Jasper County is named for Revolutionary War hero William Jasper. The city of Joplin is split…read moreacross Jasper and Newton counties because the city grew out of two separate mining settlements that developed on opposite sides of Joplin Creek in the early 1870s. When those settlements merged in 1873 to form Joplin, the new city naturally extended across the county line, and its boundaries have remained that way ever since. Jasper County's county seat and the main courthouse is in Carthage and it's worth a visit for classic old-school design. But as the county grew and as Joplin became a larger municipal presence in the county, it was felt that an annex closer to that population was needed. This courthouse in Joplin's city center is the annex, serving the Jasper County side and is a two-story steel, glass and concrete structure. It is modern and practical and utilitarian. The building's east wing features tall pillars supporting a broad flat roof, with blue-tinted glass that creates a sleek, civic presence. The west wing is defined by long, narrow windows and a clean roofline, emphasizing simplicity and openness. There is plenty of parking nearby. [Review 1489 of 2025 - 472 in Missouri - 25042 overall]

What a beautiful library! We stopped by for summer reading and I was really impressed with how nice…read moreit was on both the inside and outside! The librarians in the teen and children's area were helpful and they had a lot of activities and things to see and do. We will be back soon!

I am blown away by this fabulously modern library. This isn't a 'small town' library by any means…read more It's massive, clean, and airy, with natural light pouring into the open spaces and a thoughtful design that makes it feel welcoming rather than overwhelming. Everywhere you look, there are comfortable nooks and tables with power outlets, making it super easy to settle in for work, study, or simply quiet reflection. The atmosphere is calm yet vibrant, with just enough activity to remind you that you're part of a community hub. It's the kind of place where you can lose track of time because the environment is so conducive to focus and creativity. I didn't need one of the study or work rooms today, but I was impressed by how well they're integrated into the library's layout. They offer a perfect option for anyone needing privacy, whether for a Zoom call, a group project, or uninterrupted concentration. Not just a place to borrow books - it's a destination for learning, connection, and inspiration, and I look forward to returning. [Review 1495 of 2025 - 476 in Missouri - 25046 overall]

When I was "getting my kicks" on 66 a few years ago, I went by this museum and it was closed due to…read moreCovid. But I was recently back in town for an event and they gave everyone a free admission on one day - so of course I took advantage of it. It is somewhat divided into three parts, plus there is a large conference/meeting room. And they have a gift shop with some collectibles stuff. You can go into the mineral museum which celebrates the regional mining industry. There is also the part where all things Joplin are paid tribute upon. Within that part is the National Cookie Cutter Museum, which is small but sure to bring a smile to anyone's face. A long hallway celebrates Joplin's status as the "Crossroads of America" (one of several cities that has that title) with the meeting of Route 66 and Jefferson Highway.

We LOVE little museums like this! Lots of great mineral displays. Really nice. Upstairs are some…read moremodels of mining history - what my daughter and I were completely enthralled with were vintage panoramic group photos of the miners. Literally could have spent hours here, though for the record we are super nerds. Then, there's another wing of the museum that is all about Joplin history. But as a bonus this also includes the National Cookie Cutter Museum! Who knew? Loved it here. Staff was super friendly and helpful. I think admission was $5, a great bargain!

We found Red Oak II while out on a drive, one afternoon while visiting the area…read more This intentionally built community is the brain child of the late Americana artist, Lowell Dean. Built during the late 1980s, Dean bought, disassembled and moved the bulk of the buildings onto the property, and reassembled them board by board in their present locations. The blacksmith shop, along with a pharmacy, gas station and others. The most recent addition in 2014, a train station moved onto the property, complete with an HO scale locamotive, with coal car and cabosse out front on tracks. There are a few pre civil war structures on the property as well. The gallery houses Deans works over the decades, some of his original paintings, along with prints, figurines, posters, stickers, and collectibles. His wife, Rose is there most days and is friendly and knowledgeable on his work, life and building red oak 2. 4 Stars worth your time and effort, a photographers dream and if you like things americana and quirky 01314

I guess this place is okay if you really liked the show "Andy Griffith." Not really much to see or…read moredo except take in the nostalgic views of areas past... But nothing crazy, it's not like people are walking around dressed in early 1900's cloths. In fact most the "stores" aren't even accessible. Peeping in the windows they are full of stuff you'd see in your garage "storage." I'd say the main focus here is the hanger style dinner "which was closed" the post office "full of junk" and the giant barn across the street that we didn't go look at... I'm sure these things are fascinating to someone from a different country or a big city who never seen these thing's, but any "Midwestern" person would not be amused.

My friend and I were visiting the Neosho area this past weekend and took the time to drive out to…read morethe George Washington Carver National Monument in Diamond, MO. We are SO glad that we did! It is an amazing place, and we had a magical experience. I thought I knew about George Washington Carver, but there was so much that I learned during our time at the National Monument. Special thanks to the park rangers who were on duty during our visit: Matthew, who greeted us as we entered and answered our many questions about what to see and do (and gave excellent directions and recommendations!); Emily, a devoted entomologist who gave us a deep appreciation for jumping spiders (including one we encountered later in our visit!); and Katie, who led us in the activity in the laboratory (thank you for your infinite patience with all of us as we worked with the materials!). We took the walking trail out to the pond on the property and were enchanted by the stone markers with quotes from Carver placed strategically along the path. He was quite the sage, with so many wise observations of his time and fellow humans. The walking path winds through beautiful woods, and there are bridges crossing the two branches of the stream that flows through the area. There are also interpretive plaques placed along the path with vignettes from Carver's boyhood (these are echoed in the Visitor Center). The path is largely accessible, but there are areas around the pond that are dirt trails through the brush, so those with limited mobility may wish to talk with the National Park Rangers on-site for their recommendations. The Visitor Center is open and welcoming, with the main exhibits on the first floor; laboratory, young people's exploration areas, and the schoolroom replica on the second floor; and further exhibits on the lower level. We participated in an activity in the laboratory making peanut milk, and (even though we were probably the oldest people in the room) it was really fun! There is a picnic area adjacent to the parking lot, shaded by trees and surrounded by open grass. We saw several families enjoying a picnic lunch as the kids romped through the open areas. By the time we'd hiked the walking trail, browsed the exhibits in the Visitor Center, participated in the laboratory activity, and shared a picnic lunch, we were surprised to discover that we'd spent almost three hours at the monument. It was such an enchanting place that we honestly didn't notice the time passing! If a visitor is pressed for time, the area could be toured in about an hour and a half, but we recommend setting aside the time to experience everything the National Monument has to offer. It is exceptionally well-designed, and we left with a deep appreciation of George Washington Carver as a scientist, educator, and humanitarian. Many, many thanks to the National Park Service for providing such a lovely place to visit, at no cost, and for the wonderful park rangers who made it such a great experience!

Very interesting national park site! I didn't know that much about George Washington Carver going…read morein and feel like I learned a lot, well done. Great layout and easy to hit all the exhibits. There's a lovely 3/4 trail as well but due to the weather we weren't able to complete that. The ranger was super nice!! Lots of interactive activities for kids, too. It's free to get in, with a small gift shop, Well worth a stop if you're in the area.

I've been in two states at the same time before. That's easy. I've been in the east and the west at…read morethe Royal Observatory in London https://www.yelp.de/biz/royal-observatory-greenwich?hrid=1QtILqtPjHye7oSXzIIR_w. I've not been in four states at the same time I didn't make it to the four corners https://www.yelp.com/biz/four-corners-monument-teec-nos-pos?uid=hWDybu_KvYLSdEFzGrniTw but now I can say that I've been in THREE states at the same time! Located where the Oklahoma Turnpike crosses over into Missouri and that's conveniently next to Kansas as well. It's ten minutes to get off the highway, drive around the roundabout and then go about a half mile down a dirt road. Circle around at the end and park near the big stone tower. Oklahoma and Missouri and Kansas. Pretty neat and worth the detour. Note that the road and the marker are not illuminated at night. [Review 16287 overall - 109 in Missouri - 1793 of 2021.]

Stopped here on our way out of town. It's a fun place to stop and realize you're in different…read morestates at one time (the girls thought that was super cool). Definitely worth a stop! Only reason I gave it 4 stars is because you almost don't realize it's there and not much signage.

Came here for a Magic Show which was a good show and ideal for a family outing…read more The Civic Center is ideal for Neosho and love the atmosphere. A larger lobby would be ideal with the foot traffic, but more ADA parking would a strong suggestion and more ramps as there were several on walkers or in wheelchairs

My wife knew that Bonnie and Clyde spent time here in Joplin. What she didn't know was that the…read moreactual place is still standing. So we stopped by to check it out! They were here for nearly two weeks in 1933, resting and planning. It ended in a violent shootout where two police officers were killed. In the quick escape, the crime due left behind personal belongings, including a camera with undeveloped film that later provided iconic images of Bonnie and Clyde. The apartment was built around 1927 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Yes, it's a real place and real people live here so be respectful of the private property. Still, you can walk around the front of the exterior. [Review 370 of 2025 - 429 in Missouri - 23932 overall]

We found the apartment was a little hard to find but a great place to find a part of our history…read moreand was nice to have the house on the National Register, we didn't go in but the building looks to be in good shape .