George Washington Carver National Monument

George Washington Carver National Monument is a national monument run by the National Park Service in Missouri.

In the park service’s words

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 (public domain).

Things to do

• A Contemplative Experience (30 to 60 Minutes): 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 to 90 Minutes): 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 to 60 Minutes): 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 to 120 Minutes): 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 to 120 Minutes): 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 to 75 Minutes): 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 (15 to 20 Minutes): 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 location of the passport cancellation stamp. Stop by the park store and browse the products. The visitor center is open daily, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00
• Embrace your creativity at the Park (30 to 60 Minutes): 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 your senses to inspire your creativity If you are looking for more inspiration, visit the museum to view Carver’s poetry and art.

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Daily, 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.

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.

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

• George Washington Carver National Monument: Daily, 9:00AM - 5:00PM. 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.

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.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Hot Springs, about 186 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

• National Park Service Data API: George Washington Carver National Monument (public domain)
• Official website

Last checked 1 November 2026.