Joplin, MO

Travel Guide

Joplin
Joplin which includes a city
Joplin showing outdoor art
Joplin showing a city
Joplin which includes a city

At the heart of the Four State Area, this city on the iconic and famous Route 66 offers chic cafés, public art displays and a glimpse of the Ozarks. 

Joplin is an energetic city that thrives on the creativeness of its artists, chefs and designers while also paying homage to celebrated residents. Poet Langston Hughes grew up in Joplin, bandits Bonnie and Clyde chose it as a hideout and botanist George Washington Carver was born in the outskirts. Discover influences from the states of Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma.

Downtown Joplin straddling Route 66 is often called the Sunshine Lamp District, after the lamps that 19th-century miners wore on their helmets. Here cafés, galleries and restaurants have set up in revitalized redbrick buildings. Stroll along the wide pavements, shop in eclectic boutiques and satisfy your hunger on fare such as spicy chicken wings and wood-fired pizza.

Visit Joplin City Hall to see Thomas Hart Benton’s mural Joplin at the Turn of the Century. It portrays the various social groups that frequented Main Street in the late 1800s. Check out the Cruisin’ Into Joplin and The American Ribbon tile murals at Route 66 Mural Park. The free First Thursday ArtWalk offers a fascinating insight into these and other murals decorating Downtown Joplin.

West of downtown is Schifferdecker Park, home to the Joplin Museum Complex. The complex’s two museums, the Dorothea B. Hoover Historical Museum and Tri-State Mineral Museum, have exhibits about the city’s mining history. Snap a photo outside the Bonnie and Clyde Garage Hideout, where the outlaws hid in 1933. Admire varied architectural styles in the Murphysburg district.

The city’s surrounding countryside gives a snapshot of the natural treasures of the Ozark region. Swim in waterholes at Grand Falls. Follow interpretive walking trails around Wildcat Glades Conservation and Audubon Center. Hike amid a beautiful forest at George Washington Carver National Monument.

Fly to Joplin Regional Airport, located 6 miles (10 kilometers) north of the city center. Rent a car while in Joplin and extend your vacation by traveling farther along Route 66.

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Joplin
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Joplin
3 out of 5
3320 S Range Line Rd, Joplin, MO
$110 nightly
The price is $125 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$125 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Joplin. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,250 reviews)
"All great"

Reviewed on Jul 13, 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Joplin
Best Western The Oasis at Joplin
Best Western The Oasis at Joplin
2.5 out of 5
3508 S Rangeline Road, Joplin, MO
$99 nightly
The price is $112 total per night from Jul 21 to Jul 22
$112 total
Jul 21 - Jul 22
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Joplin. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,015 reviews)
"Friendly staff and nice and clean room!"

Reviewed on Jul 14, 2025

Best Western The Oasis at Joplin
Quality Inn Joplin I-44
Quality Inn Joplin I-44
2.5 out of 5
3325 Arizona Ave, Joplin, MO
$83 nightly
The price is $94 total per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
$94 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Joplin. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (979 reviews)
Exceeded our expectations
"Desk agent was very friendly, had read our special request, and was prepared with a choice of rooms. This is rare, and very appreciated. Room was large, clean, and comfortable. Would have preferred queen rather than double beds, but we were fine. Breakfast was excellent and well serviced."

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

Quality Inn Joplin I-44
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Unique Joplin Gem: Converted Train Car Studio
Unique Joplin Gem: Converted Train Car Studio
Joplin
Stay at this apartment in Joplin. Enjoy cable/satellite TV service, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Apple Park and Bartley ...
10/10 Exceptional! (25 reviews)
"Great place and super clean!"

Reviewed on Jun 11, 2025

Unique Joplin Gem: Converted Train Car Studio
The Hummingbird: Lux 1Bed 1Bath Hideaway Sleeps 4
The Hummingbird: Lux 1Bed 1Bath Hideaway Sleeps 4
Joplin
Stay at this vacation home in Joplin. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Cunningham Park and Candy House Chocolate Factory are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (12 reviews)
Movie Time
"Just a quick stop during a girls' week because we wanted some movie time, and this cute little place was exactly what we needed. We were a little slow on the uptake with the theater equipment set up (and couldn't locate any instructions), but the host was very responsive and got us up and running, ..."

Reviewed on May 30, 2025

The Hummingbird: Lux 1Bed 1Bath Hideaway Sleeps 4
Ivy Jungalow | Bright, Clean, & near Downtown
Ivy Jungalow | Bright, Clean, & near Downtown
Joplin
Stay at this vacation home in Joplin. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions George A. Spiva Center for the Arts and Candy House ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (55 reviews)
Beautifully renovated older home
"We loved the style of the place. It was very well renovated and designed. Everything in the place matched the asthetic. They maintained the old characteristics of the home while making it stylish and updated as well. Interesting older neighborhood. Very clean. Very simple check in and check out. ..."

Reviewed on May 21, 2025

Ivy Jungalow | Bright, Clean, & near Downtown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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