Joplin is the largest city in Jasper County in the US state of Missouri. The city became immensely famous after the Civil War due to two key events- the discovery of lead and zinc in Joplin Valley sometime before 1861 AD, and the connectivity of railroads to further commercial advantage. Three souvenirs of those glorious times- some 19th century houses, pit mines and mineshafts- are still visible today. Other stellar attractions here are the state’s highest continuously flowing waterfall called the Grand Falls and two museums (the Everett J. Ritchie Tri-State Mineral Museum and Dorothea B. Hoover Historical Museum) that are home to an exhaustive range of artifacts since 19th century.
Joplin Museum ComplexA proud derivative of Joplin’s glorious mining history, the Joplin Museum Complex is divided mainly into two parts: the Everett J. Ritchie Tri-State Mineral Museum and the Dorothea B. Hoover Historical Museum. The former is home to several lead and zinc artifacts dating back to 19th century while the latter consists of Victorian furnishings, a circus room, a 1927 fire engine and a doll collection.
National Cookie Cutter Historical MuseumNational Cookie Cutter Historical Museum is an unrelated but integral part nevertheless of the aforementioned museum complex. It is home to a several exhibits focusing on different types of cutters like advertising cutters, tinsmith's cutters, European cutters and so forth. It also has a small archive of newsletters, advertising offers and other significant collectibles, and that all visitors are offered a free plastic cookie cutter here.
Grand FallsGrand Falls is the largest continuously flowing natural waterfall in Missouri, and it falls from a height 12 feet down and a width of 163 feet. The waterfall is considered one of the top sights in Missouri for its picture-perfect beauty and scenic setting.