What are the opening hours?

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

Joplin History & Mineral Museum

Name: Joplin History & Mineral Museum
Address: 504 S Schifferdecker Avenue, Joplin, MO, 64801, US
Telephone: +14176231180
Price range: $

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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.

09/01/2026

🪨 Ever wondered about Rock Club? You're in luck!

Whether you're a longtime collector or just curious about rocks, gems, and minerals, Rock Club is a great place to connect with others who share your interests.

👥 Meet fellow enthusiasts
💎 Learn from experienced collectors
📊 Help plan local gem and mineral shows
🎤 Enjoy presentations and special guests throughout the year

🎁 Plus, stick around for door prize drawings at the end of each meeting!

📅 Join us TONIGHT!
🕠 5:30 PM
📍 Joplin History & Mineral Museum

📅 Next Rock Club Meeting: October 6

08/19/2026

🎵 Fueling the Fame of Rt 66 | Pt. 2

The Story Behind “Get Your Kicks on Route 66”

After being discharged from the Marine Corps at the end of World War II, Bobby Troup and his wife, Cynthia, set out for Los Angeles to pursue his songwriting career.

During that cross‑country trip, Cynthia suggested he write a song about the journey west—and even came up with the now‑famous title: “Get Your Kicks on Route 66.”

The song was first recorded by the Nat King Cole Trio in 1946 and quickly became a hit, helping turn Route 66 into a cultural icon and fueling the spirit of adventure tied to the open road.

08/17/2026

🛣️ Fueling the Fame of Rt 66 | Pt. 1

More Than a Street — The Mother Road

Several moments helped turn Route 66 into one of the most iconic roadways in America.

In 1939, John Steinbeck’s novel The Grapes of Wrath brought national attention to the Great Migration, telling the story of families fleeing the Dust Bowl states in search of a better life. In the book, Steinbeck famously referred to Route 66 as “The Mother Road,” a name that continues to define it today. The story reached even more people with the 1940 film adaptation starring Henry Fonda.

In 1946, Bobby Troup added to the road’s mystique when he wrote “Get Your Kicks on Route 66,” first recorded by the Nat King Trio—and first performed live at Joplin’s Memorial Hall.

The highway’s popularity continued to grow in the 1960s with the television show “Route 66,” which followed two travelers cruising the country in a Chevy Corvette, bringing the spirit of the open road to screens across America.

From literature to music to television, Route 66 became more than a roadway—it became a symbol of adventure, travel, and American culture.

08/04/2026

💎 Rock Club is more than just rocks!

Members help organize and support two gem and mineral shows each year, making Rock Club an important part of the museum community.

✅ Meet fellow enthusiasts
✅ Hear from guest speakers
✅ Help support museum events
✅ Enjoy door prize opportunities

📅 Next Meeting: TONIGHT!
🕠 5:30 PM
📍 Joplin History & Mineral Museum

📅 Next Next Meeting: September 1st

08/03/2026

Hand Powered Jackson Drill

This very rare drilling machine, with its original drill steel, was made about 1899. Turning the handles causes a flywheel to spin and the drill steel to hammer and rotate in quick succession. Completely hand powered it could not compete with an experienced hand drilling team. Interest in such transitional machines quickly faded as steam and compressed air power drills became widely available.

07/20/2026

🚒American LaFrance Fire Engine
This 1926 American LaFrance pumper truck was acquired by the Joplin Fire Department in 1927. This Fire Engine proudly protected the Joplin community for twelve years when it was replaced by more modern Mack pumper trucks in 1939. The American LaFrance fire truck remained on reserve standby in the Joplin Fire Department into the 1960s.

✨ This fire engine was meticulously restored during the 1980s by volunteers from the Joplin Fire Department. The vehicle was stripped to the frame and rebuilt piece by piece. Most of the parts and equipment of the fire engine are original. The wooden running boards have been replaced and the driver’s seat has been reupholstered.
The only item that was not repaired was the fuel tank behind the driver’s seat. The dent in the tank was caused when the truck overturned in 1934, killing the driver, Frank Krudwig. This one flaw in the restoration was left as a memorial to the loss of one of Joplin’s brave firemen.

The fire truck is powered by a six-cylinder gasoline engine. The drive train is powered by a chain-drive instead of the usual drive shaft used in modern vehicles. To ensure ignition, each cylinder has three spark plugs. The vehicle is driven from the right-hand side. The fire engine is equipped with a hand crank and magneto in case the battery-ignition fails.

🎅 Before coming to the museum, this fire engine was used for years as the last entry in the Joplin Christmas parade, carrying a waving Santa Claus through the holiday crowds.

💎 This 1926 American LaFrance pumper is believed to the only surviving, original fire engine of that manufacturing year. It is truly a jewel in the museum’s collection.

07/07/2026

🪨 Rock Club is Today!
Whether you're a longtime collector or just curious about rocks, minerals, fossils, and local mining history, Rock Club is a great opportunity to:
👥 Connect with fellow rock enthusiasts
💎 Learn something new
🎁 Discover door prize opportunities

📅 Today
🕠 5:30 PM
📍 Joplin History & Mineral Museum

We hope to see you there!

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

https://www.joplin-museum.org/

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