Grand Falls

Tourist attraction · Joplin

Grand Falls

Tourist attraction · Joplin

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5685 Riverside Dr, Joplin, MO 64804

Photos

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Grand Falls by Photo by Michael J. Munster/Shutterstock
Grand Falls by null
Grand Falls by null
Grand Falls by null
Grand Falls by null
Grand Falls by null
Grand Falls by null
Grand Falls by null
Grand Falls by null
Grand Falls by null
Grand Falls by null
Grand Falls by null
Grand Falls by null
Grand Falls by null
Grand Falls by null
Grand Falls by null
Grand Falls by null
Grand Falls by null
Grand Falls by null
Grand Falls by null
Grand Falls by null
Grand Falls by null
Grand Falls by null
Grand Falls by null
Grand Falls by null
Grand Falls by null
Grand Falls by null
Grand Falls by null
Grand Falls by null
Grand Falls by null
Grand Falls by null
Grand Falls by null
Grand Falls by null
Grand Falls by null
Grand Falls by null
Grand Falls by null
Grand Falls by null
Grand Falls by null
Grand Falls by null
Grand Falls by null
Grand Falls by null
Grand Falls by null
Grand Falls by null
Grand Falls by null

Highlights

Scenic waterfall, creek pools for swimming, fishing, and relaxing  

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Placeholder

5685 Riverside Dr, Joplin, MO 64804 Get directions

visitjoplinmo.com

Information

Static Map

5685 Riverside Dr, Joplin, MO 64804 Get directions

+1 800 657 2534
visitjoplinmo.com

Features

restroom
wheelchair accessible parking lot
wheelchair accessible entrance

Last updated

Aug 24, 2025

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@afar

"Situated on Shoal Creek, just a skip downstream from Wildcat Park in Joplin, Grand Falls is the largest continuously flowing waterfall in Missouri. While it’s just 12 feet high and 163 feet wide, it’s a glorious example of Missouri’s natural beauty—and a popular place to fish and swim for generations of locals. There’s an outcropping of chert around the falls that fills with water to form natural pools. Splash around there on a hot summer day, then find a shady spot to relax over a picnic lunch."

The Best State and Nature Parks in Missouri
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Alisa S.

Google
Very easy to find with signs along the way. Parking is not bad, a small area off the road and plenty space along the road. The falls are nice and great for pictures. Seen many people enjoying the water. Short detour from 44, great stopping area to stretch legs on a long roadtrip

Lara

Google
Beautiful place, but the water was definitely not clear nor blue but we also had plenty of rain recently so that could be why. Water felt refreshing to walk in but I wouldn’t advise swimming in it because of how fast the currents were. Overall, it was a nice drive from Tulsa OK to here, and very easy and worth the drive too!

Brian Schwarz

Google
What a sweet, free spot! This is a little Joplin jewel. A peaceful, cascading waterfall. A calm spot to think. A place for folks to wade in the water or others enjoy fishing. People love natural beauty, and some residents live just down the creek, so being respectful of Grand Falls is a must. Many flat, semi-smooth rocks allow spots to sit for a snack and take in this special beauty. It was nice to just relax and appreciate God's wonders. In addition to these sweet falls that are probably 10 feet high and over 150 feet wide, there are small trickling falls on rocky areas beside Grand Falls where you can get your feet wet without getting totally immersed. A great spot for families and friends, and there's enough room for about 10-15 cars to park, along a shoulder of the road, and in a small dirt/gravel lot beside the water. If you are in the mood for a walk, there is nearby McIndoe Park with a wide, paved sidewalk that also winds beside the creek leading to Grand Falls.

Cindy Pruitt

Google
Really pretty but be prepared to walk down rocks. Saw a man fall pretty hard and hit his head. Very hot that day. I will go back with better shoes and when it's a bit cooler. (I don't get in the water)

Mr. Evans

Google
Visiting Grand Falls in Joplin felt like stepping into a jungle adventure. The scenery was absolutely stunning, especially with the lush greenery all around. During our Memorial Day weekend visit, the falls were especially powerful due to heavy rain—an awe-inspiring sight! Don’t just stay in your car—make sure to get out and walk to the falls. It’s worth it! Just be cautious, especially with kids, as there are steep cliff edges, fast-moving rapids, and whirlpools nearby. This is a beautiful spot to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. We loved every minute of it!

Crystal

Google
I took my 2 teenagers and we had a great time climbing around on the rocks and taking pictures. Highly recommend taking kids. Swimming is available but the water was running fast that day. A few little private areas are available if you get there early enough. Will go back soon.

Heather Burton

Google
Beautiful spot to view a waterfall. People were swimming and fishing. It seemed to have a nice area with a pool of shallow water as well.

Kristine Steele

Google
Beautiful scenery. A little gem. Try the glades upper trail about 2 miles sways to take kids swimming in the beautiful Shoal Creek.
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Meg T.

Yelp
Took us a few minutes to find as GPS doesn't lead straight there, but if you just keep driving a little further, you'll see an area you can pull off in on your right. It was only 30 degrees when we stopped, so no swimming, but I think this would be such a cool spot in the summer especially. It is beautiful and has a little beach area! The water was really clean and blue! If you're a geocacher, you can "log" it and learn more information about how it formed (an ancient sea?!). Probably wouldn't drive a super long distance for it, but if you're in the area, definitely check it out!
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Dave C.

Yelp
Nice falls. A little tough to find. Yet, once there, was quiet and peaceful - great place to relax. On the smallish side; yet there's not exactly large elevation changes in SW Missouri.
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Bill D.

Yelp
We had a little extra time this morning so i searched for some local spots to go. When we arrived on Saturday morning, we were the only family there with the exception of someone fishing on the other side of the dam. As you walk toward the waterfall, the rock bed are almost like large steps down to the water. It really is a beautiful please. Very peaceful as you hear the water crashing from the fall. Very glad we had the time to stop.
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Patricia D.

Yelp
[59/100] I had a late flight heading back home to Los Angeles, so I woke up early and made the hour drive from Tulsa. It wasn't bad at all, actually it was a great drive. There was no traffic and seeing the sun rise was the cherry on top. It was stunning. Logically, I know that sun rises here in Los Angeles are just as pretty anywhere else but I can't help but to question it because instead of watching the sky turn into different colors, I'm too busy watching the bumper in front of me stop so I don't hit it. Location: It's hidden inside a neighborhood. I actually drove passed it my first try and had to turn around but I found it. Parking: There isn't a parking lot. The area where cars can park is limited and unpaved. I suppose roadside parking is acceptable but I had the entire place to myself. Pros: - It's free. - Swimming is OK. - A great place to take photos. - The hike is light. Overall, I recommend this place specially if you have time to kill but not too much time.
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Jessica C.

Yelp
We throughly enjoyed this little gem after a quick night in Joplin while traveling. Was beautiful, especially in the morning. Directions/GPS aren't super clear and didn't lead us all the way to the parking area but was easy to find after venturing the road a bit further.
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Dava W.

Yelp
I meant to say the road to this place is creepy. If you're in the area, stop by. You may love it.
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Alexis H.

Yelp
I had no idea about this place until I saw a Facebook comment. It's so close to Joplin, Missouri but in a rural area. Make the effort to see this hidden jewel; well worth the effort.
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Em B.

Yelp
Stopped because we were at this exit. I wouldn't go out of your way to get here but if you drive through Joplin then yeah, go ahead. Looks just like the photos. There were people swimming and some jumping off the falls into the water below. I believe they have a three tattoo minimum before they let you swim here so we couldn't get in. It would be perfect if no other visitors were here.
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Eliza R.

Yelp
So typically when I travel for work, I just stay in my hotel after the business day is over. Every now and then I'll yelp something for a meal but I generally don't venture out especially in small cities. I decided to make an exception for this place since it got ranked on Trip Advisor for the city. Worth it. Runners! Walkers! Swimmers! Fishers! This is the place for you. I know that the park name is called something else (Mcindoe Park?) but look for the Grand Falls area after you've finished your run/walk/jog/swim/whatever. It's a gorgeous scene and perfect for unwinding, maybe stretching? Or just for some light reflection. I didn't think this city had much to offer but I guess you can say, "Joplin: 1, Me: 0"
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Gill S.

Yelp
This is a STRONG 3 Lets face it, there's not much to do in Joplin. The Grand Falls is a sight that receives attention by default because of how little else there is to do. It was not easy to find, but it wasn't excruciating either. The waterfall is pretty, but its no Hoover Dam. I spent maybe 15 minutes just looking at it and wandering around the area. For anyone who wants to check out the creek by the waterfall, its not an easy walk. It wasnt a problem to me, but I know someone who is elderly or disabled may not be able to climb down some rocks. I wouldn't say No to visiting this place. Im just letting you know its not a must see attraction.
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Randi F.

Yelp
Super pretty and fun to walk around. But swimming there sucks. Lots of water snakes and there are huge rocks under the water that make it impossible and dangerous to try and swim around. Good for views not swimming.