The Rolla Community

Rolla, Missouri’s number one small town, according to Norm Crampton’s 100 Best Small Towns in America, is a terrific college community. Located in south central Missouri about 100 miles from both Saint Louis and Springfield, Rolla offers the friendliness, safety and charm of a small town with the cultural and recreation options of a much larger city.

An outdoor enthusiast’s dream, Rolla [population 20,000] offers many ways to get out and stretch your legs.  A 20 minute drive leads to some of the most beautiful state parks in the Ozarks for world-class hiking, camping, canoeing, fishing or just relaxing. The Ozark National Scenic Riverways is the heart of the region with 135 miles of riverways to explore. Bring your own gear or rent from the Student Recreation Center and hit the water for a float trip with friends. The Centre, Rolla's 63,000 square foot water park, fitness and recreation center, beckons students to its world-class facility near campus.

The historic downtown district borders campus. A stroll down Pine Street will take you to cafés, cycling shops, live music, book stores, art galleries and vintage stores. Local restaurants offer everything from pizza to sushi and fine dining. And don’t forget, Rolla is a prominent stop along America’s most famous highway – old Route 66. Spend the weekend visiting the area’s museums, antique stores and specialty shops. Rolla is the hub of the area’s cultural scene boasting an active professional theatre.

Several of Missouri’s best-known vineyards are a short drive down I-44. Of course, the Lake of the Ozarks, with its abundance of water sports and shopping, is an hour away. And Saint Louis always offers plenty to do – shopping at the Galleria, visiting the zoo, touring museums, or catching a Cardinals, Rams, Steamers or Blues game.

What more can there be you ask?

• More than 10 places to hear live music
• The regions premier healthcare facility
• 25 public parks covering more than 235 acres across the city
• Golf courses
• Movie theatres
• Places of worship for all major religions
• Plenty more that we just don’t have room to list!