Joplin, Missouri: Art, Culture and the Great Outdoors

At the Joplin History & Mineral Museum, you can learn how Joplin became one of Missouri’s largest metropolitan areas. Much of Joplin’s growth came from mining (zinc and lead, mostly), and at the Everett J. Ritchie Tri-State Mineral Collection located inside the complex, you’ll get a sense of how mining is intrinsically tied to the city. You’ll also find an unparalleled mineral collection of lead and zinc. Outside the building, take a photo with the old tools used by early miners.

With its loyal customers and excellent reviews, the award-winning Candy House Gourmet really speaks for itself! If you’re not familiar with its delicious English toffees or sea-salt caramels, then it’s time to become acquainted. As I toured the factory, each room provided me with a new mouth-watering smell: from the smooth aroma of peanut brittle cooling, to the sweet scent of strawberry-filled truffles. You can watch the candy-making process from the showroom’s massive windows.

When you walk inside Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center, the first thing you’ll see is a 4,921-liter aquarium with turtles and fish, including largemouth bass, sunfish and catfish.

After visiting the center, I explored the beautiful trails on the grounds where visitors can hike, bicycle and picnic. I watched from the overlook as a heron flew over Silver Creek Pond. From this vantage point, I observed Southwest Missouri’s unique chert glades, where the rare, hard rock cuts through thin soil and develops its own ecosystem.

During my time in Joplin, I enjoyed art and culture, local history and unique nature. Nevertheless, I only experienced a fraction of the town’s many attractions. If you’re driving along Missouri’s Route 66 and are searching for a crossroads of culture, look no further than Joplin.