course, mini bowling lanes, and a two-story jungle laser tag area.
There are also a number of party rooms available for group gatherings, birthday parties, and private meetings. There is also a large selection of video games and redemption games, as well as a snack bar where you may enjoy some excellent food. Family and loved ones will have a good time here, so put it on your list of the fun and best things to do in Joplin MO.
Address: 101 N Rangeline Rd, Joplin, MO 64801
9. Leonard Park
Leonard Park is a local park along Range Line Road. If you’re looking for a spot to spend your vacation with family and friends, this park should be at the top of your list of fun and best things to do in Joplin MO. There is a large playground and picnic tables in the park. There is also a frisbee golf course, baseball, basketball, tennis, volleyball, hiking paths, and much more at the park.
Are you wondering what to do in Joplin during your visit? You can take a relaxing walk on the 1-mile shaded park route, play tennis on the court, volleyball, and many other activities. The park is open all year and has a beautiful setting with lovely landscapes. You should bring your camera if you want to have some beautiful images to upload on your Instagram account.
Address: E 4th Street & Turk Avenue, Joplin, MO 64801
10. Ewert Park
The Ewert Work is located in Joplin, Missouri, and it offers natural protection as well as a variety of outdoor leisure activities. If you appreciate sports, this park is a must-see because there are numerous facilities to experience a wonderful time. A covered basketball court, swimming pool, pickleball courts, tennis court, skate park, and other facilities can be found here. After a long day of playing and having fun, you’ll be hungry and want to eat something, which is accessible in their picnic pavilion. There are grills available for use if you want to host a BBQ.
Address: 846 Murphy Blvd, Joplin, MO 64801
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11. North Park Mall
The North Park Mall first opened in 1972, with 60 stores and a land area of 600,000 square feet. However, it currently boasts a land area of 1,080,000 square feet and over 100 retailers as well as a food court. North Park Mall’s food court offers a variety of options, including Burger King, Orange Julius, and Chick-fil-A. Bring the kids here for some fun at Chuck E. Cheese or the Tilt studio, which features laser tagging, various arcade games, and a one-hole blacklight mini-golf course.
The mall also contains displays commemorating local soldiers who have committed their lives to serving their country, which are images of local veterans standing in their full uniforms. When you visit the North Park Mall, you will find a plethora of things to keep you entertained. There are numerous stores to keep you busy if you wish to go on a shopping spree. This place is worth adding to your list of the fun and best things to do in Joplin MO.
Address: 101 N Rangeline Rd, Joplin, MO 64801
12. Joplin 44 Truckstop
If you’re a truck driver or a fan of truck vehicles, the Joplin 44 Truckstop should be your first stop when in Joplin. It is one of the best truck stops in the area, with a spacious petrol station and a decent store. Everything is available in the store. It also features a gift shop, a cozy store, a diesel fuel truck center, laundry facilities, truck wash, custom embroidery, vinyl shop, a movie theater, private shower rooms, and many other features. You may also see their Mother Road and the limelight, a purple Kenworth W900 tractor with a mural depicting Route 66, and their super Truck showroom.
Address: 4240 Highway 43, I-44, Exit 4, Joplin, MO 64803
13. Frisco Greenway Trail
The Frisco Greenway is a rail-to-trail project located on a 3.5-mile trail in a tranquil and less noisy neighborhood. The park has a beautiful forest and a well-kept gravel road. The gravel track is ideal for cyclists and joggers. Walking, biking, skating, bird viewing, running, and other activities are also available when visiting. The canopy of trees and the bridge over Turkey Creeks make this portion of the park particularly lovely.
It is recommended that you pack a bottle of water or two before beginning your adventure, as there is no drinkable water along the trail or at the end. The park has restrooms, picnic tables, and other amenities. This is a great site to spend time with family and enjoy the picturesque views it has to offer, and it should be on your list of fun and best things to do in Joplin MO.
Address: Frisco Greenway, Joplin Township, MO, Amirka
14. Sandstone Gardens
Are you a nature lover? Sandstone Gardens is one of the top things to do in Joplin MO, and should be on your bucket list. Sandstone Gardens is located on a beautiful 68-acre property that has been turned into a 50,000-square-foot primary garden showroom and Midwest home. Everything for your home’s internal and outdoor decoration can be found in the Sandstone Garden. Everything you have in mind for your home is beautifully displayed in the garden.
Beautiful furniture in any design, cast decorative stone items, wall art and decor, dinnerware, aromatherapy, textiles, indoor and outdoor accent lighting, botanicals, and many more are available. After a long day of shopping, visitors can treat themselves to a sumptuous lunch at the Sandstone Bistro. The sandstone bistro is well-known for its one-of-a-kind sweets and meals.
Address: 2826 Douglas Fir Rd, Joplin, MO 64804
15. McClelland Park
McClelland Park, like the Ohio Five, is a public park. The wooden park is situated on a slope, making it excellent for kite flying in the spring. It is ideal for family pleasure because it has a variety of playground equipment. A disc golf facility and a nice hiking trail are located on the park’s outskirts.
There are many trees providing shade, making this a unique site for picnicking, and there are several tables located around the park. If you want to spend your holiday in a serene and tranquil setting, McClelland Park is the place to be. There are contemporary restrooms, picnic shelters, barbecues, and horseshoe pits here.
Address: 44th & McClelland Boulevard Joplin, MO 64804
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16. Brunch At The Bruncheonette
If you’re looking for a brunch spot in Joplin, check out The Bruncheonette. It serves excellent American cuisine as well as vegetarian and gluten-free options. The restaurant is well-known among locals and guests who come to enjoy the wonderful and flavorful meals provided here. There are so many different foods to choose from. They provide high-quality service, and their employees are kind to customers. You can also choose a breakfast taco, eggs benedict, Hawaiian French toast, or a Benny Harper sandwich.
Address: 424 N Main St Rd, Joplin, MO 64801
17. The Fascinating Joplin Museum Complex
The Joplin Museum Complex consists of five museums. Dolls, sports, history, and cookies are among the five museums to be found here. The complex is located in Schifferdecker Park and was heavily focused on the city’s mining growth in the nineteenth century. Aside from mining artifacts, the museum also includes luminous rocks, mammoth fossils, jewelry by the famous Bonnie and Clyde, and much more. This place is worth adding to your list of the fun and best things to do in Joplin MO.
The National Historical Cookie Cutter Museum, Merle Evans Miniature Circus, and Joplin Sports Hall of Fame are among the other exhibitions and museums at the Joplin Museum Complex. Visitors can learn about Joplin’s mining heritage and see an old mining shaft to learn more about mining. The Joplin Museum Complex is open Tuesdays through Saturdays.
Address: 504 S Schifferdecker Ave, Joplin, MO 64801
18. Roller City Skate and Play
Joplin’s Roller City Skate and Play has a long history. The site was severely damaged by a tornado in 2011. The Carson family rebuilt the park, and it has since become a popular gathering place for families, organizations, and schools. Laser tag, party rooms, roller skating, and a large indoor playground are all available for visitors.
The park can accommodate both large and small gatherings, as well as charitable organizations and churches. This location is enjoyable for both adults and children. Parents can also unwind while their children enjoy themselves on the playground. If you enjoy skating, this is a must-see attraction and one of the fun and best things to do in Joplin MO.
Address: 2800 E 24th St, Joplin, MO 64804
19. Cunningham Park
Cunningham Park is Joplin’s oldest park, but it suffered a major calamity in 2011 when it was damaged by a tornado. A group of volunteers resurrected the park, which is now fully operational and in full swing. It contains a monument dedicated to the tornado victims that died. The Park is free and open to the public.
Swimming pools, basketball courts, gazebos, playgrounds, grills, walking routes, bathrooms, reflective ponds, and other amenities abound at the park. Picnicking is enjoyable in Cunningham Park, which has picnic tables and shade. You should wander around the park to fully appreciate it, and you can bring your camera with you to snap some great pictures.
Address: W 26th St &, S Maiden Ln, Joplin, MO 64804
20. Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center
The Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center is a conservation center as well as an e-learning institution located at the confluence of Silver and Shoal Creeks. Its primary goal is to promote the abundant biodiversity of the Spring River river basin and the Chert glade habitat. Hiking on the partially paved trail beside Shoal Creek is permitted for visitors. It has a diverse range of fauna and flora, as well as breathtaking views and gorgeous landscape.
The Wildcat Center also has a live aquarium where visitors can see fish, turtles, and other aquatic species up close. There are benches around the park where you can sit and take in the breathtaking views. This is a beautiful site to come and take photos for your Instagram account, and it should be at the top of your list of fun and best things to do in Joplin MO.
Address: 201 Riviera Dr, Joplin, MO 64804
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21. Have a meal at The Red Onion Café
The Red Onion Cafe is located in Joplin’s downtown district. The Cafe is a lovely restaurant that focuses on providing customers with good meals and excellent service. The Café’s structure is distinctive, with a rustic setting and vintage design. The cafe’s quiet and simple ambience makes it a great spot to unwind and enjoy tasty meals.
The menu at this restaurant includes both Midwestern and American delicacies. Steaks and salads are popular at the Red Onion Café. The steaks are juicy and freshly cut and made in-house, and the salads are wonderful and freshly cut in the mornings. Try their pasta and fresh onion soup as well. After a fantastic lunch, you may indulge in delectable sweets such as their limoncello mascarpone cake and scrumptious lime pie.
Address: 203 E 4th St, Joplin, MO 64801
22. Make a visit to the Spiva Center for the Arts
The Spiva Center for the Arts in Joplin was founded in 1974 and has been delighting locals and visitors with unique visual arts experiences ever since. You may be asking where the name of the art gallery came from. It was named after a local art philanthropist, admirer, and businessman named George A. Spiva. The artworks available here are stunning and exceptional.
The Spiva Art Center provides art lessons for persons who are interested in the world of art, and these classes are designed to educate participants about art. The gallery includes rotating exhibits by local artists who are constantly shifting their focus. They are stunning to behold. The art center offers a gift shop where visitors can purchase artwork and handcrafted items.
Address: 222 W 3rd St, Joplin, MO 64801
23. Purchase Beautiful Souvenirs at Rangeline Antique Mall
The RangeLine Antique Mall is a fantastic wealthy flea market where you may shop for a variety of Vintage things. The mall houses multiple businesses, all of which sell various old-fashioned antique accessories. There’s plenty to select from, including dishes, furniture, vintage toys, glassware, jewelry, tools, baskets, and much more.
There are many different types of antiques to choose from, and the antiques are carefully packed so that customers can find any item they are looking for. It is an ideal location for purchasing a souvenir for loved ones, friends, and family. If you enjoy antiques, the Rangeline Antique Mall is a must-see, and you should add it to your list of the fun and best things to do in Joplin MO.
Address: 3421 N Rangeline Rd, Joplin, MO 64801
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24. Stay At Drury Inn & Suites
You will have a pleasant time at Drury Inn & Suites because it is a perfect spot to stay while on your tour. The restaurant is centrally located among all of the area’s excellent eateries and restaurants. The hotel welcomes pets and allows you to stay with your cat or dog. All of the amenities available are at their peak, making your stay in town valuable and pleasurable.
Workout rooms, an outdoor pool, room service, a breakfast buffet, a business center, and other amenities are available. Drury Inn & Suites also provides stunning entertainment from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., as well as drinks and snacks courtesy of the hotel, and their staff is likewise polite and lovely.
Address: 3601 S Rangeline Rd, Joplin, MO 64804
25. George Washington Carver National Monument
The park was established in nearby Newton County in 1943. The George Washington Carver National Monument is a park located near the 219-acre property where George Washington Carver was born and raised. George Washington Carver was a well-known innovator, scientist, chemist, educator, botanist, and agronomic from the United States. The national monument was the first to be dedicated to a non-resident in honor of an African American man. The sculptures of George Washington Carver can be found in the park.
There are additional nature trails, a discovery lab, and nature trails at the monument. Through displays and exhibits, the museum depicts George Washington Carver’s history and life. Visitors are permitted to wander on the nature trails while learning about his life’s history. The surroundings are wonderful and peaceful. There’s a lot of inspiration to be drawn from George Washington Carver’s life and actions when you visit, and it should be a must-see during your trip.
Address: 5646 Carver Rd, Diamond, MO 64840
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Final Thoughts
Joplin, a city in southwest Missouri, has numerous wonderful sights to explore, including parks, farms, gardens, and waterfalls. Joplin is a great blend of delightful rich history, breathtaking scenery, and culture. There are numerous sights in this location that will fascinate your imagination, as well as delicious meals. If you’re still debating where to spend a wonderful holiday, here is the place to be.
Tourists from all over the world are sure to enjoy this tourist destination’s urban ambiance, which includes shops, art galleries, and trendy restaurants. Knowing that this city offers adventure, local history, excursions, and both indoor and outdoor activities makes it difficult to overlook its attractiveness. Follow the list of the fun and best things to do in Joplin MO to avoid missing out on a fantastic trip. There are many enjoyable and memorable activities to do in Joplin MO for an unforgettable adventure.
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