Joplin, Missouri
Updated October 2026 · 10 places · Joplin
Quick answer
Our top picks are Wildcat Park, Mercy Park and Rotary Clubs of Joplin Sculpture Garden and Cunningham Park.
These year-round options in Joplin include city parks and trails, free-admission arts and community spaces, and public art. Outdoor parks and public art can be visited without an admission charge; Spiva Center for the Arts confirms free general admission.
301 W. Riviera Drive, Joplin, MO 64803
Wildcat Park is a city park with walking trails, a boat ramp, fishing access and picnic areas. Its wooded trails pass through chert glades and offer views of Shoal Creek and its bluffs.
Best for: hiking and nature
2730 St. John's Boulevard, Joplin, MO 64804
Mercy Park is a green space with walking trails, a pond, a meadow and picnic areas. Visitors can see the Rotary Clubs of Joplin Sculpture Garden’s bronze sculptures, along with murals including a butterfly mural.
Best for: walking and public art
26th Street and Maiden Lane, Joplin, MO 64801
Cunningham Park is a city park with a walking trail, sports facilities, picnic areas and a butterfly garden. The Butterfly Garden and Overlook is a place to sit and reflect, and the park was rebuilt after the 2011 tornado.
Best for: families and walking
7th Street and Schifferdecker Avenue, Joplin, MO 64801
Schifferdecker Park is a large city park with playgrounds, courts, a skate area, golf facilities and picnic spaces. It also contains the Joplin History & Mineral Museum, though that museum charges admission for most visitors.
Best for: outdoor recreation
North Street trailhead, 932 E. North Street, Joplin, MO 64801
The Frisco Greenway Trail is a multi-use rail-trail that begins at North Street in Joplin and continues north toward Webb City. The route is used for walking, running and biking.
Best for: walking, running and biking
212 W. 7th Street, Joplin, MO 64801
Spiva Center for the Arts is a visual arts center with galleries, exhibitions, classes and workshops. It presents national and regional art and offers free general admission.
Best for: art and exhibitions
619 S. Main Street, Joplin, MO 64804
Route 66 Mural Park is a small public park with tile murals honoring Joplin’s connection to Route 66. The murals include “Cruisin’ into Joplin,” “The American Ribbon” and “Route 66 Tri-State Corridor.”
Best for: Route 66 history and public art
602 S. Main Street, Joplin, MO 64804
Murals at City Hall are public artworks inside Joplin City Hall, including Thomas Hart Benton’s “Joplin at the Turn of the Century, 1896–1906.” The displays also include a Route 66 mural by Benton’s grandson, Anthony Benton Gude, and are free to view during public access hours.
Best for: art and local history
102 S. Main Street, Joplin, MO 64801
The Downtown Black History & Performing Arts Mural is a public mural in downtown Joplin at First and Main Streets. Artist Alexander Austin’s work depicts prominent figures in Black history and the performing arts.
Best for: downtown public art
1901 E. 20th Street, Joplin, MO 64804
Joplin Public Library is a public library with books, children’s and teen departments, digital resources and a maker’s space. Its services offer opportunities for community members to learn, create and explore.
Best for: community space and learning
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