Things To Do
in Rolla
Rolla is a small city in central Missouri, known for its historical significance and thriving education sector. Home to the Missouri University of Science and Technology, the city attracts students and researchers from around the country. The downtown area features charming shops, cafes, and cultural attractions.
The surrounding natural beauty of the Ozarks offers opportunities for outdoor recreation such as hiking, fishing, and camping.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $40 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local diner. Then, head to Mark Twain National Forest for a morning hike.
Enjoy a packed picnic lunch surrounded by nature. Afterward, visit the Ozark Discovery Center to learn about the region's natural history.
Return to Rolla and enjoy a relaxing dinner at a popular local restaurant. Take a stroll around the downtown area to appreciate the local arts.
Grab your bike and set out on the Greenway Trail for some fresh air and exercise. Stop at the local coffee shop for a quick pick-me-up.
Continue your bike ride and enjoy the scenic views along the way. Stop for lunch at a café that offers outdoor seating.
Return your bike and unwind at a local brewery. Try some craft beers as you relax and socialize with fellow bikers.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Affordable cost of living compared to larger cities.
- Strong sense of community and friendly atmosphere.
- Access to outdoor recreational activities, including parks and hiking trails.
- Presence of a major university (Missouri University of Science and Technology) that offers cultural and educational opportunities.
- Growing local economy with opportunities in engineering and technology sectors.
- Limited entertainment and dining options compared to larger urban areas.
- Harsh winters with significant snowfall.
- Limited public transportation options.
- Small-town feel may not appeal to everyone, especially those seeking vibrant city life.
- Job market can be competitive, especially for certain fields.
Best Activities in Rolla
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Hiking, camping, birdwatching, and nature exploration
Hiking, picnicking, and exploring caves and natural bridges
Fishing, picnicking, and nature walks along the spring-fed stream
Places to Visit in Rolla
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers a panoramic view of the city and great photo opportunities
Scenic views of the surrounding nature and wildlife for photography
Rooftop dining with a fantastic view of the city
Food in Rolla
Rolla Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Slow-cooked and charred pieces of beef or pork, typically served as a sandwich or as a standalone entree. Must-try at A Little BBQ Joint.
Must-Try!
A St. Louis specialty, featuring breaded and fried ravioli filled with cheese or meat. Available at Alex's Pizza.
A regional take on fried chicken, often seasoned with unique herbs and spices. Available at several local diners and comfort food restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Open on Saturdays, offering a wide array of fresh produce, locally made jams, jellies, and baked goods. Perfect for exploring local flavors.
A recurring event featuring a variety of food trucks offering diverse cuisines like tacos, BBQ, gourmet hot dogs, and more.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Rolla, it is important to respect personal space and avoid standing too close to people, especially when engaging in conversation.
Being on time for meetings, appointments, and social gatherings is highly valued in Rolla as it demonstrates respect for others' time.
Using polite language, greetings, and showing general consideration for others is a key cultural norm in Rolla, reflecting respect for individuals and the community.
Safety
Tipping in Rolla
Ensure a smooth experience
In Rolla, United States, tipping is a common practice in establishments such as restaurants, cafes, bars, and for services such as hairdressing and taxi rides. The customary tipping rate is around 15-20% of the total bill.
Payment in Rolla, United States, is commonly made using credit or debit cards, as well as cash. Mobile payment methods such as Apple Pay and Google Pay are also widely accepted. Contactless payments are increasingly popular due to their convenience and speed.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is one of the best times to visit Rolla, with mild temperatures and blooming flowers. Expect outdoor activities and lively events.
Fall is another great time to visit Rolla, with beautiful foliage and comfortable weather. Expect fall festivals and outdoor adventures.
Rolla at Night
Hiking in Rolla
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic 5.3-mile loop trail that offers a moderate hike with beautiful views and access to the Big Piney River.
Located approximately 30 miles from Rolla, this park features various trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty through picturesque landscapes.
About 60 miles from Rolla, Shawnee National Forest has numerous trails that offer unique rock formations and beautiful vistas.
Offering a variety of trails for hiking and exploring, this national forest is ideal for both day hikes and longer backpacking trips.
Approximately 50 miles from Rolla, this area provides trails along the scenic riverways, perfect for hiking and enjoying nature.
Aiports
How to reach Rolla by plane.
Located approximately 90 miles from Rolla, STL is the largest airport in Missouri and serves numerous domestic and international flights.
Situated about 210 miles northwest of Rolla, MCI is a major airport serving the Kansas City metropolitan area with a variety of domestic and international services.
Located roughly 70 miles southwest of Rolla, SGF offers flights to several major U.S. cities and a few international destinations.
Approximately 115 miles from Rolla, COU provides regional flights and is a convenient option for travelers in central Missouri.
About 300 miles south of Rolla, MEM is a significant hub for both passenger flights and cargo, serving a wide range of domestic and international destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Rolla, comprising a majority of the population.
Significant minority group in Rolla, contributing to the diversity of the community.
A growing demographic group in Rolla, reflecting broader national trends.
Includes individuals of various Asian descents, representing a smaller percentage of the population.
This group represents individuals who identify with more than one racial category.
A small demographic group in Rolla with historical significance.
An even smaller group, typically representing less than 1% of the population.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular team sport where two teams compete to score points by advancing an oval ball into the opposing team's end zone.
A fast-paced team sport where two teams aim to score points by shooting a ball through the opponent's hoop.
A globally popular sport where two teams compete to score goals by getting a ball into the opposing team's net using any part of the body except the arms and hands.
A bat-and-ball game played between two teams who take turns batting and fielding, aiming to score runs by hitting the ball and running around bases.
A collection of athletics events based on running, jumping, and throwing, with popularity in local schools and community events.
A team sport in which two teams are separated by a net, where players score points by hitting a ball over the net and landing it in the opponent's court.
A combat sport involving grappling techniques, often popular in local schools with competitions that showcase strength and wrestling skills.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Rolla.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many local eateries offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes, with options like veggie burgers, salads, and plant-based entrees. Notable spots include Alex's Pizza, which offers a variety of vegetarian pizzas.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can find accommodating options at restaurants like Public House Brewing Company and Sweetwater Bar-B-Que, both offering gluten-free menu items.