Poplar Bluff was founded in 1850, it grew slowly until 1873 when the Iron Mountain railroad spurred commerce and assisted in the development of the lumber industry.
Poplar Bluff is home to the Black River Coliseum, offering plenty of entertainment opportunities as well as art galleries and museums.
Traveling exhibits and changing displays are featured at the Margaret Harwell Art Museum. The permanent collection highlights contemporary Missouri artists.
Address: Margaret Harwell Art Museum, 421 North Main Street, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901-5107, United States
Phone: 1 (573) 686-8002, Fax: 1 (573) 686-8017
Mingo National Wildlife Refuge is a remnant of bottomland hardwoods, out of the original 2 1/2 million acres. It is noted as a major migration and wintering area for migratory waterfowl.
Moark Regional Railroad Museum highlights early railroading days through model trains and photographs. Displays highlight logging, lumber mills, factories, and the early steam engine.
The Poplar Bluff Historical Museum is home to the history of Poplar Bluff and Butler County through various exhibits. Displays include bowling and golf, the Poplar Bluff Sports Hall of Fame, the U.S. Forest Service, as well as local Boy and Girl Scouts.