Where is Bolivar, Missouri

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: August 5, 2026

Bolivar is a city in southwest Missouri and the county seat of Polk County. Located in the Ozarks region, it is about 30 miles north of Springfield and serves as a regional center for education, health care, and commerce. The city is home to Southwest Baptist University and is known for its historic downtown and nearby outdoor recreation.

Location Map of Bolivar, Polk County, Missouri

Where is Bolivar Located in Polk County, Missouri

About Map: The map shows the location of Bolivar in Polk County, in the U.S. state of Missouri.

Bolivar Map, Missouri

About Bolivar Map: The Google Map highlights the location of Bolivar in Polk County, Missouri. Use the zoom, satellite, and street-view options to explore the city's neighborhoods, roads, and nearby places.

Where is Bolivar Located?

Bolivar is a city located in Polk County, Missouri, the United States. The city lies in southwest Missouri along U.S. Highway 65, approximately 30 miles (48 km) north of Springfield, 35 miles (56 km) southwest of Lebanon, and about 55 miles (89 km) south of Sedalia. Bolivar is located at 37.6145° North latitude and 93.4104° West longitude. According to the 2020 United States Census, the city had a population of 10,679. Bolivar covers approximately 8.20 square miles (21.24 sq km). The city is known for Southwest Baptist University, its historic courthouse square, and its role as the county seat of Polk County. A unique fact about Bolivar is that the community was named after Simón Bolívar, the South American independence leader. The surrounding Ozark countryside also provides opportunities for hiking, fishing, camping, and other outdoor activities.

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Bolivar City Facts

AttributeDetails
CityBolivar
StateMissouri
CountyPolk County
CountryUnited States
RegionSouthwest Missouri, Ozarks
Incorporated1835
Founded1835
Total Area8.20 sq mi (21.24 sq km)
Land Area8.17 sq mi (21.16 sq km)
Water Area0.03 sq mi (0.08 sq km)
Elevation1,211 ft (369 m)
Population (2023 estimate)Approximately 11,000
Population (2020 Census)10,679
Population DensityAbout 1,307 people per sq mi
Time ZoneCentral Time (CT) (UTC−6/UTC−5)
ZIP Codes65613
Area Code417
Major HighwaysU.S. Highway 65, Missouri Route 32, Missouri Route 83
Public TransitBolivar Transit
Major AttractionsSouthwest Baptist University, Polk County Courthouse, Dunnegan Memorial Park, Bolivar Square, Truman Lake
Official Websitehttps://bolivar.mo.us/

Distance from Bolivar, MO to Nearby Cities

  • Buffalo, MO – 16 miles (26 km)
  • Fair Play, MO – 14 miles (23 km)
  • Stockton, MO – 29 miles (47 km)
  • Springfield, MO – 30 miles (48 km)
  • Lebanon, MO – 35 miles (56 km)
  • Marshfield, MO – 24 miles (39 km)
  • Willard, MO – 25 miles (40 km)
  • Osceola, MO – 37 miles (60 km)
  • Warsaw, MO – 48 miles (77 km)
  • Clinton, MO – 54 miles (87 km)
  • Lebanon, MO – 35 miles (56 km)
  • Joplin, MO – 94 miles (151 km)
  • Branson, MO – 72 miles (116 km)
  • Jefferson City, MO – 87 miles (140 km)
  • Sedalia, MO – 55 miles (89 km)
  • Columbia, MO – 126 miles (203 km)
  • Kansas City, MO – 166 miles (267 km)
  • St. Louis, MO – 185 miles (298 km)
  • Fayetteville, AR – 113 miles (182 km)
  • Tulsa, OK – 189 miles (304 km)

Top Attractions in Bolivar

  • Southwest Baptist University
  • Polk County Courthouse
  • Bolivar Square
  • Dunnegan Memorial Park
  • McGee Park
  • Polk County Museum and Historical Society
  • Truman Lake
  • Stockton Lake
  • Fellows Lake
  • Missouri Institute of Natural Science

Airports Near Bolivar

  • Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF) – 40 miles
  • Downtown Airport (SGF) – 33 miles
  • Branson Airport (BKG) – 82 miles
  • Columbia Regional Airport (COU) – 126 miles
  • Kansas City International Airport (MCI) – 180 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the Official City of Bolivar Website.

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