VisitJoplinMO.com; @VisitJoplinMO
In the rolling hills of southwest Missouri, Joplin is a gateway to one of the state’s most ecologically rich regions. “Shoal Creek, considered the most biologically diverse creek in the state, winds through the area, offering scenic beauty and wildlife sightings. Our location at the crossroads of interstates 44 and 49, plus the legendary Route 66 and the Jefferson Highway, means there is easy access,” says Kerstin Landwer, assistant director/director of sales for Visit Joplin. “Our history, vibrant culture, striking natural beauty, and exceptional value make Joplin a standout destination in the Midwest.”
There are nearly 1,840 guest rooms in Joplin. The 160-room LaQuinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Joplin has 1,600 square feet of event space to accommodate 100 guests, and Holiday Inn Joplin has a 2,300-square-foot ballroom and three meeting rooms.
Offsite event space includes Joplin Expo, with 40,000 square feet of exhibit space and a 9,000-square-foot ballroom; The Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, with a 435-seat theater (that also can accommodate 256 banquet guests), classrooms, breakout areas, and outdoor decks and patios; and Scottish Rite Cathedral, a historic facility with a 385-seat auditorium and a dining area seating 400. Joplin Avenue Coffee has space for up to 100 guests, while Chaos Brewing, a stop on the popular Steins & Vines Trail, has a taproom, private indoor event space, and patio space for up to 100 guests.
With its historic location on Route 66, Joplin delivers small-town charm with a big personality, Landwer says. “Joplin delivers an experience that feels both rooted in history and refreshingly unexpected.” Popular stops include Fred & Red’s and Wilder’s Steakhouse, both in operation since 1929. Held the first week in June, the World Street Painting Festival showcases 3-D street paintings created by more than 20 different artists. “These 3-D images, with Route 66 themes, appear to pop right out of the ground when seen from a specific viewpoint, making for great photo ops,” Landwer says.
