When the days get longer and nights shorter, the temperature milder, and the spring flowers bloom, it’s time to hit the road in a Buick Enclave or GMC Acadia to find exciting spring activities around Joplin, MO. Explore the natural beauty of Wildcat Park, get up early to admire the beautiful Grand Falls, and buy farm-fresh spring fruits and vegetables at Empire Market.
1. Experience Spring in Wildcat Park
Wildcat Park is one of the most beautiful natural areas around town to explore when nature awakens after a long winter slumber. Pop in at the Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center for information on the park’s indigenous fauna and spring flora before you hit the trails.
Head down the short .33-mile St. John’s Woodland Loop that winds through the lush forest, abundant with wildlife, or the .36-mile Rotary Centennial Trail that will take you through the chert glades, a unique and rare ecosystem. Hike the .56-mile St. John’s Creek trail along the banks of the picturesque Shoal Creek to Reddings Mill Bridge, explore the overhangs, and discover the cave.
Address and Hours
Wildcat Park is at 201 West Riviera Drive in Joplin. The trails are open from dawn to dusk, and the Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center is open Tuesday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
2. Admire Missouri’s Most Majestic Falls
The beautiful Grand Falls on Shoal Creek is Missouri’s largest continuously flowing natural waterfall. The water tumbles 12 feet down a 163-foot wide solid chert ledge into the crystal clear water below.
You can admire the falls from the small parking lot on Riverside Drive or walk along the path to stick your feet in the pools formed by rock outcroppings along the creek. The most beautiful time of year to admire the falls is in early spring when the snow begins to melt. Try to be there at sunrise when the mist drifts over the creek.
Address and Hours
Grand Falls is at 5685 Riverside Drive in Joplin and is open every day throughout the year.
3. Shop for Farm-fresh Spring Goodness
The lively Empire Market is in a historic 1907 building in downtown Joplin and a great place in spring to find crisp fresh fruit and veggies, delicious baked goodies, homemade jams and jellies, honey, cut flowers, and plants.
There are also various arts and crafts and vintage items on sale. Everything the vendors sell, they have grown or made themselves within 150 miles of Joplin. If you’re pressed for time, you can place your order online from Tuesday to Thursday for drive-through pickup on Saturday.
Address and Hours
The Empire Market is at 931 East 4th Street in Joplin and is open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Enjoy the sunny weather and experience everything the season has to offer. Call Skyway Buick GMC today to schedule a maintenance appointment and ensure your car is in tip-top shape for exciting spring excursions.
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