Are you looking for things to do in Joplin MO? In this article I will go over everything you could want to know about Joplin. I will go over all the major attractions and top places to visit.
A brief history of Joplin:
Joplin is a city located in southwest Missouri. This town started out like a lot of towns west of the Mississippi. At the end of the 19th century it was a boomtown focused on mining. It is located on the historic route 66, This is actually the starting point for most people who want to travel down this famous road.

George Washington Carver National Monument
The George Washington Carver monument is one of the top things to do in joplin mo. Carver was an amazing man with a few professions under his belt including scientist, educator, botanist, chemist, agronomist, and inventor. This was one of the first national statues built to honor an African American. The monument is located where he grew up on a 210 acre farm. The statue and other plaques about Carver are located along a historic park where people can enjoy the outdoors and learn about this amazing man.
Grand Falls, Joplin, Missouri

If you love swimming and the outdoors grand falls is definitely the place to be. This is one of Missouri’s largest and continuously flowing waterfalls. This is a popular destination for swimming because at the base of the waterfalls it creates a giant 12 foot pool. The water is constantly following year round and is created as a result of a large man made dam upstream. There are smaller pools around the area that are perfect for kids to play in.
Joplin Museum Complex
This is a great place if your wanting to learn about the history of Joplin MO and how it became a great mining town. This might not be your thing if you are not interested in mining or geology. The complex, located in Schifferdecker Park and is a combination of two mining museums. You get to learn about the history of the town, the popular resources that were found. You can even take a tour of a replica mining cave.
Another museum is the route 66 museum where you get to learn about the history of this famous route. Some highlights include the adventures of bonnie and Clyde through Joplin.
Route 66 Park, Joplin, Missouri
If your starting out on Route 66 and are planning on traveling down this historic route then I would definitely start here. This is where most peoplr start anyways when they want to tour Joplin MO. This park opened in 2013 and serves as an introduction and starting point of this famous road. The park is comprised of many artistic murals that people can visit. Another feature of the park is a classic corvette that visitors love to take pictures in.
Sandstone Gardens, Joplin, Missouri
If you love old and classic things with a touch of beauty then this is perfect for you. This estate is made up of 68 acres with a beautiful 50,000 square foot estate located on it. Some of the top mentions of this are the sprawling gardens indoor and outdoor. There are shops and a restaurant located inside the manor. Also you can take a tour of the mansion and gardens. The house is filled with old antiques from all over the world, cast stone sculted throughout the interior. The lighting along with wall art creates an amazing touring experience through the home.
Restaurants and dining experience in Joplin MO
Sweet Caroline’s:
Located on Joplin’s main street is Sweet Caroline’s. This is an awesome ice cream and coffee shop. They have a wide selection of ice cream to choose from where you easily spend hours sampling. There are around 32 different flavors to choose from. The ice cream is artisan and hand dipped. The coffee is also a nice benefit, the atmosphere of the place is filled with that amazing coffee smell.
Red Onion Café:
This Café is located in a 100 year old renovated building in downtown Joplin. This diner brings a classic touch with the the décor, it has industrial touches, exposed pipes on the ceiling that brings together one of the best dining experiences. The menu keeps with a normal mid-westerner tradition. Definitely a must see if this type of food is your style.
Conclusion of Things to do in Joplin MO
If your just passing through Joplin along the historic route 66 I would definitely stop on in and give this town a try. Explore the rich history of this town on how it became a mining town. Stop at some of the well known restaurants and take a tour of some of the beautiful garden, parks, and waterfalls. This is one place you don’t want to miss.
Looking for things to do in Rochester, MN