Hotels in Joplin, MO

The ultimate destination for your southwestern vacation, Joplin, Missouri has all the museums, mystique, history, plus the raucous Route 66 to explore while touring town. Check out attractions like the Joplin Museum Complex that exhibits everything from mining to Bonnie and Clyde, or see the striking Shoal Creek and its Grand Falls, plus the nearby Wildcat Glades. Head southeast of town, and you’ll find the Carver Trail at the George Washington Carver National Monument that leads to the 1881 Moses Carver House—a worthy day trip just outside top Joplin hotels.

A short trip from the best Joplin hotels, Wildcat Glades Conservation and Audubon Center is one stop not to skip. Located where the Silver and Shoal Creeks meet, this Audubon was once a sanctioned environmental education and conservation facility that protected the last remaining chert glades, as well as other natural resources of the Spring River watershed. A trip here will allow you the opportunity to view the many plants and animals that are found on the chert glades and surrounding aquatic and woodland savanna habitats, plus a variety of plants and animals found in surrounding caves, prairie-savanna, riparian corridor, and woodlands. This protected area is biologically diverse and continues to be studied, documented, monitored, and conserved through education and outreach.

It wouldn’t be a trip to Joplin without a stop at the scenic Grand Falls, a stunning waterfall that cascades from a 163-foot-wide ledge. Spend a sunny afternoon here, and you’ll get to wade or swim in creek pools and even spend a few hours fishing. Bring tubes for a fun float down the river and get your steps in on a nice walk around the area. A great place to take kids or a significant other, the Grand Falls will not disappoint! Known for being the tallest continuous waterfall in Missouri, this amazing spot will provide instant relaxation and rejuvenation. Bring a camera and a good pair of hiking boots or flip-flops, and pack a picnic to enjoy on the rocks post-swim.

One spot worth visiting while exploring around town from Joplin hotels is the Joplin History and Mineral Museum, established in 1931. The museum brings the community as well as visitors together through fun educational programming and exhibitions for learners of all ages. Here, you can tour the many impressive gems, minerals, and other geological artifacts this facility displays and learn about the metamorphic processes as well as interesting local history.

Have a wonderful stay in Joplin, and don’t forget to check out our other hotels nearby in Independence, Chesterfield, and Sikeston.