While you ponder over the best and fun things to do in Rolla on your next vacation, you should know that frequently planning visits to big cities is not a guarantee for a memorable vacation experience.
Sometimes, like in the case of Rolla, hidden little cities are the real gem for a fulfilling vacation experience.
Rolla, Missouri, is one of those rare little cities that offers many recreational activities to keep its guests entertained.
Rolla is a college town in Missouri; the city is known for its highly professional engineers. Outside of being a tech-inclined town, the city is truly one with lots of fun locations for guests to visit.
Tourists here engage in activities such as sightseeing, trying out Rolla’s restaurants, hiking along trails, and vintage shopping at antique malls.
If you’d love to spend your vacation in the beautiful town of Rolla, this article will guide you on the best things to do in Rolla, MO, and help you plan your itinerary list.
Located near St. Louis and Springfield, there are many fun things to do in Rolla, for indigenous people and visitors.
It is a lively town suitable for various weekend hangouts. People know this town for its massive engineering, thanks to the Missouri University of Science and Technology located right here.
The people are also a bunch of fun to be with. This puts Rolla on top of your list of good options to choose from for your next vacation.
Fun Things to Do in Rolla
1. St James Recreational Center
James Recreational Centre is the right place to check if you are a sports enthusiast and would love to be part of a team while in Rolla.
At the Recreational Center, there is always a ball to catch, a game to play, and something to get your blood flowing.
It could be baseball or soccer, and you can always register yourself to play with any team. However, there are different schedules followed in the summer and winter seasons.
Also, different sports are played in the respective seasons. Therefore, be sure to get all the necessary information at the help desk before registering for the sports, as the timing may change due to the seasons.
2. Ed Clark Museum of Missouri Geology
Another one of the best and fun things to do in Rolla is to visit the Ed Clark Museum. It is one great place to take your kids to learn about rocks.
The Ed Clark Museum is one of the appealing educational places for your ward if they are enthusiastic about rocks.
Visitors can have a look through the entire rock collection as they are available to the general public. This museum explains the Rolla geology quite well, and it is a very serene place to enjoy the sun’s rise and set.
Another lovely feature of this attraction is that it is free of charge for every visitor. It also has a highly maintained interior that you can relish.
3. The Fugitive Beach
Would you want an awesome day filled with laughs? Then stop at the Fugitive Beach! It is like the best water park in Missouri and is the best place to be if you want to have some good fun with water.
The water park used to be a quarry, but after strategic renovations were made, it has become an incredible water park.
There are plenty of height options you can jump into the water from. If you have a stomach for adventure, you can choose the 60ft high rock, but there are also lower cliffs for those not so strong at heart.
You may also simply choose to swim around, play volleyball, and have little water sports on the make-believe beach! Time spent here only costs a little and is an amazing way to enjoy your time in Rolla.
The Fugitive Beach is unarguably one of the many best things to do in Rolla.
Things to Do in Rolla at Night
1. See a Show at the Ozark Actors Theater
The Ozark Actors Theater started in 1988 but didn’t even have a stage back then.
It rebranded a church so it could be used as a stage without anything else. However, the theatre has evolved and is now one of the busiest theatres in Missouri.
They are the locals’ favorite, and you would see them flocking around the theatre for a movie night, and after several renovations, it even became a popular tourist spot, where guests from the theatre soak up the vintage atmosphere.
The Ozark Actors Theater hosts many shows and events throughout the year and is rated one of the breathtaking things to do in Rolla.
So no matter when you visit, you’re guaranteed a treat!
2. Enjoy a night at Red, Hot & Blue
Located right at the center of Rolla, Red, Hot & Blue has you covered in exciting southern BBQ. In addition to the best quality meat, they also offer fantastic food combinations.
Many of the ribs on their menu have even won recognition and awards! Alluring music is playing in the background, combined with the delicious food, to give a different atmosphere.
In truth, no matter when you visit, you’ll hear the blues playing in the restaurant. You would also like the beauty of their walls. They are well decorated with prizes, newspaper clippings, and memorabilia!
3. Go Kayaking!
Rolla has a lot of kayaking activities to partake in. Asides from kayaking, you can decide to go rafting in any of the high current rivers that pass through Rolla, Missouri.
It would be super fun to go down the old rivers running through the various parts of the town. Simply relax, and breathe in the views of the quiet river and the surrounding terrains. The air passes fresh with the smell of locals in it.
Furthermore, kayaking in Rolla is one way of freeing yourself of the anxiety and worries that come with city life.
There is zero phone network and WiFi, which lets you relax your body and soul and get entangled with nature for at least a day.
There are also lots of options for museums, roller-skating, and hiking – you can pick anything you want to do.
So, go ahead, plan a weekend trip, and enjoy the best deal of your life!
Things to Do in Rolla for Couples
1. Explore Downtown Rolla
Downtown Rolla is a beautiful and cozy place to hang out with friends when you’re done with all the activities in Rolla.
It is the epicenter of all recreational activities in Rolla, boasting many businesses thanks to the shops and stores right here.
You will discover cafes and shops where you can buy things until you are tired. Downtown Rolla also has plenty of tourist attractions. The Rolla, MO, Theater and the Phelps County Courthouse are two such attractions that have been around for hundreds of years.
Relax, sit in a coffee shop, take your kids’ shopping and enjoy a great evening here in Downtown Rolla!
2. Learn History at the Vacuum Museum
Another exciting thing to do here is a stop at the Vacuum Museum. It’s a pretty odd museum that most people find amusing.
Have you ever hoped to know more about vacuum cleaners? Do you ever imagine how they came to be? Or who was the first to imagine a vacuum cleaner? This is the place!
This museum is run by a dedicated person who loves and has a great passion for vacuum cleaners. The museum is full of rooms full of vacuum cleaners.
You would be taken on a tour that tells you about the first vacuum, how it came to be, and its first models!
Anyone who makes a trip to Rolla will love to visit this museum at least once.
Do not miss it!
Things to Do in Rolla For Kids
1. Relive Your Childhood at Joe’s Family Fun Center
One of the most tourist-visited tourist attractions in Rolla and among the best things to do in Rolla, is Joe’s Family Fun Centre.
It is a place everyone loves and children would be interested in. You can survey Rolla’s people to find their favorite place to hang out, and you’re sure to get answers from Joe’s Family Fun Centre.
This center has everything you need inside. The place has everything that depicts fun, with escape rooms and trampoline parks.
You can play laser tag here, and if you want something a little more fun, you can go for a ride on their go-karts.
Children love to come here. Regardless of your age, there is something to do. Joe’s Family Fun Center is open to the public daily.
2. The Zone
If you want to learn to roller skate or are a professional skater, the Zone offers you the opportunity to try roller skating.
Children love this place so much because they see it as their dreamland.
There is ice skating, a maze, a climbing frame, and laser tag. If you also have special occasions like birthday parties or events, you can host them here.
A guest of this place says that the laser maze is pretty great for a rainy day.
Another thing to note is the spacious arcade area full of arcade games for you to try! So go enjoy the day with your family!
3. Visit the Mark Twain National Forest
One of the largest national parks in the United States is the Mark Twain National Forest. Spanning a massive 750 miles, this forest is a must-see attraction in Rolla.
You can do many activities, from cycling to hiking to trekking or even walking. The Mark Twain National Forest has plenty of trails for you to enjoy.
Recreational activities are huge, so you can do whatever you want with family or friends. And if you want to camp, there are various campsites available for you.
One point to note here, there are several black bears in Missouri. You might not have known, and you might even spot some during your stay in the Mark Twain National Forest.
Indoor Activities to Do in Rolla For Adults
1. Play the Coachlite Lanes
How about a bowling night with your peeps? Does it bother you? Coachlite Lanes in Rolla has you covered!
It’s one of the best bowling spots in Rolla and the entire United States, making our list of the best things to do in Rolla.
People prefer this place because there are a total of 16 lanes and actually scoring is easy here.
Apart from these features, the place is pleasant, clean, and well maintained. It has a lively atmosphere that will make you want to stay longer than you expected.
It doesn’t matter whether you are an amateur or an experienced bowler; there are lanes for both categories.
So, even if you’ve never tried bowling before, you can try your hand here at Coachlite Lanes.
2. Shop at the Rolla Antique Mall
Are you interested in eco-friendly shopping? Are you a person who likes to go through several things before finally choosing one?
Want endless options before you buy? If any of these questions match your personality, then Rolla Antique Mall may be the place for you!
You will see lots of vendors gathered with countless items on display. It has two floors full of vendors ready with their wares.
The best thing about this mall is that everything is cheap and won’t blow your budget. Right here, you can lay your hands on many antique pieces at great deals.
It can be referred to as a flea market in a mall. Before you buy anything, try to negotiate well with the sellers!
3. Rolla Lions Club Day and Park
The Rolla Lions Club Den and Park is a popular city park with its many amenities and facilities. The park hosts several interesting community festivals and events throughout the year.
Rolla Lions Club Den and Park is one of the many great attractions and wonderful things to do in Rolla. It has many playgrounds for your children to enjoy, sports fields and rentable pavilions with barbecue.
The site is picturesquely landscaped and features a sparkling lake with an ADA-accessible dock, towering trees, and spacious green fields.
Create unforgettable memories with your loved ones at the Rolla Lions Club Den and Park.
You can also enjoy a wonderful picnic, mountain biking, fishing at its sparkling lake, etc.
You can develop and improve your team-building skills while enjoying sports such as soccer, baseball, softball, basketball, volleyball, and disc golf.
Romantic Things to Do in Rolla
1. Visit Stonehenge
Have you seen the real Stonehenge? If not, you might get lucky and see a replica of the real thing!
A well-structured working replica of the original Stonehenge is located on the Rolla campus. And if you’re into rocks, you might be interested!
If you want more detailed information, there are plaques on the site containing all the documents and relevant information.
Feel free to take some photos of this replica and post them on your social handles. However, please note that the replica is not exact.
There are some places where it looks like a facsimile; after all, it is synthetic!
2. Public House Brewing Company
Next on our list of fun things to do in Rolla is Public House Brewing Company – a trendy and exclusive brewery that offers some of Rolla’s wonderful craft beers.
If you’re looking for local favorite things to do in Rolla on a night out with your partner, consider spending time at Public House Brewing Company.
This place features a warm and fresh atmosphere where you can enjoy delicious food, an exquisite beer selection, and alone spaces that can accommodate about 35 people.
So, after a fun day full of sightseeing, exploring, and other engaging activities, end your day with a delicious meal and a pint of revitalizing beer in this beer garden.
You can get delicious dishes such as pizza made with fresh ingredients, sandwiches, salads, and panini.
3. Leach Theatre
The Leach Theater is located inside Castleman Hall on the campus of Missouri University of Science and Technology.
Since its opening in 1991, the theatre has provided world-class entertainment to the South Central Missouri area.
The Leach Theater hosts an average of 100 events each academic year. Various musical performances took place here, including the Symphony Orchestra of St. Louis.
Others include American Idol winner Phillip Phillip’s, energetic movement and dance troupes such as Shangri-La Chinese Acrobats, Russian National Ballet, and many more.
Depending on the schedule, outside organizations can also rent the Leach Theater.
It is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. but is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Free Things to Do in Rolla
1. Visit the Rolla Public Library
The Rolla Public Library affects the quality of life in Rolla by offering lifelong learning resources and services.
This is recognized by the available space and opportunity created to connect with the community and encourage a love of reading.
The Rolla Public Library has a catalog that boasts over 50,000 books, newspapers, magazines, CDs, music cassettes, books on cassette or CD, videos, and DVDs!
They offer several online databases that collect information about consumer products using legal forms, school research, genealogy tools, magazines, newspaper articles, and more.
This library is loved by all who visit it, especially those who love to learn new things. It is open mostly from 9 am to 8 pm, but on Sundays, it is from 1:30 pm to 5 pm.
2. Take Juan Park
Located in east and central Rolla, Ber Juan Park is the centerpiece of Rolla’s Parks in Rolla.
It is bordered by Burgher Branch to the east, Holloway, and Farrar to the west, 14th and 18th Streets to the north, and 10th Street (Highway BB) to the south.
Ber Juan Park occupies about 85 acres of open grassland, world-class recreational facilities, and hiking trails.
Key areas of interest in the park include Rolla’s Health and Recreation Complex, the Centre, tennis courts, and SplashZone.
Others include a playground and picnic area east of the SplashZone; the Juan Sportsplex, a multi-purpose baseball and softball complex.
The Rolla High School team uses Bayless Field, part of the Sportsplex, for its home games.
In addition, a walking and exercise trail covers most of the park, with outdoor fitness equipment located along the trail and dedicated exercise guides offering you a platform to measure and improve your fitness level.
3. Check Out the Mule Trading Post
Another fun and exciting thing to do in Rolla is to check out the Mike Trading Post.
The Mule Trading Post was opened in the Pacific in 1946 by Frank Ebling.
However, it was bypassed by Interstate 44 in 1957, prompting Ebling to build the building as his new trading post on four-lane Route 66.
Since then, it has gone through several owners. A popular local attraction since the 1950s, it offers its customers an exciting, comfortable, and brand-new showroom with modern items.
The Mule Trading Post is open Thursday through Saturday, so stop by in town.
Cheap Things to Do in Rolla
1. Fall Creek Rock Shop
Fall Creek Rock Shop is a family-owned and operated business led by Laurence (Larry) and Helen Nuelle and co-owned by son Justin and daughter Sarah.
Larry is a consulting geologist specializing in mineral exploration, while Helen retired from teaching special education and is now a consultant in the field.
Since elementary school, Larry has been a hunter and still maintains an active collection of mineral and fossil specimens.
Fall Creek Rock Shop is a specialty and gift shop with various rock items ranging from very low priced to expensive.
They also have super helpful staff ready to attend to you. They open for business every week, so check out Rock Shop Fall Creek because it’s one of the best things to do in Rolla.
2. Hands On Art Studio & Gallery
The Hands-On Art Studio & Gallery is an exceptional space that offers a variety of art activities for all ages, from preschool to adults.
Their goal is to create an inspired workspace and bring new energy and vibrancy for the arts to the community.
It also serves as a gallery, studio, and workspace for Visherryl Morgan of Visherryl’s Virtual Visions, a local artist.
He intends to work on his traditional works and larger installations in this space.
They are open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between the hours of 10:00 a.m and 7:00 p.m
Cool Places to Visit in Rolla
1. Visit the Little Prairie Conservation Area
Little Prairie Conservation Area is one of the beautiful places in Rolla, MO.
Spread across 40 acres, this area features a sparkling lake and woodlands. This area is just the right place to relax and enjoy the amazing sights.
There is no entrance fee for guests, so if you need a place that won’t break the bank, then it’s a good idea to add the Prairie Conservation Area to your list of things to do in Rolla, MO.
You sit outside and enjoy the beautiful scenery the center offers, such as fishing and boating, and you can also go hiking on their beautiful trail.
2. Go Rafting on Rolla’s Rivers
Rolla has many rivers; therefore, it is an ideal destination for water sports enthusiasts and kayakers.
Kayaking has many health benefits, so securing a place to go kayaking is something every traveler should make a priority.
Tourists here can opt for kayaking or rafting on any of the many rivers in the city.
If you desire to get out and enjoy some beautiful scenery, you’ll love spending time here.
Conclusion
Rolla could seem like a small town, yet, this little town holds all the wonders you always wished for in your dream vacation.
While you are getting set to take your vacation to Rolla, Missouri, we hope this list of things to do in Rolla makes your Rolla experience even better.
