The Atlas Obscura Guide To Joplin

3 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Joplin, Missouri

Updated November 13, 2025

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.

Joplin, Missouri

OKKAMO Tri-State Marker

This monument marks the point where Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri intersect.

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Galena, Kansas

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

World’s Largest Small Electric Appliance Museum

Diamond, Missouri

World's Largest Small Electrical Appliance Museum

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

9 miles from Joplin

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.

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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

Popular Destinations

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Joplin

3 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Joplin, Missouri

Unusual Attractions in Joplin

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Joplin

Plan Your Trip

Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Explore Joplin, Missouri

Joplin Leaderboard

Places Added

Places Edited

Places Visited

Recent Joplin Activity

Stories About Joplin

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

Striking Satellite Images of Cities on the Brink

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