Outdoor Activities: Embrace the Outdoors: Activities in Our Area
Outdoor Recreation in the Ozarks
The Ozark region surrounding Joplin provides an outdoor enthusiast's paradise, with year-round recreational opportunities just minutes from the city center.
Hiking & Trail Systems
- Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center:
- 30+ acres of rare chert glades
- Multiple trail difficulties
- Educational programs and guided hikes
- Shoal Creek Trail System:
- 5+ miles of paved trails
- Connection to regional trail network
- Scenic water views
- Joplin Creek Trail – Urban trail system ideal for morning or post-work walks
- Notable Regional Trails:
- Diamond Trail (15 miles)
- Ruby Jack Trail (16 miles)
- Frisco Greenway Trail (3.5 miles)
Water Activities
- Shoal Creek:
- Premier kayaking and canoeing
- Year-round fishing
- Multiple access points
- Local outfitters and guides available
- Grand Falls – Missouri's largest continuously flowing waterfall:
- Fishing and photography opportunities
- Swimming and wading areas
- Area Lakes Within 1 Hour:
- Grand Lake O' the Cherokees
- Lake Taneycomo
- Stockton Lake
- Table Rock Lake
Fishing
- Available species:
- Smallmouth & largemouth bass
- Channel catfish
- Rainbow trout (seasonal)
- Popular locations:
- Kellogg Lake
- McClelland Park
- Spring River
- Shoal Creek
- Local fishing guides & outfitters
- Annual fishing tournaments
- Year-round fishing access
Golf
- Schifferdecker Golf Course:
- Municipal 18-hole course
- Historic design dating to 1922
- Recently renovated facilities
- Eagle Creek Golf Club:
- Semi-private 18-hole championship layout
- Practice greens and driving range
- Twin Hills Golf & Country Club:
- Private 18-hole course
- Swimming pool and tennis courts
- Social events and tournaments
- Multiple additional courses within a 30-minute drive
Hunting
- Seasonal game:
- White-tailed deer
- Turkey
- Waterfowl
- Small game
- Nearby Wildlife Areas:
- Shawnee Trail Conservation Area
- Robert E. Talbot Conservation Area
- Spring River Wildlife Area
- Licenses available through Missouri Department of Conservation
- Local hunting guides & active sportsmen community
Cycling
- Frisco Greenway Trail – Converted rail trail ideal for family rides
- Mountain biking trails include:
- Wilderness Trail at McClelland Park
- Two-Mile Prairie Trail
- Carthage Trail System
- Active local cycling community
- Group rides for all skill levels
- Multiple full-service bike shops
For physicians seeking an active lifestyle outside of medical practice, Joplin’s outdoor recreation scene provides the perfect counterbalance to the demands of healthcare. The ability to go from hospital rounds to hiking trails or fishing waters in minutes is unmatched. Whether it’s a sunrise jog, weekend golf outing, or full-family lake day, Joplin delivers the accessibility, variety, and natural beauty to support true work-life balance.