Grand Falls

​Grand Falls was a great quick stop to check out. It is super convenient because there are multiple falls right next to the road, and there is a good amount of parking available. The sound of the falls was very relaxing, and I was impressed by how clean it was. There was very little trash, and the area is clearly well-kept. Highly recommend stopping here!

Beautiful! Be careful walking across the rocks. They can be slippery. Definitely worth the stop! I went at sunrise but I hope to go back someday at sunset. Had the place to myself!

Such a beautiful site to see! Literally right off the road. You can step out of your car and see the waterfall in all of its glory or you can sit in the comfort of your car and still see it. You are allowed to swim in the pools below the waterfall.. It does get quite busy on the weekends. But every weekday I’ve been there I’ve had it almost to myself. A definite must see!

Just a little off the beating path of a gorgeous neighborhood. Great view, relaxing sounds, and not too busy. My next visit, I will bring a sandwich.

Great view of these falls, but the rocks around are vary uneven if you are planning on walking close to them. The fishing here seems promising saw a few people going down to fish in the current. It's amazing to hear the power sound of water over the falls. Really enjoyed the view!

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!

Although the GPS took us the long way, when we got to Grand Falls we thought it was very pretty. It had rained a lot, so the water was at capacity and the falls looked beautiful. I suggest going during the week because there is not much room to park, unless you want to walk a bit. We were on our way home from Roaring River and it was worth the detour to see the pretty falls.

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.

It may not be Niagara Falls, but then again Shoal Creek is no Niagara River. Missouri's landscape is far flatter, so the 12 foot drop here is less about drama and more about breadth. What makes Grand Falls striking is not its height but its width, stretching nearly 160 feet across a ledge of hard chert. The water spills in a broad curtain, a steady sheet to catch the light. This is Missouri's largest continuously flowing natural waterfall, and that constancy is its charm. Even in late November, long before the spring thaw, the falls are alive. Shoal Creek never runs dry, so visitors can count on seeing water in motion regardless of the season. It is a photogenic spot, easy to reach from the parking area, though those with mobility challenges will find the descent to the water's edge not possible. The setting feels pleasantly removed from the bustle of town. Litter is minimal, the air is fresh, and the sound of rushing water drowns out the noise of civilization. It is the kind of place where you can pause, breathe, and let the rhythm of the falls remind you that beauty does not always need to be towering or thunderous. Sometimes it is steady, wide, and quietly enduring. It is a fine spot for reflection, a natural stage where water and stone perform together, day after day, without intermission. [Review 1510 of 2025 - 482 in Missouri - 25061 overall]

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!

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.

[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.

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.

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.

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

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"

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.

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.

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.

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.