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The NPS Wellness Challenge at George Washington Carver National Monument

George Washington Carver National Monument

Welcome to your Wellness Challenge at George Washington Carver National Monument!

George Washington Carver was a world-famous agricultural scientist, talented artist, humanitarian, educator and advocate for reconciliation. You can improve your health at his birthplace and childhood home – the first national park site to honor an African American. Stretch your mind, move your body, and contemplate the struggles and triumphs that led to his legacy.

Bronze statue of young George Washington Carver holding a plant and a foot bridge in the background.
George Washington Carver Wellness Challenge

NPS

What is the NPS Wellness Challenge?

The NPS Wellness Challenge promotes the unique health resources that you can find in all seven Missouri National Parks. Challenge yourself by choosing from a wide range of activites - physical, mental and learning - to promote your health and well-being.

Learn more about The National Park Service Wellness Challenge in Missouri.

Visitors participating in yoga in the park.
Yoga in the park.

NPS

Nature's Impact on Wellness

Will you wander the park paths to George Washington Carver’s secret garden? Will you explore the streams of the Carver Branch where he gathered water as a child? Or will you find inspiration in the empowering "I can" attitude he held throughout his life. The possibilities are endless - personal wellness is out there waiting for you. And, it is well within reach.

Choose Your Challenge

Pick a path - the possibilities are endless. Take a look at George Washington Carver National Monument wellness challenges and start earning your badges.

Answer our brief survey, to get your Wellness Challenge Completion Certificate for George Washington Carver National Monument.
  • orange hexagon with person moving, tree, and sun inside shape border. Ranger leading kids in back
    Physical Wellness

    Take part in three physical challenges at GWCA NM by exploring the trails around his childhood home and participating in ranger-led tours.

  • Blue circle with lightbulb and plant inside shape border. Ranger leading kids in back
    Learning Wellness

    Exercise your mind with three learning challenges highlighting the impact of Carver's work in race relations and scientific innovation.

  • Green diamond with lotus flower inside shape border. Nature path in the back.
    Mental Wellness

    Relax and reflect with three mental challenges as you absorb the natural wonders of George Washington Carver’s childhood home.

Orange toned hexagon graphic with a stylized running figure on top of a photo a bronze statue of George Washington Carver holding a plant.
Physical Wellness

NPS

Physical Wellness at George Washington Carver National Monument

These physical challenges invite you to explore the park to improve your physical health. From exploring walking trails, observing wildlife and picnicking on the grounds — you can take time for yourself and find new ways to move at George Washington Carver National Monument

Once you complete the challenges, download your digital badge to share on social media. You can also get a rubber stamp to add to your NPS Wellness Challenge Guide or Passport Book at the Visitor Center lobby.

Showing results 1-3 of 3

  • Pack a Picnic

    • Type: Picnicking
    • Locations: George Washington Carver National Monument
    • Offices: Healthy Parks Healthy People
    • Duration: 30-120 Minutes
    • Reservations: No
    • Age: 0-99 years old
    • Pets: Yes
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time Of Day: Day
    Three picnic table near a walking trail.

    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 with Young Carver

    • Type: Guided Tours
    • Duration: 30-90 Minutes
    • Reservations: No
    • Age: 0-99 years old
    • Pets: Yes
    • Location: George Washington Carver National Monument
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time Of Day: Day
    Bronze bust of young George Washington Carver

    Take a self-guided tour and search for wildlife in the woodlands that inspired by the adventurous young Carver. Maybe you will catch sight of a blue heron in the pond, hear songbirds in the prairies or witness deer visiting the monument grounds in the morning. No day is the same and it brings plentiful opportunities for discovery to all.

  • From Woodlands to Prairies

    • Type: Hiking
    • Locations: George Washington Carver National Monument
    • Offices: Healthy Parks Healthy People
    • Duration: 30-90 Minutes
    • Reservations: No
    • Age: 0-99 years old
    • Pets: Yes
    • Location: George Washington Carver National Monument
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time Of Day: Day
    Black-eyed Susan flower along a gravel trail.

    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.

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A circular blue graphic with a lightbulb containing a plant in the center and the words Learning Wellness, graphic is on top of blue tinted photo of a park ranger and kids on a trail.
Learning Wellness

NPS

Learning Wellness at George Washington Carver National Monument

Exercise your mind with learning challenges that focus on the history and teachings of George Washington Carver. Whether you interact with science exhibits, browse through galleries showcasing his art and family history, or engage in guided Ranger tours - each activity will grow your knowledge and enhance your perspective.

Once you complete the challenges, download your digital badge to share on social media. You can also get a rubber stamp to add to your NPS Wellness Challenge Guide or Passport Book at the Visitor Center lobby.

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  • The Legacy of George Washington Carver

    • Type: Museum Exhibits
    • Locations: George Washington Carver National Monument
    • Offices: Healthy Parks Healthy People
    • Duration: 30-120 Minutes
    • Reservations: No
    • Age: 0-99 years old
    • Pets: No
    • Location: George Washington Carver National Monument
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time Of Day: Day
    Large photograph of George Washington Carver in the visitor center.

    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!

  • Tour the Carver Trail

    • Type: Guided Tours
    • Duration: 60-90 Minutes
    • Reservations: No
    • Age: 0-99 years old
    • Pets: Yes
    • Location: George Washington Carver National Monument
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time Of Day: Day, Night, Dawn, Dusk
    A ranger and visitor walking on a foot bridge.

    Join a Park Ranger on a guided tour along the Carver Trail. As you walk in the steps of young Carver, you will leave with a greater understanding of his history, the place he grew up, and the legacy he left behind. Tours are offered twice a day on the Carver Trail.

  • Report for Duty at the Park

    • Type: Junior Ranger Program
    • Locations: George Washington Carver National Monument
    • Offices: Healthy Parks Healthy People
    • Duration: 30-60 Minutes
    • Reservations: No
    • Age: 5-99 years old
    • Pets: Yes
    • Location: George Washington Carver National Monument
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time Of Day: Day
    Junior Rangers observing and exploring in the wood..

    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.

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A green diamond graphic with a lotus flower in the center and the words Mental Wellness on top of a green tinted photo of the Carver trail.
Mental Wellness

NPS

Mental Wellness at George Washington Carver National Monument

Sometimes you just need a moment to pause, reflect, and unplug. These mental challenges invite you to explore the park to improve your mental health. Whether you observe the prairie grass blowing in the breeze or take a snapshot of one of Carver’s favorite spots, these mental challenges give you the chance to connect with yourself and your surroundings.

Once you complete the challenges, download your digital badge to share on social media. You can also get a rubber stamp to add to your NPS Wellness Challenge Guide or Passport Book at the Visitor Center lobby.

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  • Capture a Moment

    • Type: Hiking
    • Duration: 30-60 Minutes
    • Reservations: No
    • Age: 0-99 years old
    • Pets: Yes
    • Location: George Washington Carver National Monument
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time Of Day: Day
    A butterfly on a yellow flower.

    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 solitude while connecting to the environment around you. Visit the Nature Page at George Washington Carver National Monument

  • A Contemplative Experience

    • Type: Hiking
    • Locations: George Washington Carver National Monument
    • Offices: Healthy Parks Healthy People
    • Duration: 30-60 Minutes
    • Reservations: No
    • Age: 0-99 years old
    • Pets: Yes
    • Location: George Washington Carver National Monument
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time Of Day: Day
    A stone granite GW Carver quote outdoor panel.

    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.  

  • Embrace your creativity at the Park

    • Type: Arts and Culture
    • Duration: 30-60 Minutes
    • Reservations: No
    • Age: 0-99 years old
    • Pets: Yes
    • Location: George Washington Carver National Monument
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time Of Day: Day
    Concrete bust of George Washington Carver

    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.

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The National Park Service Wellness Challenge inspires you to create lasting habits of personal wellness. Healthy Parks, Healthy People advances the fact that all parks - urban and wildland - are cornerstones of your physical, mental and spiritual health, social well-being; and sustainability of the planet.
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Learn More about the Wellness Challenge

Learn more about the National Park Service Wellness Challenge throughout all seven National Park Services in Missouri

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Last updated: February 24, 2025