You can only enjoy an intriguing and relaxing vacation in Joplin if you know the most exciting things to do in Joplin (MO).
Joplin is a city that perfectly balances the environment with an urban lifestyle you will love, including shopping malls, art centers, and great restaurants.
Located at the beginning of the beautiful historic Route 66, this city is full of beautiful places to visit, like parks, lush gardens and parks, waterfalls, museums, antique shops, and much more.
It is a popular tourist attraction due to its fascinating natural beauty and rich history and culture.
To help you get started on your vacation, here are some of the best things you can do in Joplin (MO):
Fun Things To Do In Joplin (MO)
1. Visit Grand Falls
Did you know Grand Falls is one of the largest ever-flowing waterfalls in Missouri? It is located at Shoal Creek.
It offers a fascinating view of the beautiful surroundings, making it a popular tourist attraction in the city. Not forgetting the private swimming pools where friends and family can enjoy a great time together; it is a delight!
No matter what time of year or season you plan to visit, you will find a waterfall cascading over the river below. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the intriguing waterfall and beautiful surrounding.
Address: 5685 Riverside Dr, Joplin, MO 64804, United States
2. Stop by the Route 66 Mural Park
Route 66 Mural Park is a public park that plays a key role in preserving Missouri’s history.
The park is decorated with two large paintings with amazing tiles. It also features a red cartoon of a 1964 Corvette, where many visitors stay for a good photo opportunity.
There is also another painting near the meeting place between Main and 7th Street extending to the south side of the famous green hardware store, the Peale Brothers.
A visit here is well worth it and is full of great excitement. You should consider adding this place to your checklist of fun things you can do in Joplin (MO).
Address: 629-621 S Main St, Joplin, MO 64801, United States
Also see: 27 Best & Fun Things To Do In Sikeston (MO)
3. Dine at the Red Onion Café
Red Onion Cafe is a beautiful restaurant that treats guests with delicious food and quality service. It is located in the Downtown area of Joplin.
Its simple and antique decoration gives it a cozy atmosphere making it a great place to relax and enjoy delicious food.
Their menu is rich with Midwestern dishes and American food like steaks and salads.
The steaks are juicy, and their delicious salads are always fresh. You can also try their pasta with a fresh onion soup.
After a delicious meal, you can binge on a delicious dessert-like their limoncello mascarpone cake and lime pie; you will love it.
Address: 203 E 4th St, Joplin, MO 64801, United States
Things To Do In Joplin (MO) At Night
1. Go Shopping at North Park Mall
The North Park Mall, a popular shopping destination, started with 60 stores but currently has over 100 shops and food courts.
Menus of many restaurants here include Burger King, Orange Julius, and Chick-fil-A.
North Park Mall is a great place to bring kids as they will have fun at Chuck E. Cheese or in the Tilt studio, with laser tags, lots of arcade games, and a small golf course with one black hole.
The mall also features exhibitions of local veterans who have dedicated their lives to serving the country, and these are portraits of local veterans standing in their full uniforms.
There are many stores to keep you busy at the mall.
Address: 101 N Rangeline Rd, Joplin, MO 64801, United States
2. Watch a Movie Over Drinks at Bookhouse Cinema and Pub
Bookhouse Cinema combines a movie theater, restaurant, and pub. You can have food before heading to see a movie.
They have a regular cycle of classic indie and newcomers, which you will not see in theatres elsewhere in the city. They usually host local comedians on live comedy shows.
If you like live comedy, they usually host local comedians.
Food is a typical bargain, but cocktails are artful and have a good beer selection at the tap.
Address: 715 E Broadway St, Joplin, MO 64801, United States
3. Visit Escape Joplin
Escape Joplin is a delight; their intriguing escape rooms will make your blood rush.
Here, teams of three to eight players have 60 minutes to find clues, solve challenges, and achieve a unique goal for each room.
Escape Joplin offers three escape rooms with different themes like Christmas, criminals, and space travel. The rooms also vary in difficulty to suit each player’s skill level.
Hang out with friends here and have the perfect bonding time, as Escape Joplin is the best for team-building.
Address: 2640 E 32nd St, Joplin, MO 64804, United States
Things To Do In Joplin (MO) For Couples
1. Stay At Drury Inn & Suites
Drury Inn & Suites is one of the best lodges in Abilene, and you’re sure to have a great time here.
It has all the resources needed to make your stay convenient and enjoyable, like gyms, an outdoor swimming pool, room service, a breakfast restaurant, a business center, and much more.
Drury Inn & Suites even allows you to come along with your pets!
They have nice and pleasant staff with excellent customer service. Drury Inn & Suites offers both light refreshments and full meals. You should book a room soon.
Address: 3601 S Rangeline Rd, Joplin, MO 64804, United States
Also see: 27 Best & Fun Things To Do In Branson (MO)
2. Visit Sweet Caroline
Sweet Caroline is located in the Historic Gryphon building.
It is a popular tourist attraction because of its ice cream and coffee.
There are more than 32 samples of different ice cream flavors to choose from. They also have desserts, high ceilings, large pillars, keto cakes, excellent chocolates, truffles, turtles, caramel, and much more.
Their ice cream is the best in the city, and their coffee is exceptional. The sweet aroma of their treats always saturates the entire room.
You could try so many scoops of different flavors of ice cream with your partner. It’s a memory you both will treasure.
Address: 1027 S Main St, Joplin, MO 64801, United States
3. Spend Some Time at Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center
The Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center is both a conservation and an e-learning center located at the confluence of Silver and Shoal Creeks.
The center promotes species diversity in the Spring River and Chert glade ecosystems. Here allowed to walk in the area on a slightly paved road near Shoal Creek with many animal and plant species.
The Wildcat Center has many amazing views and beautiful scenery perfect for pictures and events. The Center boasts a live aquarium where visitors can view fish, turtles, and many other aquatic creatures.
You should come along with a camera to save these memories.
Address: 201 Riviera Dr, Joplin, MO 64804, United States
Things To Do In Joplin (MO) For Kids
1. Spend an Evening at Cunningham Park
Cunningham Park is a great place for kids because of its many amenities, such as a picnic area, a swimming pool, a walkway, and a playground.
Spending your leisure time here is one of the top things you can do at Joplin with kids.
In addition to relaxing, you should also visit the four monuments inside the park: Victim’s Memorial, Volunteer Tribute Memorial, Children’s Memorial, and Butterfly Overlook.
Address: 3F79+7M Joplin, Missouri, USA
2. Roller City Skate and Play
Roller City Skate and Play in Joplin has an outstanding history. It was hit hard by the cyclone in 2011.
The Carson family has restored the park, which has since become a premium entertainment center.
Kids can enjoy laser tag games and roller skating too. It also has a large indoor playground for extra fun.
The park can accommodate large groups and is suitable for parties, meetings, and conferences. It is perfect for adults and kids, as parents can relax and watch their children have fun on the playground.
Address: 2800 E 24th St, Joplin, MO 64804, United States
3. A Visit to Ewert Park
Ewert Park offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities for your kids to enjoy their time.
The park has a covered basketball court, swimming pool, pickleball stadiums, tennis court, swing park, and more. It also has a picnic area where snacks and other things are sold.
Not leaving out the barbeque stand for some grilled meat. Ewert Park is a whole delight.
Address: 846 Murphy Blvd, Joplin, MO 64801, United States
Also see: 27 Best & Fun Things To Do In St. Joseph (MO)
Indoor Activities To Do In Joplin (MO) For Adults
1. Timeout at Tilt Studio
Tilt Studio is one of the many places you don’t want to miss during your vacation.
It has 18 holes for a blacklight jungle safari, a mini-golf, a small bowling alley, and a two-story laser jungle tag. Several party rooms are also available for various events like birthday parties, private meetings, etc.
Tilt Studio also has a variety of video games; you could try your hands on that too.
Not leaving out the snack bar, in case you want to munch on something. A visit to the Tilt Studio will surely beat your expectations.
Address: 101 N Rangeline Rd, Joplin, MO 64801, United States
2. Bonnie and Clyde’s Joplin Garage Apartment Hideout
Bonnie and Clyde’s Joplin Garage Apartment Hideout is a landmark where an unidentified couple hid during a series of Missouri robberies.
Visiting this hideout is a trip down memory lane as this historic apartment will make you relive past times.
You can go on a guided tour where you will be shown many sections of the apartment and told the stories that follow. It is a bit strange at first glance, but your perspective will surely change after a proper tour.
Take the time to read the instructions at the entrance upon arrival.
Address: 299 W 34th St #201, Joplin, MO 64804, United States
3. Visit George A. Spiva Center for the Arts
The George A. Spiva Center for the Arts is an art gallery that offers regular art classes that promotes pieces by local artists.
They hold exhibitions and workshops displaying numerous works from local and international creatives. It is a great place to hang out in the city.
The art center also has an in-house cafeteria where you can get light food and snacks if you get hungry.
It is one of the best places to spend your day in the city, as it always has something new on display each time you come. You can join one of the classes; they are both for kids and adults as well.
Address: 212 W 7th St, Joplin, MO 64801, United States.
Also see: Best & Fun Things To Do In Jefferson City (MO)
Romantic Things To Do In Joplin (MO)
1. A Visit to Candy House Gourmet
Candy House Gourmet is a candy factory located downtown. It is the best spot to enjoy delicious candies in Joplin.
Candy House offers a great selection of desserts enough to satisfy your cravings, such as gourmet creams, fudges, chocolates, caramel, jellies, and chocolate truffles. They also offer desserts as well.
In the spring, they serve fresh strawberries dipped in chocolate, while in the fall, they serve a variety of sweets made with fresh apples.
You should visit them.
Address: 510 Kentucky Ave, Joplin, MO 64801, United States
2. Brunch at the Bruncheonette
Bruncheoneette is a popular place for brunch. They offer delicious American dishes as well as vegetarian and gluten-free foods. They are quite famous for these.
Bruncheoneette provides excellent quality service. You should try their taco, sweet benedict eggs, Hawaiian French toast, and Benny Harper sandwich. You’ll love it.
Don’t forget to visit this delight during your trip here.
Address: 424 N Main St Rd, Joplin, MO 64801, United States
3. A Trip to Christine’s Vineyard
Christine’s Vineyard is a fascinating place to visit. They have a wide selection of dry wines, With even more wines from a partner company called Saint James Winery.
Christine’s Vineyard is the perfect getaway for you and your partner. You could go on a guided tour of the vineyard and admire its lush vegetation.
Don’t forget to come along with your camera to take photos.
Address: 25695 Mulberry Rd, Webb City, MO 64870, United States
Free Things To Do In Joplin (MO)
1. Take a Walk Along George Washington Carver National Monument
The George Washington Carver National Monument is a park near the farm where George Washington Carver was born and raised. Carver was a world-renowned founder, scientist, chemist, teacher, botanist, and agronomist.
The park has a statue of George Washington Carver, a national monument that features nature trails, the discovery lab, and natural trails.
The in-house museum showcases the history and life of George Washington Carver through exhibitions and workshops. Tours are also allowed.
Address: 5646 Carver Rd, Diamond, MO 64840, United States
2. Visit McClelland Park
McClelland Park is a public park that sits on a hill, making it ideal for flying kites in the spring.
It offers activities like a disc golf course and a beautiful mountain trail.
Many green spaces, shades, and tables make it a perfect picnic area unique. It is quiet and serene if you need to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and relax.
McClelland Park has numerous conveniences as well.
Address: 4568 McClelland Park Rd, Joplin, MO 64804, United States
3. Cycle at Frisco Greenway Trail
The Frisco Greenway is a peaceful, quiet 3.5-kilometer track with a dense adjacent forest on both sides.
The gravel trail is well-maintained and perfect for cyclists and runners.
You can also try skateboarding, bird watching, and more. You should tag along a water can as there are no shops along the trail where you can get water should you get thirsty.
It is a great place to unwind and meet new people.
Address: Joplin Township, MO, USA
Cheap Things To Do In Joplin (MO)
1. Visit Spiva Center for the Arts
The Spiva Center for the Arts is an art center with a unique visual arts experience. It was named after a local art lover, lover, and businessman.
Art pieces here are fascinating as they tell an individual story.
It organizes exhibitions of local artists and art classes for both locals and tourists. These classes are designed to make participants knowledgeable about art.
The art center has a gift shop where guests can purchase artifacts as souvenirs.
Address: 212 W 7th St, Joplin, MO 64801, United States
2. See a Show at Joplin Little Theater
You can have an awesome night out and a good laugh at the Joplin Little Theater.
The actors were fantastic, and the atmosphere was intimate. Shows performed here are usually fantastic as the actors are professional, and the atmosphere is warm, coupled with the very comfortable chairs here.
There are lots of plays to choose from. You should come with a friend or partner to feel the moment.
Address: 3009 W 1st St, Joplin, MO 64801, United States
Also see: 27 Best & Fun Things To Do In Hannibal (MO)
3. Try a Massage at Spa 529
What could be better than having a relaxing massage with soothing music playing in the background? These and more are what Spa 529 offers.
The staff here are professionals, so you’re in safe hands.
The best thing is that their services are very affordable and pocket-friendly. You should pay them a visit while you’re here; your body will thank you for it.
Address: 529 S Main St, Joplin, MO 64801, United States
Cool Places To Visit In Joplin (MO)
1. Wildcat Glades Conservation and Audubon Center – National Audubon Society
The National Audubon Society maintains and protects the nature reserve within Wildcat Park. It is a delight to visit as you’ll enjoy every moment spent.
This beautiful flowery park offers a variety of wildlife and lush plants. The trail features wildflowers, river views, forests, and a waterfall.
You should come with a camera to capture beautiful moments like local wildlife going about their lives and more. Wildcat Glades Conservation will bring you much closer to nature than you’ve ever imagined, don’t miss a trip here.
Address: 201 Riviera Dr, Joplin, MO 64804, United States
2. Joplin History & Mineral Museum
The Joplin History & Mineral Museum is an educational museum focused on the city’s local history and houses a comprehensive collection of minerals.
At the museum, you will see the various stones and minerals that are part of the city’s mining history.
You should visit this fascinating museum during your time in Joplin, as it is a great way to explore the city,
Address: 504 S Schifferdecker Ave, Joplin, MO 64801, United States
3. Rangeline Antique Mall
Rangeline Antique Mall is a popular antique furniture shopping center that offers hundreds of antique pieces.
It is a huge complex with hundreds of antiques, from decorated collections to beautiful furniture. It is the dream of every consumer!
You should really take your time shopping, as you will see so many things, so don’t hurry to buy the first thing you like.
Address; 504 S Schifferdecker Ave, Joplin, MO 64801, United States
Conclusion
If you’re ever in search of a place never short of fun, Joplin is your best bet. The city has loads of activities to catch and hold your attention all year round.
Trying out any of the above activities in our checklist will be worthwhile. Don’t come alone, as there are lots of things to do in Joplin (MO) for everyone.
Happy vacation!
