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Joplin is a city of about 51,000 people in the southwest corner of Missouri, close to the Kansas and Oklahoma borders. It boomed in the late 1800s as the center of the Tri-State Mining District, one of the world's great lead and zinc producers, and later became a stop on historic Route 66. In 2011 a powerful tornado struck the city, and Joplin's recovery is remembered at Cunningham Park.
The Joplin History and Mineral Museum displays sparkling local galena and other minerals alongside stories of the mining era, while a mural by Missouri artist Thomas Hart Benton depicts the boomtown years. Downtown Main Street has historic brick buildings, murals and the Route 66 Mural Park. Bonnie and Clyde briefly hid out in a garage apartment here in 1933.
Nature is close by at Wildcat Glades, with rare chert glades, and at Grand Falls on Shoal Creek. George Washington Carver National Monument near Diamond is a short drive southeast, and Route 66 continues west into Kansas.
A wide waterfall where Shoal Creek spills over a ledge of chert just south of Joplin, often called the largest continuously flowing waterfall in Missouri. It is a short walk from the parking area. The rocks are slippery and the current strong, so keep children close and avoid wading after rain.
A nature center in Wildcat Park with exhibits on the Ozark ecosystem and trails through rare chert glades, woods and along Shoal Creek. Look for wildflowers, lizards and birds. The center has limited hours, but the trails are open daily. Wear good shoes for the rocky paths.
The city's oldest park, rebuilt after the 2011 tornado with a memorial to the people who died, the Volunteer Tribute honoring helpers, a butterfly garden and walking paths. It is a quiet, moving place to learn about the storm and the recovery. Free and open daily.
A museum in Schifferdecker Park with one of the best collections of Tri-State District lead and zinc minerals, plus exhibits on Joplin's mining boom, Route 66 and local history, including Bonnie and Clyde. It is a solid one- to two-hour stop. Small admission fee; check hours.
Joplin at the Turn of the Century, a mural painted by Thomas Hart Benton in 1972 for the city, showing the mining boomtown with miners, saloons and streetcars. It is one of his last completed murals. It is displayed in a public building downtown; check current location and hours before going.
A nonprofit art center showing changing exhibitions of regional and national artists, and hosting the PhotoSpiva photography competition each year. It offers classes and events for all ages. Admission is generally free; check the schedule for openings and current exhibitions.
A small downtown park on Main Street with a large painted Route 66 shield mural, benches and signs about the Mother Road and its history in Joplin. It is a fun stop on a Route 66 road trip. Combine it with a walk to see other murals and historic buildings on Main Street.
The stone garage apartment where Bonnie Parker, Clyde Barrow and gang members hid in 1933 before a shootout with police, after which famous photos of the pair were found. It is a private property listed on the National Register. Respect the owners and view from the street unless tours are offered.
Joplin's downtown along Main Street, with blocks of brick and stone commercial buildings from the mining boom, colorful murals, local restaurants, bars and shops. It has been revitalized in recent years. Walk it in the evening, and visit the Empire Market farmers market on Saturdays.
A large city park on Joplin's west side with a golf course, pool, picnic areas, playground and the Joplin History and Mineral Museum. It is named for brewer Charles Schifferdecker, who donated the land. It is a good place for a family break after visiting the museum.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: AbeEzekowitz, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: AbeEzekowitz, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: AbeEzekowitz, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: AbeEzekowitz, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: AbeEzekowitz at English Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: AbeEzekowitz at English Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: JERRYE & ROY KLOTZ MD, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: AbeEzekowitz, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: AbeEzekowitz at English Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: AbeEzekowitz, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: AbeEzekowitz, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Kaethesson, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: AbeEzekowitz, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
