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 nice break for a walk on a cold day, I enjoyed Parr Hill Park which was struck by the 2011…read moretornado and rebuilt. Today, Parr Hill Park offers a wide range of features: a playground, picnic pavilion, grills, outdoor fitness equipment, restrooms, and a fountain. There's a splash pad, which was obviously drained and shut down for the season. There's even a dog park! Plenty of parking here and I had the park to myself. Parr Hill refers to the surrounding neighborhood. Unlike some parks named after notable people, this one reflects the identity of the area itself, preserving a local landmark name rather than commemorating a single person. [Review 1491 of 2025 - 474 in Missouri - 25044 overall]

Joplin is a city of parks and this one is the former location of Mercy Hospital that was rebuilt…read morealong I-44. The park was donated to the city in 2015. The park is the home of the Rotary Clubs of Joplin Sculpture Garden and we spent a bit of time walking through the park to see some of the sculptures. It was a bit too cold this afternoon to do the full tour but we saw several including Rabbit Reach, Joyful Empowerment and House Sitter. There is a lot of parking and the walkways are smooth and easy for walking or rolling. [Review 2322 of 2024 - 391 in Missouri - 23336 overall]

So much fun! We always have such a good time at Ocean Adventures! Place is clean, staff is friendly…read moreand my kids are always wanting to go. Take your kids! Also, the owner is incredible about giving back to the community in many different ways. This is a good business to support.

The kids and I were offered tickets here as a gift--we'd been meaning to get out this way, so it…read morewas a much anticipated visit and did not disappoint. We passed it at first; although right off of Duquesne with a streetside sign, Ocean Adventures is in a very unassuming warehouse-esque metal building. That almost sets you up for more of a pleasant surprise when you walk inside after parking in the gravel lot behind the building (technically the front). When you walk in there are cubbies and coat hooks to deposit your things. The front desk is also right there, so not a lot of concern about things being stolen. Everyone gets a wrist band as you check in, and for the more uncooperative kiddos (one of mine) an ID sticker on their back. I didn't know this when I got there, but tickets are typically purchased in advance online as they only sell 40 tickets per session to keep it enjoyable for everyone--a policy I personally really appreciate, especially with little kids. And the unbelievable part: the tickets are only $5 T-Th and $6 F-Su. (If an adult wants to play with their kiddo, they also need a ticket, but for so little that's not a big deal for us, especially compared to prices at other kids facilities in SWMO/NWA). The facility itself: amazing. Imagine the McDonalds playset from your childhood, but without the dirty sock smell, multiple stories, more slides and a bigger ball pit. It's clean and actually smells GOOD...you can go on their website and watch/read about the cleaning routine. It's pretty impressive and the condition of the facility reflects that. I also noticed the staff making rounds every so often around the play equipment, which I also appreciated. The bulk of the play equipment is made of various nets and ropes/clear plastic windows, so your kids are almost always visible, but it's nice to see that the staff are kind of monitoring to make sure everything is in order. We really loved our visit here, our 2 hours flew by and as the kids get a little older this would be a great place to bring a book and relax at a table while they play...it's one of the few places around that feels safe enough for my comfort and entertaining enough for theirs. Until then, though, I am enjoying my excuse to "have to" play in a giant ball pit.

Great campground. Clean and convenient. Owners are very friendly and helpful. Be careful where you…read morepark your car - gravel can be soft and make your car sink (yeah, that was fun!). We were tent camping. This is definitely a place we would camp again!

Beautiful little camp sites on the river. Friendly people running the place. Definitely will stay…read morethere again.

It may not be Niagara Falls, but then again Shoal Creek is no Niagara River. Missouri's landscape…read moreis far flatter, so the 12 foot drop here is less about drama and more about breadth. What makes Grand Falls striking is not its height but its width, stretching nearly 160 feet across a ledge of hard chert. The water spills in a broad curtain, a steady sheet to catch the light. This is Missouri's largest continuously flowing natural waterfall, and that constancy is its charm. Even in late November, long before the spring thaw, the falls are alive. Shoal Creek never runs dry, so visitors can count on seeing water in motion regardless of the season. It is a photogenic spot, easy to reach from the parking area, though those with mobility challenges will find the descent to the water's edge not possible. The setting feels pleasantly removed from the bustle of town. Litter is minimal, the air is fresh, and the sound of rushing water drowns out the noise of civilization. It is the kind of place where you can pause, breathe, and let the rhythm of the falls remind you that beauty does not always need to be towering or thunderous. Sometimes it is steady, wide, and quietly enduring. It is a fine spot for reflection, a natural stage where water and stone perform together, day after day, without intermission. [Review 1510 of 2025 - 482 in Missouri - 25061 overall]

Absolutely gorgeous. Gets. But crazy when busy though. There is no parking lot so it can get messy…read morewith people randomly parking anywhere. It's quite the sight to behold though!

Nice place plenty of parking !! Great for birthdays and special occasions!! Cash only…read moreestablishment! ! They have a video arcade and air hockey. Snack bar is resonable and they have popcorn!!

*** Review is during COVID-19 ***…read more This isn't so much a full-on park as it is a walking trail. I came a few times over the summer, and it ended up being a pretty good spot to get in a little exercise! For the most part, there were maybe only one or two other people there, sometimes there was no one else at all, and at most there were maybe 4 or 5 small groups (of 3 or 4). Usually the cooler parts of the day were more popular, but still never too many people. When there were others there, we did have to cross paths at times (if they were walking faster/ slower, or going in the opposite direction on the track). I appreciate that there are lots of trees, which helped keep it cool on those hot days. Plus, it was interesting because it seemed like lots of different kinds of trees, like no more than two of the same variety. Aside from the trail and trees, there are also some benches, maybe 4 or 5, spread out along the path. It also has a small parking lot, which is nice. I actually really enjoy how the path is more of a winding trail. I like how it's all just in one spot, and not actually spread out. I think one time around the path is about 2 miles, but it's nice to not have to actually go 2 miles away in distance. Plus, it allows you to really be able to customize how long or short you want to go. No matter where you are on the trail, you are still close to the start/ finish... so it's just as easy to not even do the full trail once, as it is to stop in the middle of your 5th mile, and so forth. It kind of reminded me of a labyrinth in that you can be pretty mindless doing it.