Looking for an affordable Midwest getaway packed with history, art, and natural beauty? Visit Joplin! Located in the southwestern corner of Missouri, Joplin offers a lively arts scene, Route 66 nostalgia, scenic parks, and welcoming local flavor. Perfect for families, road trippers, and weekend explorers alike.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Joplin is during the spring and fall months (April–June and September–October). Comfortable temperatures and blooming or colorful foliage make it ideal for outdoor adventures and exploring the city's historic streets.

How to Get There

  • If you are traveling by car: Joplin sits at the crossroads of I-44 and I-49, about 1.5 hours from Springfield and 2 hours from Tulsa.
  • By Plane: Fly into Joplin Regional Airport (JLN), just 15 minutes from downtown, or into nearby Springfield-Branson National Airport (1.5 hours away).
  • By Bus: Jefferson Lines and Greyhound provide limited service to Joplin and surrounding cities.

Where to Stay

  • Drury Inn & Suites Joplin – Comfortable rooms, free hot breakfast, and evening snacks just off I-44.
  • Hotel Joplin, Tapestry Collection by Hilton – A modern boutique stay near Northpark Mall and downtown attractions.
  • Homewood Suites by Hilton – Great for extended stays with full kitchens and spacious suites.

Top Attractions

Honor a Legacy at George Washington Carver National Monument

Walk scenic trails and explore the inspiring legacy of Carver’s early life.

Honor a Legacy at George Washington Carver National Monument

© NPS Photo

The George Washington Carver National Monument is a park established in 1943 in Newton County, Missouri. The park is located near the 210-acre farm where George Washington Carver, a world-renowned scientist, educator, botanist, chemist, agronomist, and inventor, was raised. It was the first national monument established in honor of an African American and the first one dedicated to a non-president. Sculptures in the park include a statue of Carver as a young boy and the George Washington Carver Talking Bust. Visitors can see his birth site as they walk along the ¾-mile-long Carver Trail, which also showcases the boy Carver statue and numerous plaques with inspiring quotes by George Washington Carver. Part of the park is also the historic Carver House, the cemetery where the members of the Carver family members were buried, and 140 acres of carefully restored tallgrass prairie.

5646 Carver Road, Diamond, MO 64840, Phone: 417-325-4151

Treat Yourself to Sweets at Candy House Gourmet

Watch candy being made and savor handmade chocolates at this sweet local stop.

Treat Yourself to Sweets at Candy House Gourmet

© Courtesy of Artem Shadrin - Fotolia.com

Candy House Gourmet is large candy factory in downtown Joplin that has been a local delight since 1970. The owners have changed over the years, but the current owner has inherited the old recipes and continues to make everyone’s favorite sweets. They make everything by hand: Chocolates, truffles, English toffee, caramel pecan treats, and gourmet popcorn in all sorts of flavors including brittle, fudge, divinity, pecan logs, sea salt caramels and much more. In the spring, they dip fresh ripe strawberries in chocolate, and in the fall they do the same thing with apples. The factory includes a large showroom where you can browse and load your basket while enjoying free samples. There is a window to the next door factory where they make all the goodies. You can join a tour of the factory and see how it is all made.

510 Kentucky Ave, Joplin, MO 64801, Phone: 417-623-7171

Recommended Activities for Families

Marvel at the Natural Beauty of Grand Falls

See Missouri’s largest natural waterfall and enjoy peaceful riverside views.

Marvel at the Natural Beauty of Grand Falls

© Courtesy of munst64804 - Fotolia.com

Grand Falls is Missouri’s largest continuously flowing waterfall. It is formed by the water of Shoal Creek dropping down 12 feet into a large pool, which is popular for swimming and fishing. The falls spill over a ledge of chert rock 163 feet across. What makes the fall so unique is that there is water in the creek year round, so the waterfall is always running. Above the falls is a man-made dam, built to form a reservoir that provides water to Joplin. Next to the falls are more outcroppings of chert that are filled with water, creating pools that kids love to splash in.

5685 Riverside Dr, Joplin, MO 64804, Phone: 417-625-4750

Fuel Up and Explore at Joplin 44 Petro

Explore trucker memorabilia or grab a bite at this unusual roadside stop.

Fuel Up and Explore at Joplin 44 Petro

© Joplin 44 Petro

Joplin is nice place to visit, but even if you are just passing through, you have to check out Joplin 44 Petro . It is far more than just a gas station and a place to service your truck. The place is massive, and kids just love the huge truck that rotates in the middle of the store. There are several restaurants, a convenience store, movie theatre, showers, laundry service, snack shop, and all sorts of travel gear for sale. They also host large events such as the 9th Annual Guilty By Association Truck Show, which had more than 400 semis on display.

4240 MO-43, Joplin, MO 64804, Phone: 417-624-3400

Dig Into Local History at the Joplin History and Mineral Museum

Discover mining heritage and look at sparkling mineral displays and local artifacts.

Dig Into Local History at the Joplin History and Mineral Museum

© Joplin History and Mineral Museum

Joplin History and Mineral Museum is a great place to learn about the city’s past as a mining boomtown. The complex, located in Schifferdecker Park, combines two mining museums with a range of exciting exhibits. The Everett J. Ritchie Tri-State Mineral Museum takes you inside a replica of an old mine shaft, where you can learn about the origins of Joplin as a mining town and see some interesting rocks, some of them glowing. The Dorothea B. Hoover Historical Museum includes exhibits on historic Route 66, Bonnie and Clyde's adventures while in Joplin, the Joplin Sports Hall of Fame, the National Cookie Cutter Museum, the mysterious Spooklight, woolly mammoth fossils, Native American arrowheads, and a giant 6-foot dinosaur made of scrap metal.

The museum is undergoing a renovation during which hands-on, interactive activities are being added. The small store has unique rocks and jewelry for purchase.

504 S Schifferdecker Ave, Joplin, MO 64801, Phone: 417-623-1180

Enjoy a Tasty Lunch at the Red Onion Cafe

Savor homestyle dishes inside a charming historic building—great for a weekend meal.

Enjoy a Tasty Lunch at the Red Onion Cafe

© Red Onion Café

Red Onion Cafe is a cozy, pleasant restaurant in historic downtown Joplin. Located in a nicely renovated 100-year-old building, the unpretentious decor with industrial touches, exposed pipes on the ceiling, and comfortable banquettes creates a perfect atmosphere for family dinners as well as business lunches. The menu is traditional mid-Western with specialties such as David's Fried Chicken Salad and a smoked chicken dip. Red Onion Café prides itself on fresh salads that are chopped every morning, house-made salad dressings, steaks that are cut daily in their own kitchen, and every entree cooked to order. Red Onion also offers first-class catering for events of any size.

203 E 4th St, Joplin, MO 64801, Phone: 417-623-1004

Attractions for Couples

Admire Colorful Murals at Route 66 Park

Admire colorful art and explore Route 66 sights in this quick stop.

Admire Colorful Murals at Route 66 Park

© Courtesy of slonme - Fotolia.com

Route 66 Park is a public park opened in 2013 in Joplin, Missouri. It serves as a touchstone for tourists exploring US Route 66 and as a focal point for preserving the historic route in Missouri. Inside the park are two large tile murals designed by artists Jon White and Chris Auckerman and produced by Images In Tile USA, named Cruisin’ into Joplin and The American Ribbon. One of the park’s most popular features is a red mock 1964 Corvette that visitors like to sit in for a photo opportunity. Near the intersection of Main and 7th Street is another mural that covers the south side of the iconic green hardware store Pearl Brothers.

619 S. Main Street, Northeast Corner Joplin, MO 64801

Sip a Fresh Brew at Sweet Caroline's Coffee

Grab a cozy drink and enjoy a quiet break during your trip.

Sip a Fresh Brew at Sweet Caroline's Coffee

© Sweet Caroline's

Located in the beautiful old Gryphon Building on Joplin’s Main Street, Sweet Caroline's is the place where the locals go for their coffee and ice creams.

High ceilings, large pillars, and cute retro blue seating create a unique, cool atmosphere where you can spend hours sampling their ice creams. There are 32 flavors and they often change them. If you ask, they will give you free samples to help you choose, not an easy task. These ice creams are artisan, hand-dipped, and perfect, while their coffee is robust and full-flavored and you can smell it as soon you enter the shop. They also sell gourmet chocolates – try their salted-caramel turtles – as well as all kinds of old-fashioned candies for every occasion.

1027 S Main St, Joplin, MO 64801, Phone: 417-624-3000

Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:

  • George A. Spiva Center for the Arts – Regional arts hub with rotating exhibits, classes, and a gift shop.
  • Route 66 Mural Park – Pose by vibrant street art and soak up classic Americana on the famous “Mother Road.”
  • Wildcat Glades & Audubon Center – Explore trails, bluffs, and rare chert glades with educational nature programs.

Where to Eat

  • Red Onion Café – Upscale-casual American fare in a cozy downtown space with creative seasonal menus.
  • Instant Karma Gourmet Hot Dogs – Wildly inventive hot dogs and comfort food with a funky atmosphere.
  • Mythos Euro Greek Kuzina – Elegant Mediterranean cuisine with a romantic ambiance and wine list.

If you are interested in local events:

  • Third Thursday Artwalks (March–October) – Monthly downtown celebration of art, food, music, and local culture.
  • Joplin Arts Fest (September) – Annual juried art festival featuring regional artists, food trucks, and family activities.
  • Empire Market Saturdays – Weekly year-round farmers market with fresh produce, crafts, baked goods, and live music.

If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Joplin, Missouri:

  • Carthage (20–25 min) – Explore the historic square, Precious Moments Chapel, and Civil War sites.
  • Webb City (10–15 min) – Stroll murals, visit the farmers market, or catch a performance at Route 66 Movie Theater.
  • Wildcat Glades Conservation Area (10 min) – Hike rare chert glades and enjoy peaceful riverfront scenery.
  • Neosho (25–30 min) – Visit Big Spring Park and learn about George Washington Carver at the nearby national monument.
  • Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center (15 min) – Trails, wildlife, and educational exhibits for nature lovers.
  • Galena, KS (20–25 min) – Tiny Route 66 town with classic roadside attractions and vintage charm.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Where is Joplin, MO located?
    • Joplin, MO is a city in southwest Missouri that started life as a mining boomtown at the end of the 19th century.
  • Why is Joplin significant to Route 66 travelers?
    • It is located on Route 66 and is a starting point for tourists driving along this historic road.
  • Where can visitors learn about Joplin’s mining history?
    • A great place to learn about the city’s rough past as a mining town is the Joplin Museum Complex, with a range of exhibits that include some unique rocks, a tooth of a wooly mammoth, and an exhibit on the robbers Bonnie and Clyde, who spent some time in the city in 1933.
  • What natural attractions are available in Joplin?
    • Nature lovers will enjoy Grand Falls, which spills down 12 feet into a pool popular for swimming and fishing.

Plan Your Trip


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