5 Things to Do After Work in Joplin, MO
The largest continuously running waterfall in Missouri. A room where you can let go and splatter paint on the walls. An upscale seafood bar or a casual microbrewery – Joplin offers all this and so much more. The next time you clock out for the day and are ready to enjoy the city, consider this list of five things to do after work in Joplin, MO.
In This Article
1. Blow Off Some Steam in Joplin, MO
For this adventure, start with a pie over at Blackthorn Pizza & Pub. You’ll need the energy. With creative ’za options like Chicken Fajita or The Hot Wing, the menu doesn’t disappoint.
Patrick Tuttle, director of the Visit Joplin Convention & Visitors Bureau, enjoys the Happy Hippy, a vegetarian pizza. For his fellow omnivores, he recommends adding sausage to it. The pizza pub offers a vast craft beer selection, arcade games and, often, live music. But save some energy.
Next up, take a five-minute walk over to Joplin’s Upper Room. The venue offers two separate experiences, both with great stress relief potential. In the rage room, you can smash TVs, computers, glassware and other breakables. If destroying things isn’t your cup of tea, unleash your inner artist in the Splat Zone, where you can squeeze different colored paint bottles all over the space. Upper Room sells ice cream, so you can cool off from either room before you head home.
2. Stroll and Savor in Joplin, MO
If you want to get your steps in after work, stroll through the Joplin Sculpture Garden at Mercy Park, where you can take in 28 bronze sculptures and two larger than life murals.
“It’s becoming a really popular place for people to relax and enjoy the community,” Tuttle says, adding that three more sculptures will be installed this year.
The 16-acre passive park sits where St. John’s Regional Medical Center called home from 1968 to the time of the devastating tornado in 2011.
After you work up an appetite, head to El Vaquero, a Mexican restaurant that’s less than a five-minute drive away where you can nosh on street tacos, margaritas and more.
3. Sip and Swing in Joplin, MO
Spend a fun evening testing out a few yummy drinks, great food and your golf swing. To begin, head to Crabby’s Seafood Bar & Grill for drinks and appetizers. Happy hour specials run 4 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. This includes deals on mussels, ceviche, wine, beer, spirits and even dessert. After fueling up, hop in your car for a short trip over to Tee Time in Webb City. This premier entertainment venue, which features a giant turf driving range as well as a few pickleball courts and a courtyard with yard games, opens May 27. And if you get a little hungry (or thirsty), not to worry. Tee Time also boasts a full-service bar and a restaurant.
4. Explore the Great Outdoors in Joplin, MO
There’s so much great nature to explore in Joplin. Stop by Grand Falls, the largest continuously running waterfall in the state. Once you’re done chasing waterfalls, take a hike in Wildcat Park. The trails are all a mile or less, with plenty to explore no matter which path you choose.
Once you’ve enjoyed a relaxing hike, head to Chaos Brewing to unwind with a pint. The brewery hosts trivia every Wednesday. On other evenings, you might encounter live music, karaoke or even a comedy show.
The best part about this itinerary is that it’s totally dog friendly. We know your dog misses you when you’re at work, so leash them up for your walk, then let your boozehound keep you company at Chaos.
5. Get Creative in Joplin, MO
Create N Sip Joplin offers several guided painting exercises as well as sign-making workshops. You’ll have to plan a bit ahead for this night out, but it’s worth it. Check out their online calendar for a class that strikes your fancy. Once you see one, reserve your spot. On the evening of your event, you can BYOB or purchase drinks there. You’ll be guided through your artistic endeavor, so no prior experience is needed. And when you finish, you’ll have new artwork to hang at home.
From the studio, you’re just a few minutes away from Social BTB, a restaurant and gathering space inside the historic Gryphon Building. The joint serves burgers, tenders, sandwiches and salads. There’s a selection of table games to play inside as well as cornhole and giant Jenga on the patio.
This article is sponsored by Choose Joplin, which is actively supported by the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Joplin.
