Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Joplin - Atlas Obscura

Unusual Attractions in Joplin

Joplin, Missouri

The Ozark Spooklight

A mysterious light of unknown origin on the backroads of Missouri.

Joplin, Missouri

National Cookie Cutter Historical Museum

A small museum dedicated to the whimsical tool that turns sugar cookies into works of art.

Are we missing something unusual in Joplin?

Frecs the Miner

This statue is an ode to an iconic roadside advertisement popularized during the 1970s.

6 miles from Joplin

Quapaw, Oklahoma

Red Oak Steakhouse

The Quapaw tribe supplies the meat and produce in this Oklahoma casino restaurant.

8 miles from Joplin

Carthage, Missouri

Precious Moments Chapel and Gardens

An adorably sweet display of sculpted Precious Moments figurines.

9 miles from Joplin

Diamond, Missouri

World's Largest Small Electric Appliance Museum

Thousands of small machines line the shelves of this personal collection which definitely delivers on its name.

9 miles from Joplin

Carthage, Missouri

Boots Court Motel

This historic motel standing at the "crossroads of America" offers a radio in every room and was saved by local protesters.

12 miles from Joplin

Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Joplin

Joplin, Missouri

National Cookie Cutter Historical Museum

A small museum dedicated to the whimsical tool that turns sugar cookies into works of art.

Explore Joplin, Missouri

Launch Map

Joplin Leaderboard

Places Added

Join the Ranks!

Add an unusual place to Joplin.

Places Edited

Join the Ranks!

Improve the Atlas with edits and photos.

Places Visited

Recent Joplin Activity

kwoolace001 wants to go to The Ozark Spooklight

ashleynschnell wants to go to The Ozark Spooklight

colleen3234 wants to go to The Ozark Spooklight

mattichrisman wants to go to The Ozark Spooklight

alisonbyrnes818 wants to go to The Ozark Spooklight

Stories About Joplin

The sawed-off shotgun, collected from Bonnie and Clyde's hideout.

For Sale: Bonnie and Clyde’s Sawed-Off Shotgun

Plus Bonnie’s poetry, wanted posters, and a bloodied bandage.

by Sabrina Imbler

September 18, 2019

The riparian buffers flanking the Niger River in Timbuktu, Mali, appear in red.

Striking Satellite Images of Cities on the Brink

A fresh perspective on the fragility and resilience of our world.

by Jessica Leigh Hester

September 24, 2018

Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.