Ed Clark Museum of Missouri Geology reopens in Rolla

Geologists and local leaders gathered in Rolla Friday, Nov. 6, to host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to formally reopen the Ed Clark Museum of Missouri Geology. Over the past year, the museum was temporarily closed while remodeling and updates were completed. Located within the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Buehler Building at 111 Fairgrounds Road in Rolla, the museum is free to the public and now open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

“Since its founding, the Ed Clark Museum of Missouri Geology has provided information about our state’s most amazing rocks and landscapes,” said Carey Bridges, state geologist and director of the Missouri Geological Survey.  “We welcome everyone to come visit and learn more about Missouri’s geology. Since we are just off Route 66 in Rolla, we are also showcasing our many spectacular natural destinations for travelers. We hope to inspire them to stay longer on their journey or come back to explore places like Elephant Rocks, Johnson’s Shut-Ins or Ha Ha Tonka state parks during their next vacation.”  

Bridges said the Ed Clark Museum’s renovation included physically remodeling its interior space to create more room for exhibits. New flooring was also installed to celebrate Missouri’s unique geological heritage.

“Since this is a museum about Missouri geology, we of course wanted to showcase our state’s most beautiful rocks,” Bridges said. “We are featuring Missouri granite and polished limestone from the Phenix Quarry. These are the same materials used at the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City and just like there, if you take a close look, you’ll see many fossils are preserved on the surface of the limestone throughout the museum.”  

Bridges added the Ed Clark Museum’s renovation included creating a new exhibit space where new material will be unveiled each year highlighting an ongoing project or effort by the Missouri Geological Survey.

“Our first debut for this area of the museum is dedicated to sharing the work and impact of our Missouri Hydrology Information Center,” Bridges said. "Going forward, we want to regularly breathe new life into the museum and if you come back and visit us a year from now, you’ll find an entirely new exhibit and information waiting for you. I’ll give you the hint that we are planning next year’s theme to be about our ongoing work locating critical minerals within the state.”

For more information, contact MoDNR’s Missouri Geological Survey at 573-368-2100 or by email at geology@dnr.mo.gov.

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