Overview
Rolla is a city in the Central Missouri region of Missouri on historic Route 66. It is home to Missouri University of Science and Technology (Formerly University of Missouri at Rolla) campus.
3 sights · 1 things to do · 9 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 8 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Rolla
Ozark Actors Theatre
Provides professional summer stock theater and winter productions.
Leach Theater
Castleman Hall at Missouri University of Science and Technology. Many varied events and performances at this University theater.
Stubby Stonehenge
See this half-size "replica" of Stonehenge on the campus of Missouri University of Science and Technology (Formerly University of Missouri-Rolla). But, don't expect to use it as they've built buildings all around it so t…
Parks
Have pools, tennis courts, lakes, a recreation center, and activities.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 90°F; winter lows dip to about 24°F. Very hot (Jul) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Cold months (Jan) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: May and Apr. (climate data from nearby St. Louis)
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.
- TBN Waynesville-St. Robert Regional Airport-Forney Field, Fort Leonard Wood — 25 mi away. Directions
- COU Columbia Regional Airport, Columbia — 65 mi away. Directions
- STL St. Louis Lambert International Airport, St Louis — 94 mi away (major hub). Directions
Rolla is about 1 hour and 45 minutes to both Springfield to the west and St. Louis to the east along Interstate 44. Columbia, MO is 1 hour and 45 minutes North of Rolla. You can take US 63 from Columbia.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $59–$59 a night (typical $69), from 2 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$100, mid-range ~$140, comfortable ~$220.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Ozark Actors Theatre, Leach Theater
- Lunch Alex Pizza Place
- Afternoon Stubby Stonehenge, Parks
- Dinner El Maguey
- Evening Joe and Linda's Tater Patch
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
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
Rolla is a beautiful town located along I-44, with a population of about 20,000.
Get in
By car
Rolla is about 1 hour and 45 minutes to both Springfield to the west and St. Louis to the east along Interstate 44. Columbia, MO is 1 hour and 45 minutes North of Rolla. You can take US 63 from Columbia.
By plane
The closest large commercial airport is Lambert St. Louis International Airport which is served by most US carriers. The airport is about 1 hour and 45 minutes from the city. Greyhound and USA Express have shuttles from the airport to Rolla and back or you can rent a car at the airport.
For private aircraft Rolla National Airport is about a 15 minute drive north of the city.
You can fly into Waynesville - St. Robert Regional Airport from St Louis.
By bus
Note: Greyhound no longer stops into St Roberts and/or Fort Leonardwood. Nearest Greyhound station/stop is in Greyhound. They travel on I-44 between St Louis and Oklahoma City via Springfield, Joplin and Tulsa.
By train
The nearest train station is the Jefferson City Amtrak Station. From there you can rent a car. You can also take a train to St. Louis Gateway station.
Get around
No public transportation exists in Rolla and a car is almost a necessity to get around. However, bicycling is a viable alternative and the town is small enough walking could be facilitated if necessary. There are a couple of taxi cab companies in town also.
Place Quality Cab Taxi Service
You can take an Uber but there is usually only one or two available.
See
See Stubby Stonehenge
See this half-size "replica" of Stonehenge on the campus of Missouri University of Science and Technology (Formerly University of Missouri-Rolla). But, don't expect to use it as they've built buildings all around it so the horizon is no longer visible at solstice. Ooops.
Do
Eat
Eat Alex Pizza Place
Incredible Local Pizza.
Eat El Maguey
Tex-Mex platters and fajitas and margaritas.
Eat Los Cazadores
Offerings include fajitas and margaritas.
Eat Mandarin Garden
They've got the cashew chicken and a small buffet.
Eat Maid Rite
Incredible crumble burgers.
Eat NaCl + H2O
Surf and turf, but especially seafood.
Eat Mottomo Sushi
Japanese with bento boxes and bulgogi.
Eat A Slice of Pie
Some of the best pie you can get in the country.
Drink
Drink Joe and Linda's Tater Patch
Eat Giddy Goat Coffee House
Eclectic atmosphere with art and decor and steamed milk in your coffee.
Sleep
Stay Comfort Suites
Nearby
St. James
City / town · 1 listings · 9 mi away
Jerome
City / town · 1 listings · 11 mi away
Cuba
City / town · 10 listings · 21 mi away
St. Robert
City / town · 18 listings · 22 mi away
Salem
City / town · 5 listings · 25 mi away
Bourbon
City / town · 1 listings · 32 mi away
Licking
City / town · 2 listings · 32 mi away
Mark Twain National Forest
Park · 6 listings · 43 mi away
My experience
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