Joplin Vacations, Tourism & Travel Information

Overview

Joplin is a city that sits in the southwestern corner of Missouri. It is the ending point of the Missouri portion of famed Route 66, and thus is a logical layover for travelers who are crossing the country by car. Bonnie and Clyde stopped here, in fact, while on their Midwest crime spree, and they were … Read more > Joplin is a city that sits in the southwestern corner of Missouri. It is the ending point of the Missouri portion of famed Route 66, and thus is a logical layover for travelers who are crossing the country by car. Bonnie and Clyde stopped here, in fact, while on their Midwest crime spree, and they were almost apprehended. Joplin's historical roots are in its mining history; there are many abandoned mine shafts around the city and one of the state's best mineral museums, as well. The historic district of Joplin dates back to the 1880's when it was a major mining town, and there are still many preserved, old buildings that are on the National Registry of Historical Places. For modern day experiences, a good place to start is the Joplin Museum Complex, home to two excellent historical museums, including the famed mineral museum that documents the rich history of the area. For some outdoor adventure, seek out Joplin's Grand Falls. This thunderous waterfall is a popular tourist destination - definitely bring your camera. If you're hankering for a great park, complete with natural trails and an Audubon center, look no further than Wildcat Park. It's perfect for the entire family and you'll easily fill an entire afternoon exploring what it has to offer. All in all, Joplin is much more than just a layover on Route 66; it has a rich history and plenty of family-friendly attractions with an emphasis on the outdoors.