Our Route 66 Adventures: Joplin History & Mineral Museum and National Cookie Cutter Historical Museum

Date of Visit: April 29, 2026

The Joplin History & Mineral Museum has been a Route 66 attraction since it opened in 1931. The main exhibits are about the tri-state mining industry and other local Joplin local history. There is also a Route 66 exhibit. Most unique is the National Cookie Cutter Historical Museum is housed inside the museum.

We started with the mineral part of the museum. It was interesting to see the different minerals and learn about the mining industry in the area. The fluorescent minerals display was a highlight of this area.

The Route 66 exhibit was of particular interest to us as we visited as part of driving Route 66. The exhibit featured displays for each of the states Route 66 goes through.

One of the interesting items in the local history section was this portable kitchen from the mid-1800s.

The local history also included local Civil War history, especially related to the Battle of Carthage.

The National Cookie Cutter Historical Museum Collection featured cookie cutters representing each of the 50 states as part of a celebrating the United States 250th.

There was also a Route 66 themed cookie cutter display.

See full list of Our Route 66 Adventures here and Google map here.

Destination Info:

Joplin History & Mineral Museum

504 S. Schifferdecker Ave

Joplin, MO 64801