Joplin History & Mineral Museum

Joplin History & Mineral Museum An original Route-66 attraction hosting the world's most prestigious Tri-State minerals & documenting Joplin's transformative history. The Everett J.

The Joplin History & Mineral Museum has been an educational cornerstone since its establishment in 1931. The museum is a vital learning center that provides educational programming and exhibitions for learners of all ages. The Joplin History & Mineral Museum strives to educate visitors about the importance of local history through the continued preservation & display of historical artifacts. Ritch

ie Tri-State Mineral wing displays the world’s most prestigious collection of Tri-State mineral specimens. Visitors will learn about the importance of mining in Joplin’s history through scale models, mined specimens, and mining equipment on display–and will walk away with an understanding of the role that minerals play in our everyday lives. Visitors will also encounter a small collection of natural history specimens including mammoth teeth, projectile points, and dinosaur bones. The Dorothea B. Hoover historical wing displays snapshots of Joplin’s rich history that without interpretation might otherwise be forgotten. From the humble shovel to the House of Lords, to Bonnie & Clyde’s infamous shootout to the 2011 tornado, visitors will learn about the key figures, events, and locations that have impacted Joplin’s transitional development over the last 150 years. Hoover historical wing also houses the National Cookie Cutter Historical Museum, the Joplin Fire Department’s 1926 American LaFrance Fire Engine, and a variety of rotating exhibits that lend understanding to the diversity of history that can be found in the Joplin area.

🪨✨ Rock Club is Tonight!Join us TODAY at 5:30 PM for an engaging evening at Rock Club!We’re excited to welcome special g...
06/02/2026

🪨✨ Rock Club is Tonight!

Join us TODAY at 5:30 PM for an engaging evening at Rock Club!
We’re excited to welcome special guests Bob and Judy Winkleman from the Marion County Arkansas Heritage Society, sharing their knowledge all the way from Arkansas.

Tonight’s presentation will explore how mining communities historically responded to the loss of a miner and the ways they supported families during those difficult times—a meaningful look at the human side of mining history.

📍 Joplin History & Mineral Museum
🕠 5:30 PM

Don’t miss this unique and thought‑provoking program!

🛠️ Built on Mining HistoryJoplin’s roots run deep in mining history. The most valuable materials found in the area were ...
06/01/2026

🛠️ Built on Mining History

Joplin’s roots run deep in mining history. The most valuable materials found in the area were the ores of lead and zinc—known as the minerals Galena and Sphalerite.

Local miners nicknamed sphalerite “Jack,” and that name became part of the city’s identity, leading to the tagline: “The town that Jack built.” ⛏️

Ever wondered about Rock Club? You’re in luck!Area Rock Enthusiasts meet every first Tuesday of the month. You get the c...
05/29/2026

Ever wondered about Rock Club? You’re in luck!

Area Rock Enthusiasts meet every first Tuesday of the month. You get the chance to:

👥 meet other rock enthusiasts
👩🏻‍🏫 find teachers for new skills
💎 help plan two gem shows every year
📊 and sit back to enjoy the occasional presentation

You don’t want to miss the door prize opportunities at the end of meetings!

Next Rock Club Meeting is June 2 and there will be a special presentation! See you there!

Had an awesome visit with Charles Peek and his wife, Storm Tracker and Reporter from the Weather Channel They were in to...
05/28/2026

Had an awesome visit with Charles Peek and his wife,
Storm Tracker and Reporter from the Weather Channel
They were in town doing follow up stories on the
15 year anniversary of the Joplin Tornado
Safe Travels and Safe Storm Tracking

The Day The Route Caved InOn this day in 1940, a large cave-in occurred on Highway 66 just west of Schifferdecker Park. ...
05/22/2026

The Day The Route Caved In

On this day in 1940, a large cave-in occurred on Highway 66 just west of Schifferdecker Park. The cave-in was caused by a mine shaft giving way directly under the highway. Note the 1940 billboards calling out to travelers, including one for Wilder’s Restaurant. The Murwin Mosler photograph was taken facing east.

In addition to the City’s closure on Monday in observance of Memorial Day, please note an additional closure:🗓 Joplin Hi...
05/22/2026

In addition to the City’s closure on Monday in observance of Memorial Day, please note an additional closure:
🗓 Joplin History & Mineral Museum will also be closed Saturday, May 23.

We appreciate your understanding as staff observe the holiday weekend and look forward to seeing you again on Tuesday, May 26th.

📢 City Holiday Closure – Memorial Day
🗓 Monday, May 25

In observance of Memorial Day, the following City facilities will be closed: City Hall, Recycling Center, Trolley & MAPS, and Joplin History & Mineral Museum

Always Open / Essential Services:
🚓 Police Department
🚒 Fire Department
✈️ Airport
🦺 Wastewater Division

🕘 City facilities will reopen: Tuesday, May 26th

ℹ️ Have questions or need details in the meantime? Visit us at: http://www.joplinmo.org

🇺🇸 We honor and remember those who gave their lives in service to our country.

🪨✨ Happening Now: Annual Spring Rock Show!We’ve had a great turnout today, and there are still a few hours left to stop ...
05/15/2026

🪨✨ Happening Now: Annual Spring Rock Show!
We’ve had a great turnout today, and there are still a few hours left to stop by! We’re excited to see the momentum continue into the rest of the weekend.

If you haven’t made it out yet, there’s still time—and plenty more to come!
🕘 Today: until 5 PM
🕘 Saturday: 9 AM – 5 PM
🕘 Sunday: 9 AM – 3 PM

Join the Tri-State Gem & Mineral Society for this FREE, family‑friendly event and explore the fascinating world of rocks, minerals, and more!

Details here: https://fb.me/e/hPJRcjUGG

05/15/2026
05/14/2026

The REAL ROCK SHOW is at the
Joplin History & Mineral Museum
Friday, Saturday 9:00 - 5:00 Sunday 9:00 - 3:00

Address

504 S Schifferdecker Avenue
Joplin, MO
64801

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+14176231180

Website

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