Explore Historic Carthage
See what hidden treasures are waiting to be found year round in our quiet and historic town.
Maple Leaf Festival is an annual parade and festival which celebrates the changing of Carthage's iconic maple leaf trees. People and Businesses come from all over to participate in our festival which makes it the biggest parade in the four states.
Marian Days is a four day celebration of the Virgin Mary that happens every first Thursday of August at the campus of the Congregation of the Mother Co-Redemptrix on River St. Here you can find festivities and great Vietnamese food and gift vendors as 80,000+ Vietnamese Americans gather to offer their prayers to the Virgin Mary.
Red, White & Boom is Carthage's public firework display held every year at the Municipal Park. This is a fantastic show and a must see for any visitors staying on the Fourth of July.
Sparkle in the Park is a dazzling Christmas display from December 1st to January 4th held in Central Park. Take an enchanting walk through the park at night to admire the lights and, if you're lucky, a winter wonderland.
Things to Do
Local History in Carthage, MO
Jasper County Courthouse & Historic Square
The Jasper Country Courthouse, built in 1854, is still in operation and is one of the most photographed buildings in all of Missouri. Visitors can go inside and see the romanesque architecture constructed from local Carthage marble and see many historical pieces displayed on the first floor. Be sure to check out the shops and restaurants surrounding the courthouse that make up the Carthage Square and take notice of the original buildings built nearly 200 years ago. You can download the PDF version of a Self-Guided Downtown Walking Tour at https://www.experiencecarthagemo.com/downtownwalkingtour and experience the rich history behind each of the historic buildings.
Battle of Carthage Historic Site
The Battle of Carthage was one of the earliest recorded battles of the American Civil War and took place on July 5, 1861. Today, a single battle site has been preserved in remembrance of a war that changed the entire course of American History. Now a quiet and serene park, visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll or a picnic and enjoy the surrounding nature. For more information on where you can watch one of our annual civil war reenactments, visit https://battleofcarthage.com
Enjoy museums? You won’t want to miss free admission to the Civil War Museum off of the Carthage square.
Historic Homes Driving Tour
Some of the large Victorian style homes you can see in Carthage were built in the 1800’s as bankers, mine owners, doctors, and successful businessmen came to live in the city. Be sure to take advantage of the Historic Homes Driving Tour booklet which you can find at the Carthage Tourism Office, or downloaded to your phone for free at https://www.experiencecarthagemo.com/historichomes
You can also find more information about each of the homes, who owned them, and when they were built at https://www.carthagehistoricpreservation.org/
If you are familiar with the popular Precious Moments figurines, then the Precious Moments Chapel & Gardens are a must see attraction. Inspired by the Sistine Chapel, Sam Butcher created his own masterpiece when he built the Precious Moments chapel and you can tour the grounds for free today, though donations are recommended. See the beautiful creations of Sam Butcher and learn more about how he dedicated his life’s work to God and the children who inspired him.
Precious Moments Chapel & Gardens
The Ruby Jack Trail is a 16-mile trail that begins in Carthage, MO and ends at the Kansas-Missouri state line. This trail is mostly flat and covered with crushed limestone which makes it ideal for bikes, strollers or wheelchairs. The thick tree lines provide shade for most of the trail which make it a cooler trek in the summertime and birdsong and other wildlife are abundant. For more information on the Ruby Jack Trail, visit: https://www.joplintrailscoalition.org/ruby-jack-trail/
Ruby Jack Trail
Located just outside of the Congregation of the Mother of the Redeemer is a quiet and shaded park called Calvary Hill Park. This park is open to the public during the day for free admission and features multiple statues depicting the Passion of Christ. Mostly shaded and with paved trails, this park is a great place to relax and enjoy the Japanese Koi Pond. You may also tour the statues from the road in the comfort of your car.
Calvary Hill Park
Places to Eat
Feeling hungry? Carthage has plenty to offer when it comes to choosing where to go. Here’s a list of local restaurants and places to eat when you’re looking for your next meal.
Carthage Family Restaurant
Habanero’s Mexican Grill
Mis Arcos
El Charro
Big Ben’s BBQ
Orchid Thai Kitchen
Murphy’s Law Restaurant and Bar
Amigo’s TexMex
Bistro By the Brick
Whisler’s Burgers
Pancake Hut
Sirloin Stockade
Bamboo Garden
The Carthage Deli
The Pie Safe
Maple Leaf Coffeehouse
Iggy’s Diner
Boomer’s BBQ
Taste of Italy
Alim Hibachi and Sushi
Simple Simon’s Pizza
Roscoe’s Bar and Grill
Lucky J Steakhouse and Arena
Stone’s Throw Dinner Theatre
El Quetzal
La Playita
Taqueria Los Compas
Taqueria Genesis
While most of our history is rooted within the Civil War era, Carthage is also known for its historic Route 66 attractions, bringing travelers from all over the world in search of something nostalgic. Today, many of the attractions have been preserved and can still be visited and enjoyed. In recent years, Carthage has been experiencing somewhat of a revival for Route 66 relics and we hope to be a part of sharing that history for many years to come. Find out more about what Route 66 attractions you can find as you make your way along the Mother Road.