Joplin, Missouri

The city of Joplin is situated in southwest Missouri, near the Kansas and Oklahoma borders, 70 miles (113 kilometers) west of Springfield and 109 miles (175 kilometers) northeast of Tulsa. Located in Jasper County, Joplin is the fourth largest metropolitan area in the state, and home to 45,504 residents.

Joplin offers diverse attractions for people of all ages and interests. The Joplin Museum Complex includes two excellent educational museums. The first is the Everett J. Ritchie Tri-State Mineral Museum. Founded in 1931, the displays in this museum include an unique collection of lead and zinc ore, mining tools, maps, and models, all housed in a reproduction of a mining shaft. The second museum is the Dorothea B. Hoover Historical Museum, which traces the history of Joplin from its beginnings as a mining town to the present day. There are also exhibits about interesting chapters and places in local history, such as Historic Route 66, Bonnie and Clyde's exploits in the city, and the National Cookie Cutter Historical Museum.

Other local attractions include the Precious Moments Park and Chapel, which showcases the beautiful murals of Sam Butcher and attracts 400,000 visitors a year. The George Washington Carver Monument pays tribute to a renowned scientist, educator, and of supporter of interracial harmony. Facilities include a museum, a Discovery Lab where visitors have the chance to conduct their own experiments, and a nature trail that winds past Dr. Carver's birthplace, home, and family cemetery.

A famous local sight is the Spook Light. Seen on a country road called the Devil's Promenade, this moving ball of light has been appearing since 1886. Many explanations have been suggested for the mysterious phenomenon, ranging from ghost stories to scientific hypotheses, but the true cause of the illumination remains unknown.

Only 60 acres (24 hectares) of chert glade habitat exists in the world, and 25 acres (10 hectares) is found at the Wildcat Glades Conservation and Audobon Center. In addition to being a remarkable wildlife viewing area, the center also features a terranium of collared lizards and other reptiles, a gigantic aquarium, and many educational programs. Located just a few minutes away from the park is the 25-foot (eight-meter) high Grand Falls, the largest continuously flowing natural waterfall in the state.

For a day of family entertainment, head to the Route 66 Carousel Park for fun and games, or the Reptile World Zoo to see an amazing assortment of creatures. A popular teen hangout is The Bridge, a brand new recreation and entertainment center that features a climbing gym, cage basketball, and an internet café.

Looking for some local arts and culture? The Spiva Center for the Arts makes art available to everyone through its exhibits and classes, and is also home to PhotoSpiva, the oldest continuous photographic competition in the US. Another must-see artwork is the Thomas Hart Benton Mural. Entitled "Joplin at the Turn of the Century, 1896–1906," this stunning work depicts the city's mining past, and is on permanent display at Joplin City Hall. In the evening, catch one of the Christian plays produced by Stained Glass Theatre, or the newest show from the Joplin Little Theatre, the oldest continuously operated community theater west of the Mississippi.

Offering diverse attractions for every taste and season, Joplin is a fantastic place to live or visit!

See our 16 Jobs in Joplin, Missouri