Joplin History and Mineral Museum, Missouri
This museum of local history and minerals tells the story of the lead and zinc mining that shaped this corner of Missouri, along with the history of the city itself. It sits in Schifferdecker Park, in western Joplin, MO, close to the Route 66 corridor. Inside are mineral specimens from the Tri-State district; outside stands a collection of old mining equipment. It makes a good hour-long break before the road crosses into Kansas.
What is Joplin History and Mineral Museum?
Two collections share the building. One covers the history of Joplin; the other is devoted to minerals and geology, with specimens tied to the rock formations that made the Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma Tri-State district such a productive mining area. Next to the museum, an open-air yard displays historical mining equipment.
One exhibit invites a hands-on test: chunks of lead ore are chained in place, and visitors are welcome to see whether they can lift them.
History of Joplin History and Mineral Museum
The museum is a merger of two older institutions. The Dorothea B. Hoover Museum, focused on Joplin's past, opened in 1976, while a mineral museum named for Everett J. Ritchie gathered the region's geological specimens. Together they reflect what this area was best known for: producing zinc and lead.
As of 2023, the museum said it was working on a major refit of its displays, some of which dated to the 1970s, so exhibits may look different from older photos.
Visiting Joplin History and Mineral Museum: tips
Allow about an hour, more if you enjoy rocks and minerals. There is an admission charge, and there are restrooms on site, along with parking. The museum is listed as wheelchair accessible and suitable for kids. Save a few minutes for the outdoor mining equipment next door.
Afterward, the Murphysburg Historic District and the Ridgway Apartments are each about 1.8 miles away, and the Fifth and Main Historic District about 1.9 miles, for a short drive past Joplin's older streets.
Practical info
- Address
- 504 S Schifferdecker Ave, Joplin, MO 64801
- Website
- joplin-museum.org
- Hours
- Tue–Sat 10–5
- On site & nearby
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Questions about Joplin History and Mineral Museum
Is the Joplin museum free?
No. The museum charges admission.
What is there to see at this museum?
Mineral specimens from the Tri-State mining district, exhibits on Joplin history, an outdoor display of mining equipment and chained lead ore samples that visitors can try to lift.
How much time does the museum need?
About an hour covers the indoor collections and the equipment yard.
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