Standing in the parking lot of the gas station, the "Ampersand" is 8 feel tall and 7 feet wide. It…read moreis a reflection of the Kum & Go station's motto, "Where & Means More." On the front a number of words and images that highlight Joplin's history including its mining background, it's place on the historic Route 66 and the visit by outlaws Bonnie and Clyde. The "strength & hope" hands grasping reflect the recovery from the May 2011 tornado. On the back, words and phrases that make up the company's core values including love, balance, excellence and teamwork. It's a neat sculpture that shows what Joplin has been, is and is becoming. It was designed and created by the art studio Sticks. [Review 2320 of 2024 - 389 in Missouri - 23334 overall]

Route 66 Cruisers in Galena offers a nostalgic roadside stop, but on a late November visit it felt…read moredesolate. Vintage cars and memorabilia evoke the golden age of the Mother Road, yet the quiet atmosphere leaves the place more like a memory than a bustling attraction. The charm is in its authenticity, a snapshot of Route 66 history that seems frozen in time, waiting for summer travelers to bring energy back. It was cute to see The Sherriff and Luigi's Pit Stop and some Burma Shave. Sadly, all that remains of the Muffler Man were his boots. [Review 1503 of 2025 - 43 in Kansas - 25054 overall]

Not a lot going on here. RV park just 'steps away'. Neosho has several places to eat, and bowling,…read moreor maybe a movie. A 'quaint' little place. It will add a little content to your travel journal.

This is a interesting sight. It looks like an old train car converted into a flower bed…read more Depending in the time of year you go will dictate the beauty of this. We stayed in the RV camp grounds across from it. The camp grounds is called Hickory Creek RV Park and is owned by the city of Neosho. It cost $12.00 a night. There is water and Eletric hook ups but no sewer hook up. They do have a dump sight with water at the enteranc It is November and winter is sitting in. Will definitely return in the spring to look at it again.

The mural is located at the very center of Galena where Main Street crosses the famous Route 66,…read moreaka the Mother Road. The mural is two stories high and you can't miss it. Designed in 2013 by Chris Auckerman and Jon White of Images in Tile, it is made from more than 400 ceramic tiles and depicts a powder blue 1957 Chevrolet pulling onto Main Street, surrounded by iconic Galena landmarks. Look closely and you'll spot the old jail, the haunted bordello mansion, and Cars on the Route with the truck that inspired Tow Mater from Pixar's Cars. Across the top, the mural proudly reads "Greetings from Galena on Historic Route 66," and it includes a quote from Route 66 historian Michael Wallis: "Route 66. Just the name is magic. It will always mean going somewhere." His name is even spelled out in the skid marks left by the car. The mural sits in a small park alongside the Kansas Route 66 shield sign, making it a perfect photo stop that blends nostalgia, pop culture, and local pride. The park is surrounded by a low wrought iron fence. The gate was open when we stopped by. [Review 1508 of 2025 - 48 in Kansas - 25059 overall]

"The Miracle of the Human Spirit" in Joplin is a powerful tribute to the resilience and…read moredetermination of the community following the devastating EF-5 tornado that struck on May 22, 2011. Located in Cunningham Park, this tribute honors the volunteers who selflessly contributed to the rescue, recovery, and redevelopment efforts after the tornado. The tribute features four circles representing Rescue, Recovery, Demolition, and Rebirth, and a mosaic in the center symbolizing the "Butterfly Stories" told by children after the storm. The bronze hard hat, gloves, sledgehammer, and hammer represent the heroic efforts of rescuers and volunteers. It's a beautiful reminder of the strength and spirit of the people of Joplin. I was living in Bentonville in 2011 which is about 60 miles to the south. It was a tremendous tragedy. [Review 2324 of 2024 - 393 in Missouri - 23338 overall]

This striking artwork stands in front of the entrance to the Joplin Public Library and it reminded…read moreme of the last artwork I had seen, "The Reeds, in Red with Silver" near the Spiva Center for the Arts. And it turns out, this is the same artist. By Jorge Leyva, it blends natural and man-made forms to honor lives and identities lost while celebrating new growth and hope. The artwork has a commanding presence, standing about 12 feet tall and serving as both a memorial and a beacon. Joplin was struck by a powerful tornado in 2011. From his statement, the sculpture "is a piece celebrating resilience and hope in the midst of chaos and pain. Each house represents an identity lost, each branch a new growth, a new blade of grass, a new life rising from devastation. As nature and man-made objects come together, they grow in unison and become a renewed community." The phoenix metaphor is deliberate: Joplin rose from the debris like a bird reborn from ashes. Stop by the see it as you visit the library. [Review 1494 of 2025 - 475 in Missouri - 25045 overall] ********** It is worth noting that today makes for a 500 day streak where I have written at least one review every single day since July 21, 2024. **********

It is impossible to overlook this expressive sculpture, its vivid colors rising proudly at the…read moreHarry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex near downtown Joplin. The work combines bold red forms with gleaming silver accents, evoking the natural imagery of reeds while asserting itself as a contemporary landmark in public art. Jorge Leyva, a Peruvian-born sculptor who made Missouri his home, is celebrated for blending community symbolism with modern design, and this piece reflects his philosophy that art should be both accessible and inspiring. "The Reeds, in Red with Silver" was long a visual anchor at the Spiva Center for the Arts, where it stood until 2022 before undergoing careful restoration and relocation to the Cornell Complex, ensuring its continued role in Joplin's cultural landscape. Today, visitors will find ample parking nearby, and the sculpture is easy to spot whether attending a performance or simply exploring the grounds, with its polished surfaces catching the light and reinforcing Leyva's reputation as one of the region's most influential public artists. [Review 1488 of 2025 - 471 in Missouri - 25041 overall]