Explore West Plains

Explore West Plains With so many things to see and do around West Plains, choose West Plains as the place to shop, dine, rest your head, and wake up to begin another adventure.
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The Ozark Heritage Welcome Center, a State of Missouri Welcome Center affiliate, serves the West Plains area. West Plains (Pop. 12,063 ) is located in south-central Missouri and serves as the county seat of Howell County. It is the largest city within and 80-100 mile radius. West Plains offers a wide variety of lodging, dining and shopping. Much of the scenic beauty surrounding West Plains is part

of the Mark Twain National Forest. Explore the beauty of the Ozarks! Outdoor adventures are plentiful including camping, canoeing/kayaking, fishing, hiking, and hunting. Several spring fed, crystal clear rivers are within a 30-mile radius of West Plains along with historic water mills. Notable residents of West Plains throughout the years include baseball players Preacher Roe and Bill Virdon, singers Porter Wagoner and Jan Howard, actor Dick Van D**e, author Daniel Woodrell, and pilot Stephen W. Thompson. https://www.explorewestplains.com/

The historic Lincoln School in West Plains is marking its 100th anniversary in 2026 with a three-day Juneteenth and Cent...
06/17/2026

The historic Lincoln School in West Plains is marking its 100th anniversary in 2026 with a three-day Juneteenth and Centennial Celebration, June 19–21, honoring African American history in the Ozarks.

Built in 1926 as a one-room segregation-era school for Black students, Lincoln School has been restored into a cultural and educational center and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2025.

✨ Friday, June 19 (10 a.m.–4 p.m.) – Celebrate on the historic school grounds,1400 E. Pony Thomas St., with food trucks, live music, a classic car display, and historical presentations at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Bring lawn chairs.

🎶 Saturday, June 20 (11 a.m.–2 p.m.) – Head downtown for “Music By the Murals,” Luster Arcade, featuring live performances and music from DJ T-Nyce. (A separate evening gala event is sold out.)

🕊️ Sunday, June 21 (8 a.m.) – The weekend concludes with a memorial service at historic Sadie Brown Cemetery honoring regional African American figures. Bring lawn chairs for limited seating.

A special highlight of the weekend will be the attendance of three surviving Lincoln School alumni, offering a living connection to this important piece of local history.

For details on events, visit explorewestplains.com/events/Food Truck ThursdayThursday, June 18 • 10 a.m.-2 p.m.West Plai...
06/16/2026

For details on events, visit explorewestplains.com/events/

Food Truck Thursday
Thursday, June 18 • 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
West Plains Downtown East Parking Lot

Sounds Downtown ~ Live Music
The Downtown House Band & Drifters Mile
Thursday, June 18 • 6-8 p.m.
The Back Lot Luster Arcade

Live Music ~ Kyle Rummens (Acoustic)
Thursday, June 18 • 7 p.m.
Shenanigans, 5 Luster Arcade

250 Year Celebration presentation
“Civil War” by Vincent Anderson
Thursday, June 18 • 6 p.m.
Garnett Library, 304 W. Trish Knight

Juneteenth & Lincoln School Centennial Celebration
Food Trucks, Music, Classic Cars
Friday, June 19 • 10 a.m-4 p.m.
Presentations from 11 a.m-1:30 p.m.
Lincoln School, 1400 E. Pony Thomas

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
Event by Fine Arts Academy
Friday, June 19 • 7 p.m.
Saturday, June 20 • 3 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Genesis Church, 4945 US Hwy 160

Live Music ~ Krislyn Arthurs & The Trainwrecks
Friday, June 19 • 7 p.m.
Shenanigans, 5 Luster Arcade

"Matilda" the Musical
June 19-20 & 25-27 • 7 p.m.
Sundays, June 21 & 28 • 3 p.m.
The Avenue Theatre, 307 Washington Ave.

All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast Fundraiser
Saturday, June 20 • 7:30 a.m.
American Legion Hall, 1401 Bill Virdon Blvd.

“Music By the Murals”
Live Music & DJ T-Nyce
Saturday, June 20 • 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Luster Arcade

Evening of Live Music & Dance
by Dazzle Tap Studio
Saturday, June 20 • 6:30 p.m.
West Plains Civic Center

Karaoke
Saturday, June 20 • 8 p.m.
Shenanigans, 5 Luster Arcade

Memorial Service Honoring Lives &
Legacies of Regional African American Figures
Sunday, June 21 • 8 a.m.
Historic Sadie Brown Cemetery
Corner of N. Hwy. 63 and W. Hwy. 14

Father's Day - Sunday Funday
Sunday, June 21 • 12 p.m.
Shenanigans, 5 Luster Arcade

Gallery Exhibit "FREEDOM"
Artists' Celebration of 250 Years
hosted by West Plains Council on the Arts
Through July 17 • during hours of operation
(The Civic Center will be closed July 3-4)
West Plains Civic Center Mezzanine

“Beyond the Canvas” 3D Art Show
(History Displays also available)
Thurs.-Sun., thru July 11 • noon-4 p.m.
Harlin Museum, 405 Worcester

OTHER THINGS TO DO
(These activities are listed each week
so visitors will know about them,
but as reminders for locals, too!)

Splash Pad in Butler’s Children’s Park
Open Daily • 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Aquatic Center ~ People’s Park

Art @ OzSBI ~ Angela Bullard
April-June, weekdays • 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Ozarks Small Business Incubator
408 Washington Ave.

“Go Farm” Farmers Market, 805 Worley Drive
Saturday • 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Fun Junction Arcade, Laser Tag & Fun Center
216 W. Main St., 417-257-3671

Movies @ Glass Sword Theatre
1001 Lanton Road, glassswordcinema.com

Johnny Hatchets Axe Throwing
47 Court Square, 417-372-0160

Lightning Bowl Bowling Alley
1711 W. US Hwy 160, 417-255-2695

Par 4 N More ~ Indoor Golf & Arcade
5024 US Hwy. 160, 417-505-9324

Roller Skating @ S&S Skateland, 1649 W. US Hwy 160

Super Bounce ~ Inflatables, Arcade Games
(temporarily closed for relocation)

Teeny Tiny Town ~ Children’s Play Area
919 Preacher Roe Blvd., 417-257-9811

Virtual Greens – Golf Simulators/Arcade
2112 Independence Square, 417-204-4817

North Terra Public Golf Course
1724 N. Terra St., off BB Hwy., 417-256-9824
Disc Golf Course at JMB Park, BB Highway

Gaming @ Game Stash, 112 Washington Ave.
See Game Stash on Facebook for schedule

Gaming @ C7, 3504 N. US Hwy. 63
See C7 on Facebook for schedule

Senior Center, M-F, variety of activities for all ages
including Bingo (must be 16+ to play) on Fridays
Weekly Dance w/Country Express, Saturdays • 7-9 p.m.
Call 417-256-4055 to confirm schedule

Ozark Heritage Welcome Center
Monday-Friday • 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
2999 Porter Wagoner Blvd.

(Photo is view from inside the historic Lincoln School looking out onto the Reflection Plaza)

West Plains America 250 Reminders!⏩Join us Saturday, July 4, from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. for an Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Cel...
06/15/2026

West Plains America 250 Reminders!

⏩Join us Saturday, July 4, from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. for an Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration hosted by Explore West Plains on the campus of Missouri State University–West Plains.

❤️ Centered around the Bell Tower area, this family-friendly event will feature a non-motorized parade, kids’ activities, food trucks, and music.

🤍 At 10:15 a.m., the mayor will offer a welcome, followed by a patriotic sing-along and a performance by the Ozark AcousChicks (Women’s A Ca****la Chorus). Walk 250 participants: Don’t forget to turn in your log sheets to the Ozark Heritage Welcome Center by July 3. To be eligible for the prize drawing, at least 250 miles must be recorded. Winners will be announced at the event.

💙 The “Walk and Roll” (non-motorized) parade starts at 11:30.

For additional information, including how to participate in the parade, visit the America 250 - West Plains event page.

⏩And don’t forget to pick up your America 250 gear at the Welcome Center or at our satellite booth at Downtown Vendors & Arts in the Aid Hardware building, One Court Square.

❤️🤍💙 Celebrate with us!

SAVE THE DATES! The Ozark Heritage Festival is set for October 16 & 17, 2026, in and around the West Plains Civic Center...
06/14/2026

SAVE THE DATES! The Ozark Heritage Festival is set for October 16 & 17, 2026, in and around the West Plains Civic Center.

Organizers invite vendors interested in participating to visit the "Registration" link on the https://www.oldtimemusic.org/ website for more information.

🛍️ REMINDER: Looking for West Plains souvenirs or a gift to take home? Stop by the Ozark Heritage Welcome Center booth a...
06/13/2026

🛍️ REMINDER: Looking for West Plains souvenirs or a gift to take home? Stop by the Ozark Heritage Welcome Center booth at Downtown Vendors & Arts inside the historic Aid Hardware Building, One Court Square.

While the Welcome Center itself (2999 Porter Wagoner Blvd.) is open Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m., Downtown Vendors offers extended hours — including weekends — making it a great place to shop for West Plains gear and locally inspired gifts.

And while you’re there, take time to explore! With antiques, boutique finds, flea market treasures, and more throughout the store, Downtown Vendors & Arts is one of the must-see retail stops in West Plains Downtown.

Check out the Downtown Vendors & Arts page for current hours and more information!

It’s back! After a 12-year hiatus, SkyFire returns to West Plains on Friday, July 3, hosted by Give Local First at its n...
06/12/2026

It’s back! After a 12-year hiatus, SkyFire returns to West Plains on Friday, July 3, hosted by Give Local First at its new location in the Heart of the Ozarks Fairgrounds parking lot.

Gates open at 5 p.m., with fireworks lighting up the sky at dark. Come early and enjoy food trucks from 5–9 p.m. serving BBQ, burgers, tacos, hot dogs, desserts, drinks, and more.

Admission is just $5 per car. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and tailgates and make an evening of it with family, friends, and community fun under the summer sky!

(See comments for additional information about the event. We copied this from Give Local First. If you have further questions, please reach out to them.)

THROWBACK THURSDAY – This week, we’re celebrating  Bill Virdon, a famous past resident of West Plains. His birthday was ...
06/11/2026

THROWBACK THURSDAY – This week, we’re celebrating Bill Virdon, a famous past resident of West Plains. His birthday was Tuesday, June 9 — born in 1931. He passed away Nov. 23, 2021, at the age of 90, leaving behind an incredible Major League Baseball legacy.

We recently came across this clipping from a 1951 edition of the West Plains Daily Quill. Four years before earning National League Rookie of the Year honors in 1955, he was already turning heads in the New York Yankees farm system.

At the time, his manager predicted Bill “will be one of the greatest outfielders in the game.” Turns out, that prediction wasn’t far off!

The photo of Bill with legendary New York Yankees Manager Casey Stengel is from the February 19, 1951, Quill.

Do you remember watching Bill Virdon play or hearing stories about his career?

(Copies of "Bill Virdon: A Life in Baseball" by David Jerome, are available for sale at the Ozark Heritage Welcome Center.)

Coming up this Saturday, June 13 — the Annual West Plains Car Club Wheels & Deals Car Show and Swap Meet!Get ready to se...
06/10/2026

Coming up this Saturday, June 13 — the Annual West Plains Car Club Wheels & Deals Car Show and Swap Meet!

Get ready to see lots of cool vehicles from local enthusiasts, and help us welcome visitors coming in from outside the area to be part of the fun.

If you’d like to enter a vehicle, participate in the swap meet, or find more details, visit the West Plains Car Club page.

The event will be at the 1st Church of God, 1700 Wayhaven Drive. Who’s planning to go?!

For details on events, visit explorewestplains.com/events/ "Iron Through the Hills: Rails Over theRivers & Ridges of the...
06/09/2026

For details on events, visit explorewestplains.com/events/

"Iron Through the Hills: Rails Over the
Rivers & Ridges of the Arkansas Ozarks"
Presentation by Vincent Anderson
Hosted by Ozarks Heritage Research Center
Tuesday, June 9 • 6-7 p.m.
Garnett Library, 304 W. Trish Knight

MSU-West Plains University
Community Band Summer Concert
Thursday, June 11 • 7 p.m.
West Plains Civic Center

Live Music ~ Preston Ary (Acoustic)
Thursday, June 11 • 7 p.m.
Shenanigans MO, 5 Luster Arcade

A Swan Princess Ballet “The Story of Swan Lake”
by Children’s Ballet of the Ozarks
Friday, June 12 • 7 p.m.
Saturday, June 13 • 2 & 7 p.m.
West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St.

Live Music ~ Reece Colin and the 33's
Friday, June 12 • 7 p.m.
Shenanigans, 5 Luster Arcade

West Plains Car Club Car Show
Saturday, June 13
Registration 8-12, Awards 3 p.m.
First Church of God, 1700 Wayhaven Dr.

Weekly Racing
Saturday, June 13 • 5 p.m.
Legit Speedway Park, 10603 US Hwy. 63

“Back the Blue” ~ A Night of
Remembrance & Honor for Fallen
Christian & Webster County Deputies
Saturday, June 13 • 5 p.m.
West Plains Civic Center

Live Music ~ Garrick Fausett & The Revelry
Saturday, June 13 • 7 p.m.
Shenanigans, 5 Luster Arcade

Live Music ~ Action (Get Action) *TX
Spectral & E.S.A.
Saturday, June 13 • 7 p.m.
The Yellow House, 209 W. Trish Knight St.

Cars & Cones hosted by
Cars & Good Company West Plains
Saturday, June 13 • 8-10 p.m.
Nadine’s Homemade Ice Cream, 675 Missouri

Live Music ~ Grits & Greens
Sunday, June 14 • 6 p.m.
Shenanigans, 5 Luster Arcade

Gallery Exhibit "FREEDOM"
Artists' Celebration of 250 Years
hosted by West Plains Council on the Arts, Inc.
June 8-July 17 • during hours of operation
(The Civic Center will be closed July 3-4)
West Plains Civic Center Mezzanine

“Beyond the Canvas” 3D Art Show
(History Displays also available)
Thurs.-Sun., thru July 11 • noon-4 p.m.
Harlin Museum, 405 Worcester

Summer Art Sessions
Create & Color Studio by Mary-Louise
Weekly Sessions in June and July
The Yellow House, 209 W. Trish Knight St.
Message Mary-Louise Grisham Nash for info

OTHER THINGS TO DO
(These activities are listed each week
so visitors will know about them,
but as reminders for locals, too!)

Splash Pad in Butler’s Children’s Park
Open Daily • 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Aquatic Center ~ People’s Park

History & Art Displays
Thursdays-Sundays • noon-4 p.m.
Harlin Museum, 405 Worcester Ave.

Art @ OzSBI ~ Angela Bullard
April-June, weekdays • 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Ozarks Small Business Incubator
408 Washington Ave.

“Go Farm” Farmers Market, 805 Worley Drive
Saturday • 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Fun Junction Arcade, Laser Tag & Fun Center
216 W. Main St., 417-257-3671

Movies @ Glass Sword Theatre
1001 Lanton Road, glassswordcinema.com

Johnny Hatchets Axe Throwing
47 Court Square, 417-372-0160

Lightning Bowl Bowling Alley
1711 W. US Hwy 160, 417-255-2695

Par 4 N More ~ Indoor Golf & Arcade
5024 US Hwy. 160, 417-505-9324

Roller Skating @ S&S Skateland, 1649 W. US Hwy 160

Super Bounce ~ Inflatables, Arcade Games
(temporarily closed for relocation)

Teeny Tiny Town ~ Children’s Play Area
919 Preacher Roe Blvd., 417-257-9811

Virtual Greens – Golf Simulators/Arcade
2112 Independence Square, 417-204-4817

North Terra Public Golf Course
1724 N. Terra St., off BB Hwy., 417-256-9824
Disc Golf Course at JMB Park, BB Highway

Gaming @ Game Stash, 112 Washington Ave.
See Game Stash on Facebook for schedule

Gaming @ C7, 3504 N. US Hwy. 63
See C7 on Facebook for schedule

Senior Center, M-F, variety of activities for all ages
including Bingo (must be 16+ to play) on Fridays
Weekly Dance w/Country Express, Saturdays • 7-9 p.m.
Call 417-256-4055 to confirm schedule

Ozark Heritage Welcome Center
Monday-Friday • 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
2999 Porter Wagoner Blvd.

From Travel Taste and Tour Magazine. ❤️
06/08/2026

From Travel Taste and Tour Magazine. ❤️

Address

2999 Porter Wagoner Boulevard
West Plains, MO
65775

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

(417) 256-8835

Alerts

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