Historical & Educational Attractions
Discover more of the Joplin area's rich history!
Joplin:
Joplin History & Mineral Museum
A great companion visit to the JHNM to take a deep dive into Joplin history.
Murphysburg Historic District
JHNM makes its home in this district. Follow their walking tour to learn more about the homes and families who lived here. Pick up a brochure in our Welcome Center.
Joplin Convention & Visitors Bureau
Visit this historic building on S. Main and 6th Street and check out the Thomas Hart Benton mural and lobby exhibit. While there, you can find out everything there is to do in the area.
George A. Spiva Center for the Arts
The Ozarks Artists’ Guild, later re-named Spiva Arts Center, was once housed at the Zelleken home at our site. The center is now located at the Cornell Complex and offers art exhibitions, art classes, and more.
Freedom of Flight Museum
Located at the Joplin Airport, this is a great exhibit of aviation history.
Schroeder Family Exploreum
A new museum located a few blocks from JHNM offering STEAM-based interactive exhibitions to spark curiosity, exploration, and imagination.
Route 66 Mural Park
Route 66 Mural Park pays homage to the nostalgic era of the mid-20th century with three large tile murals.
Shoal Creek Conversation Education Center
Your local connection to Missouri’s fish, forests and wildlife, stop by this Center to check out the native plant landscaping, exhibits, or to hike the trails.
Bonnie & Clyde Garage Apartment
In 1933, infamous outlaws Bonnie and Clyde spent 13 days resting and recovering in Joplin from their crime spree. They rented this quaint garage apartment on the city’s south side.
Grand Falls
Known as the largest continuously flowing natural waterfall in Missouri, Grand Falls is a must-stop photo op for visitors.
More outstanding historic homes to visit within a day's drive from Jopin:
Vaile Mansion
Independence, Missouri
Bingham Waggoner Estate
Independence, Missouri
Campbell House Museum
St. Louis, Missouri
Henry & Anna Overholser Mansion
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Frank Phillips Home
Bartlesville, Oklahoma
The Brown Mansion
Coffeyville, Kansas
Joplin Area & SW Missouri:
George Washington Carver National Monument, Diamond
The young child known as the “Plant Doctor” tended his secret garden while observing the day-to-day operations of a 19th century farm. Nature and nurture ultimately influenced George on his quest for education to becoming a renowned agricultural scientist, educator, and humanitarian.
CARTHAGE:
Battle of Carthage State Historic Site, Carthage
The Battle of Carthage was the earliest full-scale battle of the Civil War, preceding Bull Run by 11 days. Battle of Carthage State Historic Site contains a quiet meadow and the spring that made the area an encampment for both the Union and Confederate troops during the battle.
Civil War Museum in Carthage
Teeming with artifacts, a diorama, and more the Battle of Carthage Civil War Museum is a must see for everyone.
Jasper County Courthouse, Carthage
Inside this Romanesque Revival late 19th-century building, you’ll find, among other items: a wrought-iron cage elevator still operates; a display representing the history of Route 66; an array of military artifacts and mining specimens; and “Forged in Fire,” a mural by Lowell Davis, that portrays the history of Jasper County.
Red Oak II, Carthage
A Town from Yesterday: Just a couple miles northeast of Carthage, and just off of Route 66 you will discover Red Oak II! Created by artist, Lowell Davis, this town looks like a ghost town from years past, but it is actually the complete opposite.
Carthage Historic Homes Driving Tour
Carthage has four historic districts listed on the National Register of Historic Places. One of those is the large residential district south of the Courthouse Square, which grew as bankers, mine owners, lawyers, doctors, and merchants flocked to the City of Carthage. These homes are on display to view as you take the Historic Homes Driving Tour.
WEBB CITY:
Webb City Victorian homes
Check out some of the grand homes of the Victorian era located in neighboring Webb City.
Webb City Historical Society and Genealogy, Webb City
MSSU houses an historical and genealogical collections.
SOUTHWEST MISSOURI:
Granby Miners Museum, Granby
The Miners Museum building was originally a mercantile store; it is the oldest standing building on Main Street. The museum documents and preserves the history of one of the oldest mining towns in southwest Missouri.
Newton County Historical Museum, Neosho
The park features an authentic 1840’s log cabin, a restored 1870’s rural schoolhouse, and our 1890’s Newton County Sheriff’s home – which also served as the sheriff’s office and the county jail.
Newtonia Battle Field, Newtonia
Two major Civil War battles were fought at Newtonia: one on September 30, 1862, and the other on October 28, 1864. The site includes 20 acres of the battlefield and the Ritchey Mansion, which served as headquarters for both Union and Confederate troops at different points.
Jolly Mill Park, Pierce City
Because of its rich history and importance to the culture of Southwest Missouri, Jolly Mill is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Jolly Mill Park is a private historical park open to the public for recreation.