Joplin: Route 66, Art and Nature

Joplin can be explored from several perspectives: historic Route 66, museums and murals tell stories of culture and history, while nature and wildlife take center stage at Shoal Creek. Empire Market adds food and crafts to the mix. When planning your stay, consider which of these sides of Joplin you’d like to make a focus.

Route 66, Murals and Art

The Route 66 Mural Park celebrates the historic highway with three large tile mosaics. One mosaic map shows how Route 66 connects Joplin with the Great Lakes and the Pacific Ocean. Beside a red replica of a 1963 Corvette, the park makes a great photo spot. The Downtown Joplin Mural Tour takes visitors to eight locations where public murals can be seen. Another highlight is the Downtown Gateway Mural: it features an oversized image of Spiva, surrounded by scenes from the 1920s and contemporary downtown culture.

The murals offer different perspectives: the Mural Park focuses on Route 66 and its far-reaching connections, while the Gateway Mural depicts Spiva and downtown culture. Those interested in photography and visual art can also find plenty to explore at the Spiva Center For The Arts. Exhibitions featuring works by local, regional, national and international artists rotate throughout the year. The center also hosts PhotoSpiva, a competition that draws artists from across the country and is described as the oldest continuously running photography competition west of the Mississippi. Art classes in a range of media round out the program.

Museums and Joplin’s History

The Joplin History & Mineral Museum is a complex of several small museums. The Dorothea B. Hoover Historical Museum features exhibits about Route 66 and the adventures of Bonnie and Clyde in Joplin. Another part of the complex is the Everett J. Ritchie Tri-State Mineral Museum. Its entrance is modeled on a mine shaft, and it displays mineral specimens described as being of Smithsonian quality. The museum also illustrates the mining culture of the Kansas, Oklahoma and Missouri area.

The Murphysburg Historic District also brings architectural history to life through its houses. Historic residences include Charles Schifferdecker’s compact German “castle” and Albert Winchester’s bright Queen Anne-style home. The Route 66 Tri-state Corridor places Joplin in a broader regional context, encompassing the city and other former mining routes in Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma. The cityscape thus brings individual homes and museums together with a heritage that extends beyond the city.

Nature at Shoal Creek and Water Attractions

At the Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center, visitors can hike trails, take part in nature programs and watch wildlife along Shoal Creek. Some of the world’s last remaining Chert Glades are located next to the center. This unique habitat is found only in this area. The biologically diverse Shoal Creek, which runs alongside the center, provides a habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. Trails, nature programs and wildlife viewing offer different ways to engage with the landscape.

The Schifferdecker Aquatic Center offers a different kind of water experience, with two aquatic areas, including a 50-meter pool and a 26-meter pool with diving boards. It also has a lazy river, a climbing wall and water slides. The facility may operate seasonally; check current hours before your visit. Nature experiences along the creek and the Aquatic Center’s amenities offer different options for planning your day.

The Market and Finding the Right Place to Stay

Empire Market is a public market focused on food. Each week, 30 to 35 vendors sell goods they make or grow themselves. The offerings include fruit and vegetables, meat, cheese, wine and beer, as well as crafts and freshly prepared gourmet dishes. The schedule retrieved on September 6, 2026, lists year-round Saturday hours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; check current hours before your visit.

When looking for a vacation rental in Joplin, let your interests guide your choice: would you like to focus on exhibitions and local history, explore murals, spend time at Shoal Creek or plan around a market day?

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