Joplin Travel Guide

Joplin, in both Newton and Jasper County, is a bustling city full of potential. Hosting more than 200 restaurants, a number of shopping centers, unique museums and historical sites, and bang-for-your-buck entertainment opportunities, Joplin is every traveler’s home away from home.

Things to Do in Joplin

A trip to Joplin means a trip to a city with endless public parks and an abundance of green space for family fun and relaxing, a few of the best parks being Cunningham Park with its basketball courts and butterfly garden, McClelland Park with its challenging disc golf course, and Schifferdecker Park with its skate ramp, aquatic facility, and sports courts. For photographers, a quick visit to Grand Falls a no-brainer, while those who enjoy swimming might also enjoy the falls, as it offers a scenic swimming location at its base. Guests with a love of golf can practice their winning swings at the Schifferdecker Golf Course and campers can spend their weekend outside when they set up a tent, go fishing, or have a family picnic at Oscie Ora Acres Lake which is only a few short miles away. For a taste of Joplin’s exciting history, guests can make a day of finding the Bonnie and Clyde Joplin Garage Apartment Hideout, where the infamous duo took shelter in 1933. They could also take an in-depth tour of the Joplin Museum Complex.

Best Time to Visit Joplin

The best time to take a trip to Joplin, MO is April to June according to a variety of sources. During this period, the weather is mild and pleasant and accommodations go for an affordable rate.

Best Events in Joplin

Of all of Joplin’s beloved events, the most popular include Dickensfest, the Joplin Christmas Parade, and Joplin Arts Fest. The Joplin Arts Fest is one of the largest art festivals in southwest Missouri, offering live performances, artist booths, art education, and a series of family-friendly art activities.

Things to Do for Families in Joplin

Divided by a variety of nature trails and scenic landscapes, the Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center is a great place for a family hiking trip with a generous sprinkling of photo ops. At Spiva Center for The Arts, families can spend a few hours getting their creativity flowing by taking an art class, while at Northpark Mall, they can spend their time browsing Charlotte Russe, Buckle, Aeropostale, and a variety of other popular stores, or catch a feature film at the on-site movie theater, Hollywood Northstar 14. Families looking to get active can visit Lazer Force of Joplin, where they can play arcade games, chow down on tasty snacks, and of course- play laser tag.