Enjoy a Relaxing Vacay to Rolla

Rolla, Missouri, is the midway point between St. Louis and Springfield along Route 66. With a population of about 20,000 people, Rolla is a small town that is home to the headquarters for the Mark Twain National Forest. A visit to this sweet small town means you can engage with a number of unique museums and activities as well as the Missouri University of Science & Technology. 

Plan to spend at least a day enjoying all the fun there is to find in Rolla, which allegedly derives its unique name from Raleigh, one of the founder’s hometowns. The settlers in the area wanted to spell the name the way it sounded, hence Rolla, Mo., and not Raleigh, Mo.! No matter how you spell the city’s name, you can count on family-friendly fun that will leave you glad you made a stop at the midway town.

Four ways to have fun in Rolla, Missouri

• Visit Rolla’s Stonehenge. Dedicated in 1984, Rolla’s Stonehenge is a unique exhibit on the Missouri University of Science & Technology Campus. The stones were carved by the university’s high pressure water jet lab and meant to show off how quickly and efficiently the lab could carve stone. Pose for photos in front of this fun exhibit to a backdrop of buildings from the university. 
• Enjoy time at the Mark Twain National Forest. Whether you like to hike or bike, fish or kayak, you’ll find something fun to do at the approximately 1.5 million acres of the Mark Twain National Forest. Easily accessible from Rolla, this national forest is stunning and a fun destination for all any time of year. 
• Get your thrills at Fugitive Beach. One of the coolest water parks in Missouri (according to its website, anyway!), Fugitive Beach offers cliffs for jumping. Clip on your life jacket and test your bravery jumping off 10- and 20-feet cliffs. This spot also has a 60-foot waterslide and tons more fun for adventure-seekers of all ages. 
• Learn about rocks (and more!) at the Ed Clark Museum of Missouri Geology. See a mammoth tusk up close, check out a fluorescent mineral display and observe a meteorite that landed in Missouri. This museum is open daily and is free and engaging for all. You’ll even get to see a replica of Missouri’s state dinosaur. Cool! 

Rolla area lodging

Located about an hour from Rolla, Rosebud Resort & RV Park in Rosebud, Missouri, is the perfect spot for a peaceful getaway. Historic Rosebud is a small Missouri town with pretty scenery and a laid-back vibe, and the Rosebud RV Park is the perfect spot to call home for a few days. Featuring a playground, pool, pickleball courts and more, Rosebud RV has amenities to keep you comfortable and relaxed for however long you choose to stay. Happy travels!