Page Contents
Things To Do In Rolla
Small cities are always delightful to relax in. Rolla is a small university town in the Phelps County of Missouri, United States. This city is not as popular as other tourist cities of the state but don’t let this demotivate you from visiting here. Be prepared to be surprised here! There are some unique and fun things to do in Rolla, Missouri, that will make you want to revisit it later someday again.
The city is between St. Louis and Springfield. Read this article to know what makes visitors come to Rolla and pack their bags for the weekend.
The Fugitive Beach:
All the guests who claim to be water babies will have a time of their lives here at Fugitive Beach. You can have a fun-filled outdoor day filled with laughs here. Fugitive Beach is one of the best things to do in Rolla, not only in Rolla but in all of Missouri. It is the perfect place to beat the heat of the sub-tropical weather of Rolla and have some fun in the water.
The park is in an old but renovated quarry that was turned into this water park. From tall water slides to pools of varying depths, there is no shortage of attraction in Fugitive Beach. For the brave ones, there is also a 60 feet rock, and for the mild-hearted ones, there are also 15-20 feet cliffs.
Swim around, indulge in some water sports with your kids, and have a fun volleyball competition on the fake beach! It is a pocket-friendly way to have a lazy day!
Address: 16875 County Rd 5285, Rolla, MO 65401, United States
Website: The Fugitive Beach
Ed Clark Museum of Missouri Geology:
Are you someone who is interested in the rocks and geography of a place? Well as the name suggests, the Ed Clark Museum of Missouri Geology is the right place for you. It is one of the best places where you can take your kids for an educational outing. It is in the Buehler Building.
The museum exhibits a variety of minerals and even boasts replicas of dinosaurs from Missouri. After visiting this attraction, you’ll be able to identify minerals. This museum has free admission, literature, and geologic and topographic maps of Missouri. The museum is closed on Federal and State holidays. Make sure to visit their website (given below) before your visit to know more about the museum.
Address: 111 Fairgrounds Rd, Rolla, MO 65401, United States
Website: Ed Clark Museum of Missouri Geology
The Zone:
There are people who can not go without burning some calories, even when they are on vacation. If you are one of those people, this place will offer you a chance to burn calories, but on wheels. Popular among local skaters, The Zone is a skating rink in Rolla, Missouri.
The Zone is not only popular among adult skaters, but also among kids. They offer fun things to do like laser tag, roller-skating, video game arcades, jungle gym, maze, glow-in-the-dark mini-golf, bumper cars, and mini bowling here. It is also open for rentals to host birthday parties or other events here. Reviewers of TripAdvisor say that the laser maze here is amazing on a rainy day. The Zone’s arcade is a spacious area that has arcade games. Visit this place surely to enjoy a day with your kids and family!
Address: 555 Blues Lake Pkwy, Rolla, MO 65401, United States
Website: The Zone
Mark Twain National Forest:
Named after renowned Missouri author Mark Twain, Mark Twain National Forest is one of the largest national parks in the United States. The forest is divided into six regions and boasts attractions like Greer Spring and Eleven Point National Scenic River. Visitors can also enjoy a surreal panoramic view of over 48 kilometers to the Boston Mountains in Arkansas from the Glade Top Trail National Scenic Byway. A 350-mile long nature trail is known as Ozark Trail paves its way through the National Forest. Bikers can enjoy biking at the Chadwick Motorcycle Area and Sutton Bluff Motorcycle Trail System.
Other attractions include springs, caves, old volcanic mountains, rocky barren glades, and streams. Spend the day here biking, trekking, hiking, walking, or just saking the wilderness and nature here. The options for recreational activities are just endless here.
There are also many campsites here. However, stay aware of black bears!
Address: 401 Fairgrounds Rd, Rolla, MO 65401, United States
Website: Mark Twain National Forest
Ozark Actors Theatre:
The Ozark Actors Theatre was established in 1988. It is a small but one of the most active theatre groups. If you want to interact with local actors and live performance arts, this is the place for you. The theater keeps brimming with locals and tourists alike for a movie night. Tourists get vintage vibes from the theatre, and it has now become a famous tourist spot after renovations.
The theatre hosts many shows throughout the year. So, no matter when you visit, you will have many sources of entertainment.
Address: 701 N Cedar St, Rolla, MO 65401, United States
Website: Ozark Actors Theatre
Rolla Antique Mall:
Are you someone who likes to browse through the antique objects’ sections of a magazine? If yes, then Rolla Antique Mall is the most ideal place for you!
It is owned by the veterans on the exit of I-44 179 between Rolla and Fort Leonard Wood. The mall boasts about 90 vendors that sell countless items of different types. It has two floors. The items here are sold at an easy-on-pockets rate. Shop until your drop and take a lot of antique yet aesthetic stuff for yourself back home from here!
Address: 12020 Dillon Outer Dr, Rolla, MO 65401, United States
Website: Rolla Antique Mall
Red, Hot & Blue:
The itinerary of a place is incomplete without exploring its cuisine! So to keep the foodies busy, Rolla has Red, Hot & Blue. It is a franchise-based restaurant that serves delicious Southern-style BBQ. They have a huge selection of menu that serves the best and most palatable meat, and an array of other snacks. Their ribs have even won awards. They also host many live music events.
So you can have a relaxing evening here by combining delicious food and some soulful music.
Address: 2601 S Rangeline Rd, Joplin, MO 64804, United States
Website: Red, Hot & Blue
St James Recreation Center:
St. James Recreation Center is a sports center in Rolla, MO. It offers opportunities like basketball, baseball, or soccer. Here, visitors can play with any team by enrolling and or can play with their own team.
Make sure to check the schedules for winters and summers before your visit.
Address: 1204 Nelson Hart Rd, St James, MO 65559, United States
Coachlite Lanes:
Another place to enjoy some quality time with your friends and family in Rolla, Coachlite Lanes is a place where you can have a bowling night. Known to be one of the best bowling venues in the whole United States, it boasts 16 lanes. The place is well staffed and maintained.
They have a lively ambiance, and music with some hot snacks to recharge your energy. So even if you are really not into bowling, visit this place t have one of the best experiences in the USA.
Address: 1038 Kingshighway, Rolla, MO 65401, United States
Website: Coachlite Lanes
Vacuum Museum:
All the people who are into cleanliness, make sure you visit this attraction. It is a quirky and odd museum. The muse is a causing place to be. The manager of the museum is so much into museums that he made a museum dedicated to vacuums.
Take a guided tour here, and know anecdotes about the vacuums here. This is the most unusual yet fun thing that you’ll do in Rolla, MO.
Address: 410 S Bishop Ave, Rolla, MO 65401, United States
Little Prairie Conservation Area:
Now let’s talk about the guests who want some nature in their itinerary! the little Prairie Conservation Area is a small oasis of greenery amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. Visit this place to silence your cravings for some greenery and have a breath of fresh air.
The area boasts a quiet lake, numerous hiking trails, picnic grounds, and playgrounds. Take your family out here for a soothing picnic in the arms of nature. Burn some calories by following some nature trails or just sit back and relax here. It also allows pets also!
Address: Rolla, MO 65401, United States
Website: Little Prairie Conservation Area
Stonehenge:
For people who are yet to see the real Stonehenge, make sure to visit Stonehenge in Rolla, MO. It is a modern replica of the real Stonehenge. However, it is a man-made structure that attracts a lot of tourists who are into rocks.
Visit this place for some Instagram-worthy shots by which you can fool your friends. Make sure to read the info-graphics here so that you can know more about the place.
Address: State St., Rolla, MO 65409, USA
Downtown Rolla:
Just like the downtowns of other American cities, Downtown Rolla is a quirky section of the city with a nice and cozy ambiance. You can take your lovers out for a date here, or your family or a shopping spree. There are many restaurants, shops, stores, and recreational centers here.
Attractions like Phelps County Courthouse and Rollamo Theatre are here! So, in case you have ticked off all the things in Rolla, stroll around in its Downtown. Visit a cafe to relax, and have a great evening here!
Public House Brewing Company:
All the beer connoisseurs reunite! The Public House Brewing Company is a brewing company where you can live the American dreams of on-tap craft beers. It is popular for serving an array of specialties like Hiding and Seeks Hefeweizen, Rod’s Cream Ale, and Revelations Stout.
Housed in an inviting and cozy pub, Public House Brewing Company is in downtown Rolla, Missouri. This brewery boasts a 3.5 barrel brew system. Here the staff is welcoming and knowledgeable, patio seating, local art, and a wide range of snacks. Enjoy board games, experience community storytelling, or sip a chilled pint of beer here.
Address: 600 North Rolla Street, Rolla, MO 65401, United States
Website: Public House Brewing Company
In case this list is not enough to keep you occupied in Rolla, go through our article of things to do in Springfield, MO. It is a two hours drive away from Rolla. Or explore the city of Ozark through our article.
