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]

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]

Always a fantastic place in Joplin to visit. Always something new to see or someone new to meet…read more I'm always greeted very kindly with the staff and volunteers. The whole facility is very clean and up-to-date. And the classes they offer are always changing and offering a pretty good variety for everyone.

It's ok but do not make Spiva a destination or even drive out of your way to visit. 1 - usually…read moreclosed 2 - often in-between exhibits. 3 - Go to Arkansas and enjoy fun and Art! Glass church in Bella Vista IS AWESOME! Crystal Bridges in Bentonville always a TREAT! Skip Joplin and drive toward Bella Vista / Bentonville to look around. You will be much happier and fulfilled. Bentonville Arkansas has much to offer and 45 minutes away.

"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]

Completed in 2013, the Beacon of Hope sculpture is Freeman Health System's open-air memorial of the…read moreevents of the May 2011 tornado that struck Joplin. The tornado was part of a larger late-May tornado outbreak, the EF5 tornado began just west of Joplin and intensified very quickly, reaching a maximum width of nearly one mile (1.6 km) during its path through the southern part of the city. The tornado tracked eastward through Joplin, and then continued across Interstate 44 into rural portions of Jasper and Newton counties, weakening before it dissipated. The tornado killed 158 people, damaged nearly 8000 buildings and amounted to $2.8 billion in damages. It was the deadliest U.S. tornado since April 1947 and the first EF5 tornado to strike Missouri since 1957. The memorial consists of a small parking area with walkways leading to a calm outdoor space with the center sculpture. The internally illuminated acrylic panel sculpture is encircled by retaining walls that serve as benches and raised plants. I was living in Bentonville in May 2011, about 60 miles south. My daughter came up to Joplin to volunteer and help with cleanup/recovery.. [Review 2321 of 2024 - 390 in Missouri - 23335 overall]

One of the most incredible roadside attractions you will ever visit. A truly beautiful experience…read more The chapel is positively gorgeous. This truly made my weekend. If you are ever in the area PLEASE VISIT!!!

Friendly staffs, well informed explanation of the museum and warm welcoming atmosphere in…read moreeverywhere we went. It's truly touching experience in everything I saw. Sam Butcher who designed and Inspired in building this heart warming place i grew up seeing-in person. Truly epic experience. It's Bible stories coming alive in every detail of his works. Be sure to stop and watch the little clip of Butcher's work in progress.

Great selection of art and excellent prices. Artists work in the gallery so service is friendly and…read moreinformative. Best place in town to shop for unique gifts in every price range.

Local Color is my favorite art gallery in Joplin. They have something for everyone and they even…read morehave art classes. Full disclosure...my mother-in-law is one of the artists there, but there are so many talented artists displaying and selling art there. If you are an art collector or looking for home decor, or you just love to see great artwork, you need to check this place out.

What a beautiful library! We stopped by for summer reading and I was really impressed with how nice…read moreit was on both the inside and outside! The librarians in the teen and children's area were helpful and they had a lot of activities and things to see and do. We will be back soon!

I am blown away by this fabulously modern library. This isn't a 'small town' library by any means…read more It's massive, clean, and airy, with natural light pouring into the open spaces and a thoughtful design that makes it feel welcoming rather than overwhelming. Everywhere you look, there are comfortable nooks and tables with power outlets, making it super easy to settle in for work, study, or simply quiet reflection. The atmosphere is calm yet vibrant, with just enough activity to remind you that you're part of a community hub. It's the kind of place where you can lose track of time because the environment is so conducive to focus and creativity. I didn't need one of the study or work rooms today, but I was impressed by how well they're integrated into the library's layout. They offer a perfect option for anyone needing privacy, whether for a Zoom call, a group project, or uninterrupted concentration. Not just a place to borrow books - it's a destination for learning, connection, and inspiration, and I look forward to returning. [Review 1495 of 2025 - 476 in Missouri - 25046 overall]

Stopped here on our way out of town. It's a fun place to stop and realize you're in different…read morestates at one time (the girls thought that was super cool). Definitely worth a stop! Only reason I gave it 4 stars is because you almost don't realize it's there and not much signage.

I've been in two states at the same time before. That's easy. I've been in the east and the west at…read morethe Royal Observatory in London https://www.yelp.de/biz/royal-observatory-greenwich?hrid=1QtILqtPjHye7oSXzIIR_w. I've not been in four states at the same time I didn't make it to the four corners https://www.yelp.com/biz/four-corners-monument-teec-nos-pos?uid=hWDybu_KvYLSdEFzGrniTw but now I can say that I've been in THREE states at the same time! Located where the Oklahoma Turnpike crosses over into Missouri and that's conveniently next to Kansas as well. It's ten minutes to get off the highway, drive around the roundabout and then go about a half mile down a dirt road. Circle around at the end and park near the big stone tower. Oklahoma and Missouri and Kansas. Pretty neat and worth the detour. Note that the road and the marker are not illuminated at night. [Review 16287 overall - 109 in Missouri - 1793 of 2021.]