The view was beautiful and it was very peaceful and serene. I enjoyed it. So did my family.read more

This is a great state park. It even has a little beach for the lake a wonderful place to take the…read morekids really wonderful kind of middle spot between Grove the north side of the lake, and Disney the south side of the lake a well kept park very clean.

I lived in Kansas City for several years, and this was my favorite weekend trip. It's a great…read moreplace to appreciate the beauty of the dwindling natural prairie, and the roaming buffalo are a treat this far east. It's not a huge park, you could hike the entire thing in one day. The "campground" is a tiny two sites & vault toilet, but this often means you have the place to yourself. If you don't want to rough it and/or prefer to sample some great fried chicken, Pittsburg, KS, is a short drive away.

Off the beaten path definitely describes this State Park located not far from the Kansas border. I…read morestumbled across Prairie State Park while storm chasing and loved the solitude it provided. There is nothing quite like standing in the middle of a tall grass prairie with supercell thunderstorms all around you and you can see the gusts of wind move the grass in giant waves. While many of you will not visit in the middle of a storm chase, it's definitely a beautiful place. The small but info packed visitors center has limited days of operation, check the website before heading out there if you want to go inside it. And yes they have a herd of buffalo that sometimes you can see. Sometimes it seems the prairie swallows them up. But if you get to see them it just seems like an ideal setting for the experience. They have trails that are worth a walk. Bring your own water, don't assume you will find any at the visitors center. Naturally, 4 Stars.

This was a nice break with a playground (three stories!) and walking paths as we explored Joplin…read more Cunningham Park was originally known as Cunningham Grove and was donated to the city by Thomas W. Cunningham, who was the mayor of Joplin at the time. Cunningham was a significant figure in Joplin's development, contributing to various sectors such as banking, mining, and philanthropy. In 1897, Cunningham donated eight acres of land to the city for use as a public park. The deed was officially dated on July 5, 1898, and the park was dedicated in the early 1900s1. Cunningham Park became the first park in the Joplin Parks System. Over the years, the park has seen many enhancements, including the addition of a fountain, playgrounds, a swimming pool, and picnic areas. The park was also a central location for community gatherings and celebrations1. Unfortunately, the park was destroyed by an EF-5 tornado in 2011, but the community came together to rebuild it. Today, Cunningham Park stands as a symbol of resilience and community spirit. We were here to walk around the park and to see The Miracle of The Human Spirit monument. [Review 2323 of 2024 - 392 in Missouri - 23337 overall]

Cunningham Park is a vast oasis of everything a city park should be. Sporting fields, trails, lots…read moreof playgrounds with nice equipment, water features, picnic and gathering facilities and a world class memorial garden. The Memorial garden is what caused me to visit and pay respect to those 161 Joplin residents that lost their lives to one of the worst tornadoes in American history. The garden consists of natural rock, sculptures, fountains, informational signage and a vast array of beautiful plants and flowers that are well maintained. The park was in the direct path of the tornado and offers great vantage points to see what was, what remains and what was rebuilt in the vicinity. My visit was during a slight rain shower with approaching storm clouds; which only added to the somber and reflective visit. A must see for anyone traveling in the vicinity of Joplin.

A small but colorful tribute to the City of Joplin's place on America's most famous highway, Route…read more66. The park blends sculpture and painting to showcase the history. The park features large tiled murals and even a classic red Corvette sculpture to pose with. These murals celebrate Joplin's role along Route 66, the 'Mother Road' that carried travelers through the heart of town in the mid‑20th century. Businesses along Main Street thrived during that era, and today the murals capture that spirit with scenes of cruising cars, maps of the highway stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica, and nods to the Tri‑State mining corridor that shaped the region. It is a very brief "must see" stop when you're traveling through town. [Review 1479 of 2025 - 464 in Missouri - 25032 overall]

It's time to continue getting your kicks on Route 66! On your way through this historic route, be…read moresure to stop by this creative mural here in little Joplin, Missouri. This so-called park contains two large murals stacked on top of each other. The top has an illustration of Joplin and what it offers, while the bottom is reserved with a map illustrating your journey thus far and the route that you've yet driven. The neatest part of this mural is that there is a beautiful red mustang sticking out of the wall for you to "not climb on." Hey- if it's there, I'm bound to admire it one way or another. The murals are beautifully decorated and make a fantastic pitstop in your trip. While the mural was nice to take shots with, we found the name to be a bit misleading. It's not really a park per se, but more of a quick stop-and-shoot especially with the red convertible sticking out of the wall. I was hoping for a bit more to explore but this is still one to check out. Parking for this free attraction is available on the street. Hop on out, snap a couple of shots, and be on your merry way.

FYI: Might be a bit verbose and more a review for the 15 mile point to point hiking trail…read more I knew what I was up against, and went anyway. Read on a trails app that it was technical--yes, yes it was. And also read a review in that same app left on Oct 12 ish, that water might be scarce due to drought--that said, my friend and I left a water stash at a gravel road drive, off the trail about 3 miles from the east trailhead. My Subaru and I were NOT ready for the roughness of the terrain--first time "Off road." Got in and out unscathed! Yay! We started the trek later than we thought we would--which is fine, because the scenery was great! Such a beautiful area! Worth the 2-hour ish drive. Made it through the "Squeeze" downhill. Packed in about 1.25 before we decided to pitch our tents. Had dinner on one of the scenic bluffs during sunset and as you can imagine, a wee bit chilly but a stunning view, so it was worth it! Next day, had breakfast on the bluff during sunrise--what a treat! Then headed out to our water stash. We decided we were achy enough to not go back the way we came. Went to our water stash and refueled. Used that (Subaru terrain) rocky road to go back to the main road and follow it back to the car park. *What I learned: as a newbie backpacker it was challenging, but probably would be even if I wasn't? I carried about a 30 pound backpack--probably packed some fears in there--but now I know. Would I go again and do things differently?? Heck yes!!

Great hiking trail. The whole things is like 15 miles so pack in water with a bladder or something…read moreand don't attempt when 107. Ask me how I know, lol. Great views, but watch for spider webs, poison ivy, and check afterwards for ticks in the summer.

A natural mineral spring park hidden along S C Hwy. Now known as Fair Haven Spring or Fairhaven…read moreSprings, but was also formerly known as Connelly Spring. Historically, this was once a Mineral Spring Spa location with hotel accommodation and baths that took advantage of the springs in the early 1900s when Mineral Springs gained popularity as resort destinations. Now it is a small Community park, maintained just lightly enough that you can walk through it and still partake of the natural mineral springs that have been carved out with bathing steps. A little piece of history to be found in what feels like the middle of nowhere. Bring your own cup to try the mineral springs, or just cup your hands for a sip and face splash.

On the east side of Cunningham Park is the Butterfly Garden and Overlook Memorial. This beautiful,…read moresweet & moving memorial honors the victims and tells the story of the May 22, 2011 EF5 Tornado that devastated that area of Joplin Missouri. Reading the statistics and stories on the plaques in the garden brought tears to our eyes. The garden is so serene to walk through with beautiful flowers, butterflies flying around, with a waterwall of hope and benches to sit on to take in its tranquility. The BUTTERFLY GARDEN AND OVERLOOK MEMORIAL is so worth pulling off the freeway while traveling through Joplin or if in town, just taking the time to see it and pay your respects! *There are angels and they saved many that day!!

Been coming here for about 10 years. Water and 30 amp electric. No sewer but has a dump station. As…read moreof this date, 1st 48 hours are free then $10 a night thereafter. What a deal.

Rv park nice, great for appointments with Kansas RV Center. Some 50 amp spots and all have water…read more Adjacent to 2 City softball diamonds.

Cute little park near North Park Mall in northern Joplin. Small, flat trails for getting steps in…read moreand taking the pupper for a walk. There is a picnic area and playground - definitely give off the feeling of a nice family-friend park.

This is a great park. It has swings and two play sizes of playground equipment, one for the little…read morekids and one for the bigger kids. They have Outdoor grills and a covered area for birthday orator and get togethers. We have had a couple kids birthday parties there and it was great. They do have restrooms but like any outdoor park, they are not very clean. They also have a long walking path, a tennis court, and a large backstop for softball or baseball or just pitching practice. It's located right behind Toys-r-us but you have to take 4th street to get there so there is not much traffic. It's all FREE and pet friendly. Truly a great place to spend time with your family on a nice day.

Bartlesville treasure for younger kids. You can't beat the little rides they have for kids. Cheap…read moretoo. I think it's .50 a ride. Most of the rides do have height limits and I think my son was about 7 or 8 the last time we went. By far the best ride in my opinion is the airplanes where the kids actually make them go up and down as they spin around the carousel.

Kiddie park is a fantastic place to go for young children. I'd say the best ages are 3 to 5 or 6…read morethough we just returned from a trip with my eight-year-old twins. They still had several rides that they work too big for. To make a day of it, visit the Sooner waterpark splash pad until kiddie park opens at 6 PM. Grab a custard at Jareds after!