Rolla is a lively university city set on Route 66. Walk around the historic downtown area and enjoy a warm Midwest welcome at diners, soda shops and steakhouses. The city is a great base to explore the Show-Me State, where you can explore sprawling forests and hike in the Ozark Mountains.
Things to do in Rolla
Downtown Rolla has all the charm you’d expect from a small city in the Midwest. The historic centre features handsome brick buildings, including a courthouse built in the Greek Revival style. Shop at mom-and-pop stores and sip milkshakes at a soda shop. Diners will tempt you with Missouri classics like crispy toasted ravioli topped with marinara sauce and gooey butter cake dusted with icing sugar. Pair your meal with a glass of wine from the Ozark Highlands American Viticultural Area.
Admire thousands of gemstones and geodes from around the world at the S&T Mineral Museum on the university campus. Highlights include shimmering chunks of pink-tinged mozarkite, the official state rock of Missouri.
Explore more than 1,200 kilometres of trails in Mark Twain National Forest. The park is named after the iconic American author and is a great place to hike, mountain bike and birdwatch. Rivers and streams meander through the forest and can be explored by canoe and kayak.
Cool off at Fugitive Beach, a water park set in a former quarry. Towering bluffs surround the outdoor swimming pool. Sunbathe on the beach, work up a sweat on the volleyball court and jump off wooden platforms perched on the clifftops. Picnic tables and private cabanas are available to rent.
Getting around Rolla
Downtown Rolla is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. Rental cars offer the freedom to visit Rolla and explore Phelps County at your own pace. The city is a two-hour drive from St. Louis and St. Louis Lambert International Airport.