Where is Poplar Bluff, Missouri

Poplar Bluff is a city in southeastern Missouri and the county seat of Butler County. It is about 100 miles west of Cape Girardeau and 150 miles south of St. Louis. Known as the Gateway to the Ozarks, Poplar Bluff serves as a regional center for healthcare, education, shopping, and business and is surrounded by forests, rivers, and outdoor recreation areas.

Location Map of Poplar Bluff, Butler County, Missouri

About Map: The map shows the location of Poplar Bluff in Butler County, in the U.S. state of Missouri.

Poplar Bluff Map, Missouri

Where is Poplar Bluff Located?

Poplar Bluff is a city located in Butler County, Missouri, the United States. It lies in southeastern Missouri near the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, about 100 miles west of Cape Girardeau and roughly 150 miles south of St. Louis. Dexter is around 20 miles northeast, while Kennett is about 45 miles southeast. Poplar Bluff is positioned near 36.757° North latitude and 90.392° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 16,225 residents. The city covers about 14.48 square miles, or 37.50 square kilometers. Poplar Bluff serves as the county seat of Butler County and is a major regional center for southeastern Missouri. The city developed along the Black River and grew rapidly after the arrival of railroads in the late 19th century. Timber, agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation have all played important roles in its history. The Black River remains an important natural feature and provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. Poplar Bluff is home to Three Rivers College, a regional community college serving southeastern Missouri. The city also has a strong cultural connection to the Ozarks and is often called the "Gateway to the Ozarks." A unique local attraction is the Margaret Harwell Art Museum, which hosts exhibitions and cultural programs in a historic home. The Historic Rodgers Theatre is another downtown landmark that reflects the city's entertainment and architectural history. US-60, US-67, and Missouri Route 53 provide convenient transportation links to Cape Girardeau, Sikeston, Dexter, and other communities across southeastern Missouri.

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Poplar Bluff City Facts

Distance from Poplar Bluff, MO to Nearby Cities

• Dexter, MO – 20 miles (32 km)
• Doniphan, MO – 30 miles (48 km)
• Corning, AR – 35 miles (56 km)
• Kennett, MO – 45 miles (72 km)
• Sikeston, MO – 45 miles (72 km)
• Van Buren, MO – 40 miles (64 km)
• Cape Girardeau, MO – 100 miles (161 km)
• West Plains, MO – 80 miles (129 km)
• Farmington, MO – 100 miles (161 km)
• Paragould, AR – 75 miles (121 km)
• Jonesboro, AR – 85 miles (137 km)
• Paducah, KY – 120 miles (193 km)
• St. Louis, MO – 150 miles (241 km)
• Springfield, MO – 180 miles (290 km)
• Memphis, TN – 145 miles (233 km)
• Little Rock, AR – 170 miles (274 km)
• Evansville, IN – 190 miles (306 km)
• Nashville, TN – 220 miles (354 km)

Top Attractions in Poplar Bluff

• Margaret Harwell Art Museum – A local art museum housed in a historic residence, featuring rotating exhibitions, cultural programs, and community events.
• Historic Rodgers Theatre – A restored historic theater in downtown Poplar Bluff that hosts performances, concerts, films, and community events.
• Mo-Ark Regional Railroad Museum – A museum preserving the railroad history of Poplar Bluff and the surrounding southeastern Missouri region.
• Black River – The river runs through the Poplar Bluff area and provides opportunities for fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, and outdoor recreation.
• Black River Coliseum – A major local venue hosting sporting events, concerts, exhibitions, and community activities.
• Poplar Bluff City Park – A community recreation area with walking paths, sports facilities, playgrounds, picnic areas, and open green space.
• Mark Twain National Forest – Large areas of the national forest lie within driving distance and provide hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and scenic outdoor recreation.
• Lake Wappapello State Park – A nearby state park centered on Lake Wappapello, offering boating, fishing, hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.

Airports Near Poplar Bluff, MO

• Poplar Bluff Municipal Airport (POF) – 5 miles
• Cape Girardeau Regional Airport (CGI) – 95 miles
• Jonesboro Municipal Airport (JBR) – 85 miles
• Memphis International Airport (MEM) – 145 miles
• St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) – 155 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Poplar Bluff city website and local government records.

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