In the far southwest corner of Missouri, the city of Joplin is one of the Show-Me State’s fastest growing towns. The city was founded in the 1800’s as a mining town and that local history still plays a role in the local scene. Joplin is also home to both Missouri Southern State University and Ozark Bible College, two major institutions but its’ real role comes as a regional shopping center for Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.
Rangeline Road runs north and south on the eastern edge of Joplin and is the city’s major business throughfare. Both US Highway 71 and Interstate 44 intersect with Rangeline Road and the multi-lane road is lined with businesses from the northern edge of Newton County (the county just south of Joplin that encompasses a small portion of the city) to northern neighboring town Webb City.
Northpark Mall has been part of the Rangeline scene for more than thirty years and is still growing. Anchor stores include JC Penney’s, Sears, and Macy’s but these are just a few of the stores that fill this major mall. Currently undergoing major renovations to bring the mall into the 21st century, Northpark is the favorite of shoppers in a hundred mile radius of Joplin.
During the holiday season, the mall is filled with busy shoppers and Santa Claus always sets up shop somewhere in the Mall.
Next door, the new Northpark Crossing Shopping Center is home to Kohl’s Department Store, Dress Barn, Bed, Bath, and Beyond, Michel’s, and several other shops. David’s Bridal is part of this shopping center too and brides-to-be from a wide area come to buy wedding dress bargains at the popular wedding retailer.
The Target Store, ten years strong in the Joplin market, converted during 2006 into a Super Target and it borders the Northpark Crossing Shopping Center. A complete remodel has added many square feet to the store and added things that include a coffee shop, a pharmacy, and a wide variety of grocery items.
In yet another shopping center across busy Rangeline Road, retailers can find a Toys R Us, Hastings, Petsmart, Deals, Factory Card and Party Outlet, Office Max, and more. A Ryan’s buffet restaurant within the parking lot is always filled with hungry shoppers who can get their fill of the delicious food at Ryan’s.
On south Rangeline, Sam’s Club dominates and there are two Wal-Mart Super Centers within the city limits of Joplin as well as another in nearby Webb City. Small shopping centers scattered up and down Rangeline Road offer a huge variety of shopping experiences, everything from Cloth World to Red Wing Shoes, Hobby Lobby, and more.
Other major retailers than can be found along Rangeline include Hobby Lobby, Academy Sports, Wedding Bells Boutique, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Office Depot, and Goody’s.
Serious bargain hunters may want to browse the aisles of the Goodwill Store, another Rangeline favorite.
When lunch or dinner time rolls around, Rangeline is filled with restaurants of almost every variety. Look for almost every chain favorite – from McDonald’s (two on Rangeline Road alone) to The Rib Crib. Local favorites include Jim Bob’s, a delicious restaurant known for steaks, burgers, and barbecue, Casa Montez, a family owned Mexican restaurant part of the local scene for more than forty years, Pizza By Stout, and Red, Hot, And Blue, a Memphis style barbecue joint.
Top chains include Golden Corral, The Great Wall, Red Lobster, Applebee’s, and Fuddruckers. Ethnic food choices in Joplin range from Thai to Korean and Chinese, American, Mexican, Italian, and many others.
Just off Rangeline Road in other areas of Joplin, look for great shopping opportunities that include Eccentrix, a truly eccentric store that specializes in books, music, vintage clothing, hand made Native American jewelry, movies, and more,
Suzanne’s Natural Foods, and more.
Joplin is also home to multiple movie theaters, libraries, museums, and other attractions. For those who wish to spend the night or a vacation, Joplin is home to a wide variety of major hotels and motels. Two major health centers – St. John’s Regional Medical Center and Freeman Health Systems – provide state of the art health care to the same wide geographic area.
For those who live within easy driving distance, Joplin is the undisputed retail mecca for shoppers, diners, and more.
There truly is something for everyone in the growing city of Joplin, Missouri….located along the route of the old Route 66 and immortalized within the lyrics of the famous “Get Your Kicks On Route 66” song!
