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Bronze status of young George Washington Carver atop a large boulder, on the Carver trail.
MO

George Washington Carver National Monument

Park Hours (Today)

9:00AM - 5:00PM

George Washington Carver National Monument: 9:00AM - 5:00PM

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About the Park

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.

African American Heritage Arts Painting Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite Enslavement Reconstruction Religion and Spirituality Science, Technology and Innovation
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What to See & Do

A stone granite GW Carver quote outdoor panel.
Hiking

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.  

George Washington Carver National Monument30-60 Minutes
Black-eyed Susan flower along a gravel trail.
Hiking

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.

George Washington Carver National Monument30-90 Minutes
Junior Rangers observing and exploring in the wood..
Junior Ranger Program

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.

George Washington Carver National Monument30-60 Minutes
Large photograph of George Washington Carver in the visitor center.
Museum Exhibits

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!

George Washington Carver National Monument30-120 Minutes
Three picnic table near a walking trail.
Picnicking

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.

In Park30-120 Minutes
Exhibit panels in the George Washington Carver NM museum
Museum Exhibits

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.

Visitor Center20-75 Minutes

Visitor Centers

A brick building with landscape and a black bench.

George Washington Carver National Monument

The visitor center is a multilevel facility that houses a museum, theater, park store, interactive exhibits areas, classrooms, additional restrooms, library, museum collection facility, offices space, and a large multipurpose area that also serves as a tornado shelter. It is open daily, 9am to 5pm, except Thanksgiving Day, December 25, and January 1.

9:00AM - 5:00PM (417) 325-4151

Parking & Access

Getting Here

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.

Official NPS directions

Parking Lots

Parking lot with vehicles and trees/

George Washington Carver National Monument

General and accessible parking is available on the north and south sides of the visitor center. The parking area is also equipped for busses and large recreational vehicles (RVs).

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Getting Here & Transit

How to Get Here

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.

Park Amenities

Accessible Rooms
Accessible Sites
Assistive Listening Systems
Assistive Listening Systems - T-Coil Compatible
Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
Baby Changing Station
Benches/Seating
Bicycle - Rack
Braille
Captioned Media
Cellular Signal
Elevator
Fire Extinguisher
First Aid Kit Available
Food/Drink - Vending Machine/Self Service

Operating 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.

  • Monday9:00AM - 5:00PM
  • Tuesday9:00AM - 5:00PM
  • Wednesday9:00AM - 5:00PM
  • Thursday9:00AM - 5:00PM
  • Friday9:00AM - 5:00PM
  • Saturday9:00AM - 5:00PM
  • Sunday9:00AM - 5:00PM

When to Go

Crowd Calendar

Plan your trip around peak seasons to avoid crowds or embrace the energy of the busy months. Our crowd predictions are based on historical NPS Visitor Use Statistics.

Jan

Low

Feb

Low

Mar

Moderate

Apr

Moderate

May

High

Jun

Low

Jul

Low

Aug

Low

Sep

Moderate

Oct

Moderate

Nov

High

Dec

Low
Low Crowds
Moderate Crowds
High Crowds

Location

5646 Carver Road
Diamond, MO 64840

Around This Park

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Common Questions

Planning George Washington Carver National Monument

These common questions go deeper into logistics and planning. For real-time updates on road closures and current conditions, always check the Alerts section above.

Reservation policies vary heavily by season. During peak summer months, many popular national parks require timed-entry permits or vehicle reservations just to enter the park, or specific permits for popular hikes (like Half Dome or Angels Landing). Always check the official NPS alerts and recreation.gov before setting your dates.