OK-KS-MO Tri-State Marker — Attraction in Kansas

Review of the OK-KS-MO Tri-State Marker: Where Three States Meet and Everyone Gets Confused

Hidden in the far northeast corner of Oklahoma, the OK-KS-MO Tri-State Marker is one of those quirky roadside destinations that makes you wonder, “Who thought to put a concrete monument out here, and why do I love it so much?”

Historical Context

The marker sits at the meeting point of Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri, serving as a geographic curiosity and a reminder of the surveying that defined America’s patchwork of borders. Unlike some tri-state markers that are hard to reach or poorly marked, this one is surprisingly accessible—proof that not all boundary disputes have to be inconvenient. The monument itself is simple: a granite post set into the earth, cleanly inscribed to note the three states it connects.

This point once played a role in surveying history, as the western boundary of Missouri was established in the 1830s, and Oklahoma’s panhandle quirks came later in the 19th century. It’s a small but neat slice of cartographic history.

Modern-Day Experience

Visiting the OK-KS-MO Tri-State Marker is delightfully low-key. There’s no gift shop, no interpretive center, no one selling t-shirts that say “I stood in three states at once.” It’s just you, the marker, and the quiet countryside. And that’s exactly what makes it charming.

There’s a bit of comedy in how anticlimactic it feels. You hype yourself up for the big moment—standing in three states simultaneously!—and then realize you’re basically straddling a chunk of concrete in the middle of farmland. But that’s the fun of it. It’s the kind of oddball attraction that turns a normal road trip into a story.

And yes, there’s always that one person in the group who insists on the classic photo: one foot in Kansas, one foot in Oklahoma, and one hand reaching into Missouri like you’re breaking the laws of physics.

Getting There

The marker is located off a rural road, not far from Baxter Springs, Kansas, and a short drive from Joplin, Missouri. There’s a gravel pull-off, making it easy to stop without worrying about traffic. The lack of crowds is part of the appeal—you’ll likely have the place to yourself.

Why You Should Visit

If you’re a geography nerd, a road trip completist, or just someone who enjoys odd landmarks, this spot is absolutely worth the detour. It’s quick, fun, and free—and the kind of thing you can brag about later: “Yeah, I’ve been to three states at once. No big deal.”

Final Thoughts

The OK-KS-MO Tri-State Marker isn’t a destination that will take up a whole day, but it’s a wonderfully quirky stop that adds character to any road trip through the region.

Would I recommend it? Definitely—especially if you appreciate geography, history, or the comedy of watching adults get way too excited about standing on a piece of concrete in the...

Monday morning, my wife and I woke up at a rest stop on the western outskirts of Joplin, Missouri. A quick consultation of Google Maps revealed that we were, in theory, about 5 hours from our destination. It also revealed that we were less than five-minutes from the Tri-State Area.

I'm talking about that spot on the map where Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma meet. I was excited and thought that this would be a cool thing to see. I also expected that this Particular Point of Geographic Synchronicity to be a Pretty Big Deal.

Turns out, not so much.

At the end of what looks like a gravel driveway there is a pile of stones that have been mortared together. Off to one side, there is what looks like a manhole cover. The rock pile had four smooth rectangles where commemorative plaques (most likely) of some sort had once been mounted.

Only graffiti remains.

I was crestfallen. My wife and I climbed back in our Jeep put it in gear and turned to leave. That was when I noticed that the manhole cover was not a manhole cover but was in fact a replacement plaque describing what had once been part of the squat rocky tower.

Had it not been for our encounter with a bison and a visit to the George Washington Carver National Monument, the morning would have been fairly...

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “A Hidden Gem at the Crossroads of Three States!”

The Tri-State Marker is such a unique stop—you can literally stand in three states at once! Even though the actual monument is just across the line in Missouri, it’s where Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri all meet. It feels like a secret spot most people don’t know about, which makes visiting even more fun.

The monument itself is simple but special—there’s a stone marker surrounded by countryside, and the idea of being in three states at the same time makes it a great photo opportunity. It’s a perfect quick stop for road-trippers, history buffs, or anyone who loves quirky attractions.

Tip: bring a camera and maybe a picnic, because the surrounding area is peaceful and makes for a relaxing break from driving. Kids and adults both get a kick out of hopping from one state to another in just a few steps.

If you’re looking for a little off-the-beaten-path adventure, the Tri-State Marker is definitely worth adding to your...