joplin museum complex

TP809

I've started taking visitors to the area to our local museum. It may not look like much from the outside but the displays are very interesting and there are many to see. Everything from the life size firetruck to the circus. A very good selection of items to show the past of Joplin.

Letsgosomewherefun

The complex is several museums under one roof. There is something for almost everyone. Youngsters will enjoy the big rocks in the mineral museum, the antique fire truck and the circus museum. The mineral museum has an extensive explanation of Joplin's early mining history and will keep a rockhound or fan of 19th and 20th century industry busy. There are collections of artifacts depicting scenes ranging from a Victorian tea parlor to a doctor's office and soda fountain. The circus museum explains the growth of the circus as entertainment illustrated by locally made models. There is a cookie cutter display that will, for many, bring back fond memories of their favorite home made cookies. Find out about the famous and infamous (Bonnie and Clyde) who made their marks in Joplin, along with local sports heros, a tribute to Route 66 and the local electric company. There was no admission fee the day we visited, but the sign says $2 per person.

drinafriedTRIPS

Friendly, helpful staff, well told story of Joplin, place of some famous & infamous people Bonnie & Clyde), models/clothes, well marked artifacts, (free cookie cutter room with sample)...fun circus room with models too). AND the important lead & zinc mining that was done until the 1970 's along with The Crystal Cavern story- the whole museum complex Park area is so pleasant too. Best place here!

pshirle

This museum is so packed with history, it's impossible to see it all in one trip. From the mining section to the cookie cutter collection, the displays were wonderful! There's literally a display for everyone's interests! Great museum!!!

Okieamber

My boyfriend and I headed here this weekend to check out the history offered. Wow, I was very much impressed! It only costs $2 per person, but for some reason they waived the charge that day. Donations are appreciated, and well deserved. First off, you get greeted by some really awesome metal art in the front corridor. Then by their cats as you walk in. They pay you no mind, but if you pet them they are very happy. They have several different exhibits and they all are so interesting. The mineral exhibit was by far the most cool. You get to see so much stuff!There also is a lot of local history, which was awesome. You find out a lot of things you never knew, even if you lived locally your whole life.All in all, if you have an hour or so, stop by. You will enjoy it!

Sapperlight

We visited this museum as part of a Route 66 appreciation tour, and the museum did not disappoint. It has a great deal of Joplin history and all of the exhibits were well-kept. The layout was a bit erratic, but it did not detract from the enjoyment at all. Worth seeing if you are at all interested in local history.

JonathanM776

We just had a superb experience at the Joplin Museum Complex. The individuals that were working were awesome and amazingly nice. They went out of their way to ensure that we didn't miss anything and had a great time. We will most definitely be back.

knitdr

It has been years since I had visited the Joplin Museum. The mineral portion is amazing. The samples are large and the explanations are good. A blast from the past for me and an education for my daughter. The history museum is cute. It describes the history of Joplin from the first settlers to the wars to famous Joplinites.

SOSjoplin

Extensive mineral displays. Alott of Joplin history and mining info and pictures. Friendly and informative staff. They had a precious kitty mascot that made us feel rite at home. (We hope he's still around.)

28world-traveler

This Is Your Typical Small Town Museum. Nothing Special. First Impression: Walk In And Im Asked What Do You Want. Not Exatly Friendly Staff.

Old_Drum

This small museum is ruled by Percy, the resident cat. Part of the museum covers local geology & mining in depth; the other part has local displays - and a collection of cookie cutters (please take one from the freebie box). No entry fee, but donation (including toys for Percy) are welcome. Folks are friendly and helpful - Percy brooks no interference.

fe_man

I enjoy the Joplin Museum complex. It's has a good number of quality exhibits, but not so many that you have to kill a day, or feel rushed. Kids will enjoy the geology side with all the samples of minerals and crystals.

colettem378

If you are a local resident, it's a good place to take visitors. Learning about the mining history of the area is interestingand my imagination runs wild as I always imagine what the people of that era went through in their day to day living. There are other collections housed in this complex. It is worth seeing if you're passing by Joplin, MO The fee is on a donation basis.

JoanB755

The mineral display is outstanding. Be prepared to spend a lot of time looking at the history of this lead and zinc producing area with lots of "rocks" to look at.

Eu2

Percy the Cat is my draw to the museum. My family loves Percy. The exhibits are fascinating and it's neat to see unique rocks and stones (we're a former mining community), and collections from area companies. There's always something neat to see here.