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Joplin Union Depot: Awaiting Restoration

Explore Joplin's historic railway past at the Union Depot, a landmark with ongoing redevelopment for a vibrant future.

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The Joplin Union Depot, a historic train station built in 1911, stands as a testament to Joplin's past as a vital transportation hub. Though currently vacant, its architectural significance and ongoing redevelopment efforts offer a glimpse into a promising future.

A brief summary to Joplin Union Depot

  • 205 N Main St Rd, Joplin, Missouri, 64801, US

Local tips

  • Admire the architecture from the exterior, noting the early curtain wall construction and geometric details.
  • Check with the Downtown Joplin Alliance for updates on redevelopment plans and potential future events at the Depot.
  • Explore nearby attractions like Route 66 Mural Park and the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Main Street and 4th Street in downtown Joplin, the Joplin Union Depot is located approximately three blocks north. Walk north on Main Street, and the depot will be on your left. Sidewalks are available.

  • Public Transport

    The Sunshine Lamp Trolley and MAPS Transit provide public transportation in Joplin. Check the trolley routes and schedules for the nearest stop to the Joplin Union Depot. A single ride fare is around $1-$2. MAPS Transit also offers curb-to-curb service on a pre-scheduled basis. Contact MAPS for scheduling and fares.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxi and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Joplin. A short taxi ride from downtown Joplin to the Union Depot will cost approximately $7-$10, including the base fare. Ride-sharing services may vary in price.

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Discover more about Joplin Union Depot

The Joplin Union Depot, located at 205 N Main St Rd, Joplin, MO, is a historic train station with a rich past. Constructed in 1911 by the Kansas City Southern Railway, the depot showcases a progressive Academic Eclectic design, featuring early curtain wall construction and bold, geometric details. The station quickly became a vital center for activity and commerce, housing a waiting room, dining area, ticket offices, a newsstand, and a barber shop. The depot served several railroads, including the Kansas City Southern Railway and the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad. For 58 years, it facilitated constant service until its closure in 1969. After its closure, the building transitioned to private investors but suffered neglect and deterioration. In the late 1990s, the State of Missouri acquired the property and is now working with the Downtown Joplin Alliance to find a preservation-minded developer to revitalize this landmark. Today, the Joplin Union Depot awaits its rescuer, with ongoing efforts to secure its preservation and adaptive reuse. While the building is currently closed to the public and surrounded by a chain-link fence , its architectural brilliance can still be admired from the outside.

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