This is one of those “off the beaten path” places you’ll fall in love with. It is beautiful year-round, boasts so many recreational opportunities, and is just plain relaxing. I have certainly been to the Grand Falls many times over the years and anxiously await my next trip.
Grand Falls Joplin Photos
It is important to note that I took these photos during a time when this area doesn’t get a lot of rain. Therefore, these photos aren’t a true representation of how fierce the Grand Falls can be or how strong the currents can get. Also, roads may become impassible after heavy rains. Plan accordingly by checking Shoal Creek’s current conditions.
Recreational activities
Honestly, my first time going to the falls I just stood there snapping a ton of photos to show my family and friends. After that, I found myself wishing I had my fishing gear and a quiet spot to myself along Shoal Creek. My “pre-trip” research was clearly lacking. Lesson learned! Hopefully, the list below helps you be more prepared than I was on my first trip.
- Wading (requires a good pair of wet wading shoes)
- Floating (bring your own tube or rent one from Zan’s Creekside Campground)
- Swimming (personal floatation device recommended, swim at your own risk)
- Kayaking
- Fishing (requires a permit from the Missouri Department of Conservation if your between 15 & 65)
- Hiking
- Herping
- Birding
- Photography
- Exploring Geology
- Sky Gazing
- Droning
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Let’s talk FOOD! You’ve got to eat, right?
Grand Falls is FREE so why not keep the entire trip “thrifty” and avoid unhealthy fast food? For instance, you could pack your meals like I did. I fed 5 people, 2 healthy meals while on the go for a little bit of nothing! You can view my thrifty meal plan and expense breakdown near the bottom of my Big Brutus adventure.
Picnicking requires a picnic blanket at the falls because no tables are provided. However, there are picnic tables 4 minutes from the falls in beautiful McIndoe Park.
For your convenience, here’s how to get to McIndoe Park from the falls!
Things you must know before visiting Grand Falls
Parking here can try your patience! I’m not even kidding. You certainly don’t want to try parking a 3/4 ton Ram on a hot summer “weekend” day. Trust me! The small parking lot was full, vehicles lined both sides of the road, and people parked so close I needed a can opener to get my truck out. BUT, it was totally worth it! Advice?
- Don’t plan your trip on a hot summer weekend
- Avoid holiday weekends
- Aim for weekdays when schools are in session
- Early mornings on weekdays are generally less crowded
The short walk down to the falls can be treacherous and is not wheelchair or handicap accessible. However, you can still enjoy the breathtaking scene and take some beautiful photos from above.
There are no public bathrooms of any kind here! I suggest you toss a roll of toilet paper in your vehicle, just in case you need to find a tree. Just sayin’! OR if you are okay with risking your parking spot for an actual bathroom, you can drive 5 minutes down the road to Kum n Go!
Directions from Joplin to the Grand Falls
Flying into Joplin Regional Airport?
Need a rental car? It can be difficult to search all the options and find the best deals. Discovercars.com can do all the hard work for you!
Need lodging?
Do you need a place to stay but dread the whole process of searching for one? I use booking.com, a lot! It’s super easy to use and compares all possible options for me based on my chosen filters.
Worthy of notable mention
The George Washington Carver National Monument is only 20 minutes from Grand Falls. It’s certainly worth the extra time if you like history. The visitor center is a wealth of knowledge, and the 3/4-mile Carver Trail is such a peaceful walk. Read about my visit, see photos of the grounds, and learn more about the George Washington Carver National Monument here. Need directions from Grand Falls?
