Phelps County
Nestled in the foothills of the Ozarks, beautiful Phelps County awaits you. An area rich in history and heritage and surrounded by the timeless beauty of the Ozarks, activities abound with parks, waterways, wineries, and fun-filled attractions all within reach. Seated in the heart of Phelps County is Rolla, home to the world-renowned Missouri University of Science and Technology, a place where discovery, innovation, and creativity are the norms. Rolla’s neighboring community, St. James, is a quaint town known for its wineries and outdoor experiences.
Family fun is around every corner in Rolla, from an outdoor skateboard park to indoor roller skating at The Zone, to mini golf and go-karts at Kokomo Joe’s Family Fun Center. The fun doesn’t stop there, Phelps County offers several options to help beat the summer heat. SplashZone in Rolla and Tiger Shark Waterpark in St. James are a great place for the kiddos to cool off. Hold on to your flip flops, Rolla has a beach! Fugitive Beach is more than just a swimming hole, offering beautiful sandy beaches, water slide, cliff jumps, sand volleyball, kiddie play area and more. Within minutes of St. James, you’ll find fly-fishing heaven at Maramec Springs Park. Plenty of fun can be had indoors as well. Explore the performing arts at Rolla’s Ozark Actors Theatre and Leach Theatre or the quaint Lyric Live Theatre in Newburg. Test your puzzle-solving skills at Great Xscape, Rolla first-ever escape room!
Are you ready to get your kicks on Route 66? The historic byway runs right through the heart of Phelps County. Every year in June, Rolla celebrates the legacy of the “Mother Road” with the Route 66 Summerfest. Summerfest is a 2-day free event that has something for everyone, from car shows to burn out contests, crafts to live music.
Phelps County is your destination for wines and cold brews. Enjoy an award-winning craft beer at Public House Brewing Company, with locations in Rolla and St. James. St. James, also known as the “Little Italy of the Ozarks,” boasts some of the best wine in the state. Meramec Vineyards Winery, Eagles Landing Winery, and the state’s largest winery, St. James Winery, all offer unique tasting experiences and variety of events.