Joplin’s Tin Cup Trail opens, suspension bridge still under construction

Outdoor lovers rejoice, Joplin’s Tin Cup Trail is now open!

The 1.5-mile trail offers a scenic route along Tin Cup Creek, connecting the St. John’s Trail near Mercy Park to trails in McIndoe Park and the Shoal Creek area. It will also connect to Grand Falls, Missouri’s largest continuously running waterfall, following the completion of that section of trails in south Joplin.

The trail begins just north of the Joplin Family Y at 32nd Street and McIntosh Circle. This scenic path is ready to explore, even as crews prepare for its next big feature — a suspension bridge, which will open once delayed materials arrive and construction is completed.

Until the bridge is in place, trail-users can access the trail’s entrance from the north side of the front parking lot. Please park in the rear lot south of the Y building, as the front lot is reserved for Y members. Once the bridge is finished, it will connect directly to the south lot, offering a shorter and more convenient route to the trail.

The trail’s southern entrance is on the west side of McIndoe Park along Glendale Road, with nearby parking available.

“Excitement for this project has been building, and this is a ‘soft opening’ of the trail,” said Dan Johnson, Director of Public Works.

The bridge’s steel components are delayed, but the trail is open. Visitors should watch for construction related to the bridge and an unrelated, nearby sewer project. Materials are expected later this year, and Johnson is optimistic that the bridge will be completed in spring 2026.

“We’ll have a nice celebration to open this long-awaited trail officially. We’re looking forward to it, just like our citizens.”

This expansion of Joplin’s trail network is funded through the Parks and Stormwater Sales Tax, Use Tax revenues, and ARPA funds