National Monument

George Washington Carver National Monument

Midwest

About George Washington Carver

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.

From the National Park Service.

Region: Midwest
State: Missouri
Designation: National Monument
Entrance fee: None listed

Trail data for this park is still being added.
Places for this park are still being added.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, weather and getting to George Washington Carver.

Entrance fees

The National Park Service lists no entrance fee for this park.

Hours

Mon: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Tue: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Wed: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Thu: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Fri: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Sat: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Sun: 9:00AM - 5:00PM

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.

Weather and when to go

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.

Directions from the National Park Service

Contact the park

Address: 5646 Carver Road, Diamond, MO 64840
Phone: (417) 325-4151
Email: gwca_interpretation@nps.gov
Official site: nps.gov/gwca

From the National Park Service, checked weekly. Fees, hours and road conditions change: confirm with the park before you go.

Trip planner

A day-by-day plan for George Washington Carver

Tell us your dates and what you are into. We group the stops by where they are, so each day is one part of the park, not a zigzag.

Plan your park trip Free. No account needed.

Things to do in George Washington Carver

The park service's own list, with how long each takes.

A Contemplative Experience

Hiking · about 40 min

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…
From Woodlands to Prairies

Hiking · about 50 min

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 b…
Report for Duty at the Park

Junior Ranger Program · about 40 min

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” b…
The Legacy of George Washington Carver

Museum Exhibits · about 1 hour

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…
Pack a Picnic

Picnicking · about 1 hour

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

Museum Exhibits · about 40 min

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.
Start at the Visitor Center

Museum Exhibits · about 15 min

Many visitors like to start their park experience at the visitor center. Orientation services and basic visitor information are available at the information desk. This is the loca…
Embrace your creativity at the Park

Arts and Culture · about 40 min

Find a special place in nature and pull out your pen and pencil. Connect with George Washington Carver in a new way through nature journaling, sketching or poetry writing. Use you…
Capture a Moment

Hiking · about 40 min

Bring your camera or cell phone into the woods, along the streams, or through the prairie to photograph a moment in nature. Pause and observe while you enjoy beautiful feelings of…