Joplin, Missouri
Updated October 2026 · 8 places · Joplin
Quick answer
Our top picks are Joplin History & Mineral Museum, Joplin Route 66 Visitor Center and Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center.
These eight attractions are physically located in Joplin, Missouri, and have current public-access information on official local, state, or venue pages. Spiva Center for the Arts is omitted because its official site says its galleries are closed for installation until October 24, 2026.
$ · 504 S. Schifferdecker Avenue, Joplin, MO 64801
The Joplin History & Mineral Museum is a complex of museums covering the area's history and mining heritage. Its exhibits include mineral specimens, Joplin history, Route 66, Bonnie and Clyde, and the National Historical Cookie Cutter Museum.
Best for: local history and minerals
602 S. Main Street, Joplin, MO 64801
The Joplin Route 66 Visitor Center is in the former Newman's Department Store in historic downtown. It features historic Joplin photographs and a Route 66 gallery, and provides information about local history and attractions.
Best for: Route 66 and local history
201 W. Riviera Drive, Joplin, MO 64804
The Missouri Department of Conservation's Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center is a nature center with a gift shop. The center is open Tuesday through Friday and Saturday, and is located just south of I-44 in Joplin.
Best for: nature and conservation
20505 Old 66 Boulevard, Joplin, MO 64801
The Heroes Museum and Memorial Garden is dedicated to members of the armed forces and first responders. Its collection includes items from military branches, the Civil War to the present, law enforcement, medics, and service animals.
Best for: military and first-responder history
Free · 5685 Riverside Drive, Joplin, MO 64804
Grand Falls is a natural waterfall on Shoal Creek and is described by Visit Joplin as Missouri's largest continuously flowing natural waterfall. The water drops 12 feet over a 163-foot-wide ledge, and swimming is allowed; there are no facilities at the falls.
Best for: waterfall and outdoor visit
Free · 619 S. Main Street, northeast corner, Joplin, MO 64804
Route 66 Mural Park is a public park dedicated to Joplin's connection to Route 66. It is listed as an attraction by Visit Joplin at the northeast corner of South Main Street and 7th Street.
Best for: Route 66 history and public art
Free · 602 S. Main Street, Joplin, MO 64801
Murals at City Hall are public artworks inside Joplin's historic City Hall. The Route 66 mural reflects the highway's influence on Joplin, and the artworks are open to the public on weekdays during stated building hours.
Best for: murals and public art
Free · 504 S. Schifferdecker Avenue, Joplin, MO 64801
The Prairie Project Pollinator Mural is on the south side of the Joplin History & Mineral Museum. Visit Joplin says the community funded and created the mural project.
Best for: community-created public art
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