John Cox from Tennessee founded Joplin in about 1840 and named it Joplin after Pastor Harris Joplin, who ministered to the first Methodist church in the area. The discovery of lead ore in 1848 caused this city to become very prosperous. The Tri-State Mineral Museum and the Dorothea B. Hoover Historical Museum are excellent places to learn more.
Grab a picnic and head to the Grand Falls, where there is also a swimming pool. You will want to explore Route 66 Mural Park. This park pays tribute to the city's history through large murals.
During and after your explorations, you will find terrific places to eat in Joplin. Historic Route 66 runs through the downtown area, and you will discover excellent restaurants along it. Red Onion Café is a great place to start your day. Then, consider ending it at Club 604. Do not miss MEs Place Soul Food Kitchen if you love soul food.
Earth and Arbor Day Festival – This festival at Joplin's Wildcat Park in April features free tree giveaways, a scavenger hunt, music, and food.
Joplin Arts Fest – See local artists' art and hear musicians perform during this mid-September festival at Joplin Empire Market.
Scott Joplin International Ragtime Festival – Head to Sedalia to listen to ragtime music during this four-day festival on Memorial Day weekend.
Joplin is about 285 miles southwest of Gateway Arch National Park. Ride the elevator to the top of the arch at this park, which opened in 1965. Do not worry if you feel it swing a little because architect Eero Saarinen designed it to withstand winds up to 150 miles per hour; however, it may sway as much as 18 inches at that point. When you are back on the ground, explore the historical museum at its base and the exhibits in the Old Courthouse.
When you need to pamper yourself, head to Hot Springs National Park. Unwind with a drink at the only distillery in a U.S. national park. Then, head to get a spa treatment before soaking in the bathtubs. All these activities are along Bathhouse Row, so walking from one to another is easy. You will also love visiting the art museum and talking with the park rangers at the visitors' center.
While it is about 510 miles away, the third closest national park to Joplin is Mammoth Cave National Park. This cave is the longest known cave system in the world. Tours are wheelchair-accessible and lit only by lanterns. Before or after your tour, leave time for a hike to view this park's historic buildings or set off on a bike ride along the Green and Nolin Rivers. The rivers are also fantastic places for paddling or fishing adventures.
Honey Creek Area at Grand Lake State Park This is a terrific place to go fishing for bass, catfish, bluegill, spoonbill, and crappie. There are many picnic tables under tall shade trees. There are over 60 miles of hiking trails. You will love the spacious campground.
Try to plan your trip to Natural Falls State Park shortly after a rainy period so that the 77-foot-tall waterfall will be flowing. "Where the Red Fern Grows" was filmed at this location. Volleyball, basketball, and horseshoes are available, so bring the sports equipment and plan to spend a night or two in the campground.
The 3,000-acre lake at Withrow Springs State Park is a great place to go for a floating adventure from mid-March through mid-June on War Eagle Creek. The creek is also an ideal place to go fishing. There are 39 campsites at this state park.
Head to Cunningham Park to see A Tribute to Volunteers: The Miracle of Human Spirit. Workers constructed it after the devastating tornado on May 22, 2011. The statue consists of four circles representing rescue, recovery, demolition, and rebirth. The stones in the middle circle represent the stories of individual lives being put back together. Just south of the memorial is a fountain, which pays tribute to the 161 lives claimed by the storm. Surrounding the entire area is 161 trees.
There are many choices in Joplin campgrounds. Located near Interstate 44, Joplin KOA Journey lies under mature oak trees. This campground offers bike rentals, including four-wheel bikes. Children love feeding fish and turtles.
Camp Mi Casa on the Route RV Park sits along Historic Route 66. Each site at this campground in Carthage, Missouri, comes with full hookups. You are sure to love the old-school charm of this campground.
Coachlight RV Park in Pittsburgh, Missouri, has a place to get your RVs repaired. Many of the sites at this quiet campground are near patio areas.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Joplin, MO, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Joplin?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Joplin from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Joplin?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
