Bronze status of young George Washington Carver atop a large boulder, on the Carver trail.
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National Monument
13 Activities

George Washington Carver National Monument

MO

An entrance sign to George Washington Carver National Monument with wildflower and plants.
Sunflowers in a prairie at George Washington Carver NM.
Park's science classroom with lab tables and wall exhibits on George Washington Carver.
A cast concrete bust of George Washington Carver and prairie in the background.

About George Washington Carver National Monument

The young child known as the "Plant Doctor" tended his secret garden while observing the day-to-day operations of a 19th century farm. Nature and nurture ultimately influenced George on his quest for education to becoming a renowned agricultural scientist, educator, and humanitarian.

Things To Do

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A Contemplative Experience
30-60 Minutes

A Contemplative Experience

Take in George Washington Carver’s words of wisdom while stopping to read the quote stones along the short, quarter mile Contemplative Loop Trail. Discover a sense of peace as GW Carver guides you through the woods.  

From Woodlands to Prairies
30-90 Minutes

From Woodlands to Prairies

Take your furry friend for a walk along the one-mile picturesque Carver Trail through woodlands, across streams, and along tallgrass prairie. Stroll along the boardwalk past the bronze on young George Washington Carver holding a plant, Moses Carver house and pause at Moses Carver Family Cemetery.

Report for Duty at the Park
30-60 Minutes

Report for Duty at the Park

Become a Junior Ranger by completing activities about George Washington Carver’s life and impact on our nation with the “The Plant Doctor” or “The Scientist” or “Carver Scholar” booklet. To begin your learning journey, pick up a Junior Ranger booklet at the visitor center.

The Legacy of George Washington Carver
30-120 Minutes

The Legacy of George Washington Carver

Explore the impactful life of Carver at the museum and discovery area. Tour exhibits of his art, examine artifacts from his scientific work, and watch the park film, “Struggle and Triumph: The Legacy of George Washington Carver”. Learn about Carver’s contribution to science, education, agriculture, and more!

Pack a Picnic
30-120 Minutes

Pack a Picnic

All picnic tables are accessible and located along concrete routes. Some of these picnic tables are shaded. There are accessible parking spots near the picnic area.

Explore the Park Museum and Discovery Area
20-75 Minutes

Explore the Park Museum and Discovery Area

Located in the visitor center, the museum and discovery area offer visitors three floors of exhibits on George Washington Carver's life and times at a self-guided pace.

Available Activities

Arts and Culture
Food
Picnicking
Guided Tours
Self-Guided Tours - Walking
Hands-On
Junior Ranger Program
Birdwatching
Park Film
Museum Exhibits
Shopping
Bookstore and Park Store
Gift Shop and Souvenirs

Weather

George Washington Carver National Monument is located in southwestern Missouri just outside of Diamond and about 10 miles from Joplin. Summer temperatures generally range from 75-100 degrees with high humidity. Winter temperatures generally range from 0-50 degrees with periods of intermittent freezing.

Getting There

From Interstate 44, drive south on either: Interstate 49: Exit at Diamond (exit 35), then drive five miles east on highway V, and drive ¾ mile south on Carver Road to the park entrance. Highway 59: In Diamond, turn west on highway V and drive for 2 miles, and drive ¾ mile south on Carver Road to the park entrance.

Plan Your Visit

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Hours

George Washington Carver National Monument

George Washington Carver National Monument is open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, except Thanksgiving Day, December 25, and January 1. There is no park entrance fee.

Location

MO

36.9871, -94.3552

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