Overview
Poplar Bluff is a city in Southeast Missouri, just east of the Ozarks.
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Summer highs reach about 92°F; winter lows dip to about 33°F. Very hot (Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Apr and Mar. (climate data from nearby Memphis)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- CGI Cape Girardeau Regional Airport, Cape Girardeau — 56 mi away. Directions
- JBR Jonesboro Municipal Airport, Jonesboro — 65 mi away. Directions
- MEM Frederick W. Smith International Airport, Memphis — 121 mi away (major hub). Directions
Poplar Bluff is on a main highway, US 67. It runs the length of the town, running north to south.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Food for you
Poplar Bluff has several national chain franchises as well as locally owned, mom and pop style diners (Hayden's BBQ).
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Understand
Poplar Bluff is within an area of Missouri with a rich and diverse background. Confederate forces freely roamed this area during the American Civil War, leading to a multitude of stories and points of interest. There are several historic homes and building that have been preserved in this town as well as a certified Sear's house on Main Street. This area is very much about history and the continuation of its heritage. It is also fiercely striving to become The Crepe Myrtle Capital of Missouri.
Get in
Poplar Bluff is on a main highway, US 67. It runs the length of the town, running north to south.
Get around
Driving is the major mode of transport. Some Mark Twain National Forest Areas offer horse trails, hiking, and bike paths. There is also a Municiapal Airport that offers charter flights.
See
- Poplar Bluff's permanent attraction is the rivers and forests surrounding it.
- It also has two golf courses and several museums including the Margaret Harwell Art Museum (located within a historic residence on Main Street) and Mo-Ark Regional Railroad Museum.
Do
The Current and Black Rivers offer water recreation, camping, hiking, and several annual events. Wappapello Lake also hosts a major speed boat competition every year.
Buy
Shopping is still rather limited at this stage. There are a few shopping centers and a Historic Downtown Area that offers small boutiques offering varying items from musical equipment to office supplies to furniture and gifts. Poplar Bluff is an expanding town and may develop more diverse shopping opportunities as it progresses.
Eat
Poplar Bluff has several national chain franchises as well as locally owned, mom and pop style diners (Hayden's BBQ).
Drink
Poplar Bluff offers several bars, a dance club, and adult entertainment clubs located outside city limits.
Sleep
There are national chain hotels and motels along with a few privately owned inns. There are also cabins to be rented along the rivers and lakes.
Nearby
Van Buren
City / town · 5 listings · 38 mi away
Sikeston
City / town · 2 listings · 45 mi away
Pocahontas
City / town · 4 listings · 47 mi away
Mountain View
City / town · 3 listings · 56 mi away
Alton
City / town · 9 listings · 56 mi away
Ozark National Scenic Riverways
Park · 1 listings · 57 mi away
Eminence
City / town · 60 mi away
Cape Girardeau
City / town · 10 listings · 60 mi away
My experience
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