Joplin offers a range of ways to spend your stay: Route 66 themes and local history, art, wildlife watching along Shoal Creek, and a farmers market with a regular weekly schedule. Visitors can choose from these distinct themes rather than treating them as a single sightseeing tour. Joplin’s connection to history and culture is especially apparent in its murals and museums; the nature offerings along Shoal Creek provide a different focus.
Route 66 and Murals
The Route 66 Mural Park pays tribute to the historic highway with three large tile mosaics. The map mosaic shows how Route 66 connects Joplin with the Great Lakes and the Pacific Ocean. Beside it stands a red replica of a 1963 Corvette; the park also makes a popular photo spot. Here, Route 66 is presented both as part of a larger route and as a subject of local art.
Another way to explore murals is the Downtown Joplin Mural Tour, which visits eight locations with public murals. The Downtown Gateway Mural features an oversized image of Spiva, surrounded by depictions of the 1920s and contemporary downtown culture. The Route 66 Tri-State Corridor includes Joplin and other former mining routes in Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma. In this way, the cultural theme extends beyond individual murals to include the region’s history.
Museums, Mining History and Art
The Joplin History & Mineral Museum is a complex made up of several small museums. At the Dorothea B. Hoover Historical Museum, local history topics include Route 66 and the adventures of Bonnie and Clyde in Joplin. The Everett J. Ritchie Tri-State Mineral Museum is also part of the complex. Its entrance is modeled on a mine shaft; exhibits include mineral specimens described as Smithsonian-quality and showcase the mining culture of the Kansas, Oklahoma and Missouri area.
The Murphysburg Historic District also offers architectural examples from Joplin’s history. Historic homes include Charles Schifferdecker’s imposing German “castle” and Albert Winchester’s light-colored Queen Anne-style house. Visitors interested in buildings can find a different way to engage with local history here than in museum exhibits: the homes themselves are the focus.
At the Spiva Center For The Arts, exhibitions featuring works by local, regional, national and international artists change throughout the year. PhotoSpiva is described as the oldest continuously running photography competition west of the Mississippi; artists from across the country take part. The Center also offers art classes in a variety of media. Exhibitions, the competition and classes each bring a different focus to the arts program.
Nature Along Shoal Creek
At the Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center, visitors can hike the trails, take part in nature programs and watch wildlife along Shoal Creek. The biologically diverse creek provides habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. Some of the world’s last remaining Chert Glades are located next to the Center. This unique habitat is found only in the area. For nature-minded travelers, both wildlife watching and this special habitat are key attractions.
Farmers Market and Water Activities
The Empire Market focuses on food and is held year-round every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Each week, 30 to 35 vendors sell goods they have made or grown themselves. Offerings include fruit and vegetables, meat, cheese, wine and beer, as well as crafts and freshly prepared gourmet dishes. The weekly market brings together produce and prepared foods with handmade goods. As market hours may change, it is a good idea to check the current schedule before visiting.
The Schifferdecker Aquatic Center has two pools: a 50-meter pool and a 26-meter pool with diving boards. It also features a lazy river, a climbing wall and water slides. Operations may be seasonal, so check the current hours before visiting. Compared with the cultural and nature attractions, this offers a distinct water-based focus for your stay.
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