Rolla MO is a hidden gem in the Midwest and there are plenty of things to do to keep you busy. From hiking and biking trails to historic sites and museums, Rolla has something for everyone. Here are the top 21 fun things to do in Rolla MO.
Rolla, Missouri is a great place to live if you want to be close to both Springfield and St. Louis. The Missouri University of Science and Technology is located here, as well as many beautiful natural areas.
Things to do in Rolla mo
1- Go to Mark Twain National Forest
One of the largest and biggest national parks in the United States, Mark Twain National Forest spans an impressive 750 miles. This forest is a must-see attraction in Rolla.
There are many activities you can engage in at Mark Twain National Forest, from biking and hiking to trekking and walking. With plenty of trails to enjoy, you’ll never get bored!
The possibilities for recreation are endless – you can do anything you want with your family or friends. And if you want to camp, there are plenty of different campsites to choose from.
2- See a display at Ozark Actors Theatre
Ozark Actors Theatre began in 1988 in a rebranded church with no other stage to speak of.
The theater has evolved over time and is now one of the most popular and functional theaters in Missouri.
It has always been a popular hangout for locals looking for a night out. You would often see them flocking around the theatre for a movie night.
The theatre has undergone some renovations and has become a popular tourist spot. Guests come here to get a taste of vintage vibes.
Ozark Actors Theatre is a popular destination for shows and events throughout the year, and it is consistently ranked as one of the best things to do in Rolla.
No matter when you visit, you’re guaranteed a treat!
3- Shop at the Rolla Antique Mall
The Rolla Antique Mall is the largest and most well-known of its kind in the area, encompassing at least 23,000 square feet.
Do you have a passion for antiques?
Do you love finding unique vintage items when you go shopping?
If you’re ever in the area, be sure to check out the Rolla Antique Mall.
There is no better place to go on a shopping spree than Rolla Antique Mall. You can explore the many items sold by its countless vendors without breaking the bank.
Set aside an hour or two to browse the myriad of treasures sold at this magnificent antique mall.
Shop for unique items like glassware, vintage furniture, handicrafts, artwork, books, jewelry, tools, collectibles, toys, old photographs, ceramics, and more.
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4- Little prairie conservation area
The Little Prairie Conservation Area is a stunningly beautiful place spanning roughly 40 acres. It features lush greenery, woodlands, and a shimmering lake.
If you’re looking for unique things to see in Rolla, take a drive out to the Little Prairie Conservation Area with your travel buddies.
Rolla is the perfect place to enjoy free activities that won’t break the bank.
It features well-maintained restrooms, at least three miles of hiking trails, a courtesy dock, and plenty of other facilities.
Make the most of your day by exploring the stunning natural scenery of this conservation area with your companions.
5- Rolla Lions Club Den and Park
The Rolla Lions Club Den and Park is a much-loved city park, thanks to its many amenities and facilities. The park is the perfect place to enjoy several interesting community festivals and events throughout the year.
Rolla Lions Club Den and Park is one of the many great places to visit in Rolla.
There are many cool attractions in Rolla to visit and enjoy various cheap activities to do near you, like visiting this beloved park.
With plenty of playgrounds, sports courts, and rentable pavilions with grills, it’s the perfect place to take your family for a fun day out.
This place is a nature lover’s paradise, with a glistening lake, towering trees, and expansive green fields.
Make unforgettable memories with your loved ones at Rolla Lions Club Den and Park. You can enjoy a delightful picnic, mountain biking, fishing at its sparkling lake, and so on.
You can also develop and improve your team-building skills while enjoying sports such as soccer, baseball, softball, basketball, volleyball, and disc golf.
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6- Leach Theatre
Leach Theatre, located inside Castleman Hall on the Missouri University of Science and Technology campus, has been providing world-class entertainment to the South Central Missouri area since its opening in 1991.
Leach Theatre is a popular venue for a variety of events, averaging 100 per academic year. From musical performances by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra to a wide range of other musical genres, this theatre has something for everyone.
Other performers include the American Idol winner Phillip Phillips, energetic dance troupes like the Shangri-La Chinese Acrobats and the Russian National Ballet, and much more.
Leach Theatre is available for rental by outside organizations depending on the schedule. It is open from Monday to Friday, 10 am to 4 pm, but closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
7- Have a great day at The Fugitive Beach
Do you want to have an amazing day filled with laughter? Then stop at Fugitive Beach! It’s one of the best water parks in Missouri and is the perfect place to have some fun with water.
The old quarry has been transformed into an astonishing water park, thanks to some amazing renovations.
There are plenty of options for how high you can jump into the water. If you’re feeling brave, you can choose the 60ft rock, but there are also 15-20 ft cliffs available for those not so strong at heart.
The resort features plenty of amenities to keep you entertained, like a sandy beach, volleyball courts, a colossal slide, dining choices, pavilions you can rent, and much more.
You can even choose to swim around, play volleyball, and do some water sports on the fake beach! It only costs a little and is an amazing way to enjoy your lazy day!
The Fugitive Beach is just one of the top and best things to do in Rolla.
8- Play laser tag at the Zone
The Zone offers you an opportunity to learn roller skating or to test your skills if you are already a professional skater.
The kids love this place because it’s like their dreamland. They can roller-skate, play in the maze, jungle gym, and laser tag.
If you have special occasions like birthday parties or events, you can organize them here. The guest of this place says that the laser maze is great for a rainy day.
There’s plenty of fun to be had at this arcade! With plenty of games to choose from, you and your family can spend hours enjoying yourselves. So go ahead and have a blast!
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9- The Zone Rolla’s Family Entertainment center
Zone Rolla’s Family Entertainment is an excellent place to have fun, with more than 45 arcade games, a roller skating rink, and many other great activities.
When it’s raining or cold outside, are you searching for indoor activities to keep your vacation fun-filled?
If you’re looking for some family fun, head on over to Zone Rolla’s Entertainment.
At this fun-filled destination, your kids can enjoy roller skating, laser tag, bouncing, arcade games, and more. There’s also a special jungle gym area for kids 8 and under.
Come to this entertainment center to enjoy fun things to do in Rolla and forget about the gloomy weather outside!
You can enjoy a variety of activities for your enjoyment.
There’s plenty to do at this laser tag arena, from making your way through a laser maze to competing in a game of laser tag to playing a myriad of games at its arcade to roller skating.
Make sure to keep an eye on your kids as they play on the jungle gym and jump around in the bounce area.
10- Ed Clark Museum of Missouri Geology
One interesting place to take your kids in Rolla is the Ed Clark Museum of Missouri Geology. They can learn about different types of rocks and how they are formed.
The Ed Clark Museum of Missouri is an excellent educational choice for your ward if they are interested in rocks and similar topics.
The entire rock collection at this museum is always available for visitors to see. The museum does a great job of explaining the geology of Missouri.
This attraction is a serene and lovely place to enjoy a calm day, and best of all, it’s free for any visitor!
The interior is also highly maintained for you to enjoy.
11- Explore Downtown Rolla
Downtown Rolla is the perfect place to hang out with friends after a long day of exploring everything the city has to offer.
All the recreational activities are the epicenter of Rolla, this bustling area is home to many businesses thanks to the nearby stores and shops.
You will find plenty of cafes and shops to explore downtown, Rolla. There are also plenty of tourist attractions to keep you busy.
The Rollamo Theatre and Phelps County Courthouse are two of many attractions that have been around for hundreds of years.
Relax and enjoy your evening in Downtown Rolla! There are plenty of great cafes and shops here for you and your kids to enjoy.
12- Mule Trading Post
One interesting thing to do in Rolla visits the Mike Trading Post. The store was opened in the Pacific in 1946 by Frank Ebling and is known for its wide variety of mule-related merchandise.
Although it was bypassed by Interstate 44 in 1957, Ebling chose to construct his new trading post on the four-lane Route 66. Since then, it has been passed through several owners.
The 1950s saw the beginning of a local favorite attraction, offering customers an exciting, comfortable, and brand new showroom with modern items.
If you’re in town and looking for a great place to shop, be sure to check out Mule Trading Post. They’re open Thursday through Saturday, so you’ll have plenty of time to browse their selection.
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13- Fall Creek Rock Shop
Fall Creek Rock Shop is a family-owned business that has been providing quality rocks and minerals to customers for over 50 years. In which: Laurence and Helen Nuelle as the principals, and daughter Sarah and son Justin as co-owners.
Larry is a geologist who specializes in mineral exploration, while Helen is a consultant in the field of special education.
Since grade school, Larry has always been a rockhound and still maintains an active collection of mineral and fossil specimens.
Fall Creek Rock Shop is a one-stop shop for all your rock needs! They carry everything from the smallest pebbles to the most expensive gems, and their staff is always ready and willing to help you find the perfect piece for your collection.
The Fall Creek Rock Shop is open every day of the week, so take advantage of it and check it out – it’s one of the top things to do in Rolla!
14- Learn history at Vacuum Museum
The Museum of Vacuums is a unique and exciting place to visit in Rolla. Most people find it amusing because it is quite an odd museum.
Have you ever wondered how vacuum cleaners came into existence? Or who was the first person to imagine a vacuum cleaner? If so, you’ve come to the right place!
This museum, run by a guy who loves vacuums, is filled with rooms full of vacuums.
You’ll be taken on a tour that tells the story of the first vacuum, how it came to be, and its earliest models!
If you’re ever in Rolla, be sure to check out this amazing museum! You won’t regret it!
15- Enjoy and spend a night at Red, Hot & Blue
If you’re looking for some delicious Southern-style BBQ, Red, Hot & Blue is the perfect spot. Located right in the heart of Rolla, we’ve got you covered.
The quality of the meat is fantastic, and the combinations of dishes are even better. A good number of their ribs on the menu have even gained recognition and awards!
The live music playing in the background combined with the delicious food creates a unique vibe.
No matter when you visit, you will always hear blues playing in the restaurant.
The beauty of their walls would also love you. They are well decorated with awards, newspaper cuttings, and memorabilia!
16- St James Recreational Center
Do you like sports? Would you like to join a team while you’re in Rolla? James Recreational Center can help you with that.
At James Recreational Center, there is always a game to catch. Whether it’s baseball, basketball, or soccer, you can always register yourself with any team and play with them.
However, the summer and winter seasons have different schedules. Also, different sports are played during the respective seasons.
Before registering for any sports, be sure to check with the help desk as the timing may differ depending on the season.
17- Relive your childhood and play at Joe’s Family Fun Center
One of the most loved tourist attractions in Rolla and one of the best things to do is Joe’s Family Fun Centre. It is a place everyone loves and would be of interest to the children.
You could survey the people of Rolla for their favorite hangout spot, and you are likely to receive replies mentioning Joe’s Family Fun Centre.
This center has everything you need to have a good time indoors. From escape rooms to trampoline parks, the place has just everything you could want.
This place is a blast! They’ve got laser tag and go-carts, and the kids just love it. No matter your age, you’ll find something to do here.
Joe’s Family Fun Centre is open to the public every day! Come on down and enjoy some family fun!
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18- Coachlite Lanes
Coachlite Lanes is a spectacular 16-lane bowling alley that also features a handful of other superb enjoyable facilities.
What about spending a fun bowling night with your friends? Does that sound like something you’d be interested in? Coachlite Lanes in Rolla has got you covered!
The bowling venue in Rolla is one of the best bowling venues in the United States, making it a top destination for bowlers.
Spending a day bowling with your friends, loved ones, or significant other is a great way to have fun in Rolla, MO.
The fun never stops at this amusement center, with a snack bar serving delicious snacks, pool tables, a wide array of arcade games, and state-of-the-art facilities.
Have fun creating new memories with your travel buddies at Coachlite Lanes doing all sorts of fun-filled things together.
There are plenty of great activities to enjoy at the arcade, like bowling, playing pool, trying out different arcade games, and more!
19- Ber Juan Park
Ber Juan Park, located in the east-central part of Rolla, is the centerpiece of Rolla’s parks.
The neighborhood is bordered on the east by Burgher Branch, on the west by Holloway and Farrar, on the north by 14th and 18th streets, and on the south by 10th Street (Highway BB).
Ber Juan Park is a sprawling 85-acre park boasting open grassland, top-notch recreational facilities, and walking trails.
There are many key areas of interest in the park, including Rolla’s Health and Recreation Complex, the tennis courts, The Centre, and SplashZone.
More include a playground and picnic area east of the SplashZone; the Ber Juan Sportsplex, a multi-field baseball, softball complex, and soccer. The Rolla High School baseball team calls Bayless Field, part of the Sportsplex, home.
The park has a walking and exercise trail with outdoor fitness equipment and exercise guides to help you measure and improve your fitness level.
20- Hands-On Art Studio and Gallery
Hands-On Art Studio & Gallery is an outstanding space that provides a variety of art activities for all age groups from preschool-adult.
Their goal is to create an inspiring workspace and infuse the community with new energy and life for the arts.
This space not only acts as a gallery for Visherryl Morgan of Visherryl’s Virtual Visions but also as a studio and workspace. Here, she intends to not only work on her traditional pieces but also on bigger installations.
They are open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
21- Ozark Rivers Audubon – Nature Center
The Audubon Nature Center is a must-see for all those visiting Rolla, with around 70 acres to hike through and explore.
The long trail weaves through different habitats for three miles, including woodlands, pine forests, glades, prairie, and a riparian zone.
Take your family on a hike around the different biomes, have a picnic as you enjoy the scenery, or simply try and spot as many native animals as you can.
The person who spots the most animals first gets a prize!
You can also treat this as an educational and fun experience by learning about the different habitats and native plants.
If you’re passionate about birds, you can go birding while also learning about the local Audubon society’s efforts to conserve them.
The monthly lectures feature different speakers, and the group outings are great for bird watching. The best part is that you don’t need to be an experienced hiker to go on these trips. They welcome individuals of all fitness levels.
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What is there to do in Rolla MO tonight?
There are many things to do in Rolla MO tonight. You could go out to eat at one of the local restaurants, catch a movie at the theater, or go bowling. You could also visit one of the local parks, take a hike, or go fishing. Whatever you decide to do, you’re sure to have a great time!
What is Rolla Missouri known for?
The University of Missouri has renowned engineering programs and computer departments nationally as well. Mark Twain National Forest’s headquarters are situated in Rolla.
What restaurants are in Rolla?
There are many great restaurants in Rolla, but some of the best include El Jimador Mexican Restaurant, The Blind Tiger, The Alex’s Pizza, Los Cazadores, and The Bandana’s BBQ. El Jimador offers traditional Mexican cuisine in a casual setting, while The Blind Tiger is a great place for burgers, wings, and other American fares. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, Rolla has something to offer everyone.
What stores are in Rolla MO?
There are many great stores in Rolla, Missouri. However, some of the best stores are those that sell local products. These stores include the Farmer’s Market, TJ Maxx, Red Door Gifts, Local Sprouts, Totem Pole Trading Post, and Honeybee. Each of these stores offers a unique experience and sells products that are not available at other stores.
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Conclusion:
Rolla is a great place to visit for any tourist, and even the locals. Just like we’ve seen, this town is full of beautiful galleries, antique malls, amazing museums, historic sites, thrilling water parks, and lovely theatres. Don’t forget to get to know things to do in Rolla Mo, including attractions, activities, and more!