Rolla is located in Phelps County, Missouri, in the United States, with a population of 19,943 during the 2020 census. The city is well known worldwide because of its well-equipped university—the Missouri University of Science and Technology.
Rolla has a stable economy because it produces a lot of things like dog and cat foods, semiconductors, small engines, and molded-fiber egg packaging.
Rolla is an excellent place to spend quality time because it offers amenities like a fun center, theater, parks, museums, and restaurants with special delicacies.
Here is a guide to the 15 Best Things to do in Rolla, Missouri
1. Make Memories at Kokomo Joe’s Family Fun Center
Kokomo Joe’s Family Fun Center offers thrilling excitement. Arcade games are available with various other games to keep you and your kids entertained.
Take your children on a fun trip to experience intense fun with activities like go-karting, miniature golfing, and batting caging. The fun center can serve as a way of giving your kids a surprise treat.
Kokomo Joe’s Family Fun Center also offers the option of organizing special events in their engaging environment. Spending time with the kids at this incredible center is one of the best things to do in Rolla, MO.
Address: 10450 State Rte V, Rolla, MO 65401, United States.
2. Take a Tour of the Ed Clark Museum of Missouri Geology
Ed Clark Museum of Missouri Geology lets you be acquainted with Missouri’s environmental history, which comes from a rock collection.
The museum is perfect for field trips, as it gives kids insight into different types of rocks, minerals, and fossils. The exciting part is that it is accessible to the general public.
Interesting artifacts like a meteorite, a model of Missouri’s official state dinosaur, mammoth rusk, and a fluorescent minerals display are in the museum.
To know more about the geological history of the city, you can purchase maps and books that give detailed information right inside the premises.
Address: 111 Fairgrounds Rd, Rolla, MO 65401, United States.
3. Enjoy an Incredible Performance at Ozark Actors Theatre
Ozark Actors Theatre was created in 1987 by honorable people who sought to bring traditional theatre to the Ozarks. The sublime theatre became accessible to the public in 1988.
Ozark Actors Theatre is well known for its impressive theatric display in the city and worldwide. It also holds an astonishing record of being the only theater that has made over 100 shows.
Different shows and events are hosted throughout the year, and you wouldn’t want to miss watching a thrilling performance at the theatre.
Address: 701 N Cedar St, Rolla, MO 65401, United States.
4. Have Fun at the Fugitive Beach
Fugitive Beach is a fantastic water park located in Missouri that offers you intense fun. Add spending time here to your bucket list of things to do in Rolla, MO.
Fugitive Beach offers a volleyball court, cliff jumps, towering bluffs, and bright blue water. When jumping into the water, you can check how courageous you are by choosing one of the available height options.
Delicious meals are also served at Fugitive Beach bar and grills, which leaves you with no worries when you are famished. It is a beautiful place to spend time with your friends or family.
Address: 16875 County Rd 5285, Rolla, MO 65401, United States.
5. Explore the Mid-Missouri Vacuum Museum
You may be surprised that an actual vacuum cleaner museum exists. Yes, it does exist, and it is owned by Tom Gasko, who picked up an interest in vacuum cleaners when he was a child.
Mid Missouri Vacuum Museum holds over 500 types of vacuum cleaners, and you will be given a tour with a detailed explanation of each.
A special event named the vacuum cleaner collectors club hosts a national convention every September. This event puts up a challenge on a rug cleaning contest. Check out this museum and enjoy learning about vacuum cleaners.
Address: 410 S Bishop Ave, Rolla, MO 65401, United States.
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6. Enjoy Fishing at the Little Prairie Conservation Area
The Little Prairie Conservation Area has a serene environment where you can visit to enjoy the beauty of nature. It is located on a 40-acre remnant Heilbrunn prairie.
An opportunity for hiking and riding bicycles is possible on the 3-mile trail that goes through woodlands, beautiful grasslands, and unique plants.
You will see Rowell Lake on 97 acres of land within the conservation area. Rowell lake offers amenities like fishing from your boat or shore and hunting.
It is advisable to obey the rules in the form of signs put into place while you are on the premises. If you are seeking a place to experience nature at its peak, visiting here should be on your list of things to do in Rolla, MO.
Address: Rolla, MO 65401, United States
7. Checkout the Replica of the Original Stonehenge at Stonehenge
Stonehenge is a large monument with historical value made of a circle of standing stones. The Original Stonehenge is located in England, but you can see a Rolla replica.
Some students designed this Stonehenge replica at the University of Missouri campus in 1984. The remarkable thing is that this stone was carved in a month using advanced equipment.
It is a perfect structure you would want to ensure you set your gaze. Visitors are always welcome to admire the design of this bewildering project.
Address: Rolla, MO 65409, United States.
8. Enjoy Bowling at Coachlite Lanes
Lovers of bowling won’t miss an opportunity to visit Coachlite Lanes because of its top-notch bowling facility. They offer good services, and spending time here is one of the best things to do in Rolla, MO.
Coachlite Lanes offers you an impressive 16 lanes for bowling and an automatic scoring system. You can play in their tournament to showcase your bowling skills.
Address: 1038 Kingshighway, Rolla, MO 65401, United States.
9. Buy Antique Items at Rolla Antique Mall
Rolla Antique Mall offers you the option of choosing from various fascinating items you can buy. If you’re looking for cool stuff to buy, shopping here is one of the best things to do in Rolla, MO.
Rolla Antique Mall has two floors containing many unique items for your purchase. The mall has an appealing design, and the goods found in this mall are very cheap. There are over 300 dealers in this elegant mall.
Address: 12020 Dillon Outer Dr, Rolla, MO 65401, United States.
10. Have a Picnic at Rolla Lions Club Den and Park
Rolla Lions Club Den and Park is a well-spaced park with many facilities to make your stay worthwhile. The area has a picturesque view, three playgrounds where kids can have fun, and two basketball and volleyball courts are within the premises.
There is also a 4.5-mile bike trail available inside the park, allowing you to go for a long walk or ride a bike. There is a lake within the park, and fishes like catfish, bass, and perch are in the lake.
Baseball lovers will love it here because the park has two baseball fields for younger and older children. Only adults are allowed to play softball.
Rolla Lions Club Den and Park have ten impressive pavilions with electricity and water. You can make reservations for your family picnic or relaxation.
Address: 1061 S Bishop Ave, Rolla, MO 65401, United States.
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11. Enjoy Quality Beer at Public House Brewing Company
Public House Brewing Company offers you classic beer brewed with only the finest ingredients. Josh Stacy and Josh Goodridge 2010 discovered the brewery.
The serene atmosphere allows you to enjoy palatable dishes with different types of beer you can choose. A specialty-built private space can take up to 330 people.
Beers are usually made in cans and come in different types like a hazy, elusive, headshot, cream ale, revelation giddy goat, and many other tasty beers.
Address: 600 N Rolla St, Rolla, MO 65401, United States.
12. See a Musical Show at the Leach Theatre
Leach Theatre is known for offering mind-blowing entertainment. It opened in 1991 and is located on the Missouri University of Science and Technology Campus.
Leach Theatre shows outstanding events that will keep you entertained. It has an enormous space with well-built seats that can accommodate many spectators. The theatre holds more than 100 events every year.
World-class performance from groups like Shanghai La Chinese, the Russian national ballet, and the St. Louis symphony orchestra has been done here.
Address: Castleman Hall, 400 W 10th St #103, Rolla, MO 65401, United States.
13. Have an Artful Experience at Hands-On Art Studio & Gallery
Hands-On Art Studio & Gallery is a remarkable place where art is taken to a new level. Lovers of art should add a stop here to their bucket list of things to do in Rolla, MO.
The art studio offers everyone different art activities, regardless of age. This place is accessible to both beginners and professional artists. They also provide art tutorials for those who would love to learn.
Painting equipment is available, and a tutor will guide you as you showcase your artistic skills.
Address: 908 N Pine St, Rolla, MO 65401, United States.
14. Have a Meal at Bandana’s Bar-B-Q Rolla
Bandana’s Bar-B-Q Rolla offers top-quality southern dishes in a cowboy-styled environment. Foods are made with quality ingredients to satiate your hunger in style.
Their menu includes palatable dishes like chicken wings, hot boiled peanuts, beef platter, turkey platter, BBQ salad, and other delicacies.
Drinks like soda, freshly made iced tea, Fitz’s root, and beer float are also available to complement your meal. Plus, they have a special menu for children.
Address: 1705 Martin Springs Dr, Rolla, MO 65401, United States.
15. Enjoy Top-notch Pizza at Alex’s Pizza Palace
Alex’s Pizza Palace offers you great pizza with the finest ingredients. It was opened in November 1964 by a couple named Alex and Froso Kallas.
Besides making delicious pizzas, they also prepare gyros, sandwiches, pasta, and chicken parmigiana. You won’t regret taking a bite from their pizza made with their secret recipe. An option of adding toppings to your pizza is available.
They also offer special catering services for special events like birthday parties, get-together parties, and other special events.
Address: 122 W 8th St, Rolla, MO 65401, United States.
Plan Your Next Trip to Rolla, Missouri
Rolla is a fantastic city with places that can make your stay unforgettable. Ensure to follow the guide properly on things you can do in the city.
Tell us all about your experience in the comment section. Share this article with others, and let us know how we can update it. Enjoy!