*** Review is during COVID-19 ***…read more Came here earlier in the summer and it was so fun. This is a great spot!!! We wanted to find a swimming hole one day, which I now know can be very difficult to do! After driving around and around to several different spots for hours, where place after place turned out to be unsuccessful or just nonexistent, we were almost ready to give up. Then we remembered one more spot we could try... a swimming hole we'd been to when I was a little kid, with surprisingly clear blue water. We couldn't remember the name at first, but after some calls to my Grandma (always a great resource!) she helped us remember that it was Little Blue! Little Blue was still a bit hard to track down, but we eventually made it there, and had FINALLY found a spot worth staying around for! The water was as pretty as we remembered. In the shallower parts, it's crystal clear and you can see lots of pretty rocks on the bottom and sometimes little fishies too! The deepest part becomes a pretty blue color, and the water went up to at least between my elbows and shoulders (maybe more?). That deepest part isn't a huge area, so a little hard to stake your claim on it if you are trying to social distance, but overall there's plenty of space to spread out. It seemed to me like there were two areas: the area I just described, and then more river down to the left of that. This second area is much less populated, but I can see why, as it kind of quickly starts to get a pretty fishy smell as you go further and also has some animal bones (yeah...). Aside from the water, there's also lots of parking space, where many people had also set up camp (as in literally to camp in a tent for the night). We went on a Saturday (reminder that this was also in the "heat" of summer, no pun intended) so there were quite a few people. However, we were still able to stay a safe distance from others... we did have to be pretty mindful of it though, since others did not appear to be doing the same. I would give 5 stars if it (and other swimming holes in Oklahoma) had better information for people to find and clearer locations/directions!!! It's honestly pretty ridiculous. Also because that second swimming area down to the left could use a little work.

Little Blue is our favorite little hidden gem in the summer time. Beautiful! Fun! Cold! Relaxing!…read moreWe love it!!!

This was a nice break with a playground (three stories!) and walking paths as we explored Joplin…read more Cunningham Park was originally known as Cunningham Grove and was donated to the city by Thomas W. Cunningham, who was the mayor of Joplin at the time. Cunningham was a significant figure in Joplin's development, contributing to various sectors such as banking, mining, and philanthropy. In 1897, Cunningham donated eight acres of land to the city for use as a public park. The deed was officially dated on July 5, 1898, and the park was dedicated in the early 1900s1. Cunningham Park became the first park in the Joplin Parks System. Over the years, the park has seen many enhancements, including the addition of a fountain, playgrounds, a swimming pool, and picnic areas. The park was also a central location for community gatherings and celebrations1. Unfortunately, the park was destroyed by an EF-5 tornado in 2011, but the community came together to rebuild it. Today, Cunningham Park stands as a symbol of resilience and community spirit. We were here to walk around the park and to see The Miracle of The Human Spirit monument. [Review 2323 of 2024 - 392 in Missouri - 23337 overall]

Cunningham Park is a vast oasis of everything a city park should be. Sporting fields, trails, lots…read moreof playgrounds with nice equipment, water features, picnic and gathering facilities and a world class memorial garden. The Memorial garden is what caused me to visit and pay respect to those 161 Joplin residents that lost their lives to one of the worst tornadoes in American history. The garden consists of natural rock, sculptures, fountains, informational signage and a vast array of beautiful plants and flowers that are well maintained. The park was in the direct path of the tornado and offers great vantage points to see what was, what remains and what was rebuilt in the vicinity. My visit was during a slight rain shower with approaching storm clouds; which only added to the somber and reflective visit. A must see for anyone traveling in the vicinity of Joplin.

This was a great little spot that I found on my drive back from Arkansas to Tulsa. The waterfall…read moreis pretty and there are a few trails. Lots of benches, picnic tables, and even paved pathways.

Natural Falls State Park is located in West Siloam Springs, Oklahoma, 6 miles from the border with…read moreArkansas. If you're coming to Natural Falls for barbecuing, picnicking, short hiking, lounging around and camping...then this park is for you. I was scrolling through Google Maps and discovered a photo that looked intriguing. It was a picture of a 77 foot plunging waterfall among a scenic backdrop known as Ozark Springs. This Ozark Springs waterfall is the #1 top highlight at the park. The rest of the activities (I believe) are side compliments. So...if you're passing through West Siloam Springs, it could be worthwhile to check out Ozark Springs, and it doesn't take long to do. The trails map says 45 minutes, but it can be finished in less. The walk to the falls is half a mile at the most. You can find Ozark Springs along the Dripping Springs Trail. There are two parts to capturing views. First is from an overlook point high above. After completing this lookout spot, then it's 47 steps down to the bottom. The base of Ozark Falls has a boardwalk pathway leading you in front of the waterfall. I was tempted to step off the boardwalk to avoid the hand railing when taking pictures, but that wasn't not allowed. Also unfortunately, they don't permit swimming in the pool that Ozark Falls splashes into. But the waters appeared refreshing. You can connect Dripping Springs Trail with Ghost Coon Trail to combine two hikes in one. Or otherwise you can return to the Dripping Springs Trailhead and either choose another pathway or hang out, have lunch and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. There are a few other trails you can consider, but they're nothing dramatic. - Fox Den Trail - 1.5 miles to a "rock overhang and cavern area". - Bear Trail - hardly a hike but leads to Ozark Springs and intersects with Dripping Springs Trail. - Pine Ridge Trail - 3/4th's of a mile that navigates the perimeter of Natural Falls Park. It's $10 entrance fee for a day pass. You can pay at the Visitor Center. Plus inside the VC, you can purchase souvenirs from a small selection of items or buy snacks and drinks if you haven't arrived prepared. I noticed they have a lot of space for camping. Although I didn't spend a night here, the conditions for sleeping outdoors looked inviting. Btw...while walking along Ghost Coon Trail, I passed by these Yurts, or I'd describe them as huts accommodative for "glamping" or glorified camping. It's like upscale camping staying in tent - cabins. There may have been 5 - 6 yurts located beside the grass edge of the forest and pleasant looking for enjoying the great outdoors. Overall, Natural Falls State Park has a quiet setting and is fine for taking a few hours to breathe in fresh air, especially if you're in no hurry. Although I wanted more challenging hiking trails and activities to keep me occupied, I was okay with taking a lazy day to appreciate nature.

We drove all the way in to the creek. We didn't have time to wonder down any of the trails, but…read moretook a little time to view what looked like a natural spring that ran into the river. Large tree (and i mean large) is shading the rock wall area where picnic tables sit below in the shade. Great little place to stop for a little get away off the beaten path.

Well, it's been years since I've been here... as a matter of fact a conservation center was not…read moreeven here the last time I came down here. My brother, sisters and myself came here with a photographer as we had family pictures done this weekend. The park on a whole looked really nice with some very beautiful spots to choose from for a family picture. Fact: Missouri's strongest year-round waterfall is right down the street at Grand Falls. Great pics cane be taken there as well.

On the east side of Cunningham Park is the Butterfly Garden and Overlook Memorial. This beautiful,…read moresweet & moving memorial honors the victims and tells the story of the May 22, 2011 EF5 Tornado that devastated that area of Joplin Missouri. Reading the statistics and stories on the plaques in the garden brought tears to our eyes. The garden is so serene to walk through with beautiful flowers, butterflies flying around, with a waterwall of hope and benches to sit on to take in its tranquility. The BUTTERFLY GARDEN AND OVERLOOK MEMORIAL is so worth pulling off the freeway while traveling through Joplin or if in town, just taking the time to see it and pay your respects! *There are angels and they saved many that day!!

FYI: Might be a bit verbose and more a review for the 15 mile point to point hiking trail…read more I knew what I was up against, and went anyway. Read on a trails app that it was technical--yes, yes it was. And also read a review in that same app left on Oct 12 ish, that water might be scarce due to drought--that said, my friend and I left a water stash at a gravel road drive, off the trail about 3 miles from the east trailhead. My Subaru and I were NOT ready for the roughness of the terrain--first time "Off road." Got in and out unscathed! Yay! We started the trek later than we thought we would--which is fine, because the scenery was great! Such a beautiful area! Worth the 2-hour ish drive. Made it through the "Squeeze" downhill. Packed in about 1.25 before we decided to pitch our tents. Had dinner on one of the scenic bluffs during sunset and as you can imagine, a wee bit chilly but a stunning view, so it was worth it! Next day, had breakfast on the bluff during sunrise--what a treat! Then headed out to our water stash. We decided we were achy enough to not go back the way we came. Went to our water stash and refueled. Used that (Subaru terrain) rocky road to go back to the main road and follow it back to the car park. *What I learned: as a newbie backpacker it was challenging, but probably would be even if I wasn't? I carried about a 30 pound backpack--probably packed some fears in there--but now I know. Would I go again and do things differently?? Heck yes!!

Great hiking trail. The whole things is like 15 miles so pack in water with a bladder or something…read moreand don't attempt when 107. Ask me how I know, lol. Great views, but watch for spider webs, poison ivy, and check afterwards for ticks in the summer.

Lame. Uninpressive. Ran down. Crummy part of town. Photos are not accurate. The castle area is…read morein need of paint and it's just old and looks bad. There wasn't too much nice and was really let down after reading the good reviews. Wouldn't recommend.

Beautiful park! Great playgrounds, fairy garden and castle, tennis courts, gazebos, walking trails,…read morefountains, swings, and even a city pool. Lots of trees and shade and near downtown. Some areas currently under construction.

Cute little park near North Park Mall in northern Joplin. Small, flat trails for getting steps in…read moreand taking the pupper for a walk. There is a picnic area and playground - definitely give off the feeling of a nice family-friend park.

This is a great park. It has swings and two play sizes of playground equipment, one for the little…read morekids and one for the bigger kids. They have Outdoor grills and a covered area for birthday orator and get togethers. We have had a couple kids birthday parties there and it was great. They do have restrooms but like any outdoor park, they are not very clean. They also have a long walking path, a tennis court, and a large backstop for softball or baseball or just pitching practice. It's located right behind Toys-r-us but you have to take 4th street to get there so there is not much traffic. It's all FREE and pet friendly. Truly a great place to spend time with your family on a nice day.

Bartlesville treasure for younger kids. You can't beat the little rides they have for kids. Cheap…read moretoo. I think it's .50 a ride. Most of the rides do have height limits and I think my son was about 7 or 8 the last time we went. By far the best ride in my opinion is the airplanes where the kids actually make them go up and down as they spin around the carousel.

Kiddie park is a fantastic place to go for young children. I'd say the best ages are 3 to 5 or 6…read morethough we just returned from a trip with my eight-year-old twins. They still had several rides that they work too big for. To make a day of it, visit the Sooner waterpark splash pad until kiddie park opens at 6 PM. Grab a custard at Jareds after!

Very large open space or grass fields and lots of sports fields. Small parking lot attached. Dogs…read morehave to be on leash. There's a paved walking trail as well.