The MINERAL MUSEUM, within the park, contain several thousand specimens Missouri minerals: lead, zinc, iron, calcium, and silicon in various forms. If you the specimens way is much as 3000 pounds. Included also are models illustrating the history of lead and zinc mining methods, and commercial exhibits of lead and zinc products. The Museum Was Established by Tri-State Mine owners and engineers in 1930.. – Missouri: A Guide to the "Show-Me" State, 1941, Joplin section, pg. 239 .
The museum is now part of the Joplin Museum Complex and continues to be located in Schifferdecker Park. The mineral museum is now known as the Everett J Ritchie Tri-State Mineral Museum in honor of the former 30 year curator of the museum. Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday. There is admission charge of two dollars for adults except on Tuesday when admission is free.