Accessibility

Bronze statute of young George Washington Carver along the Carver trail.

M. Neuenschwander

Accessible Park Facilities

The National Park Service is committed to providing the highest level of accessibility for persons with disabilities, while also being consistent with our concurrent mandates for the preservation and protection of our resources.

Park brochures are available in Braille and large print. Most public facilities within George Washington Carver National Monument are accessible.

Site Information for the visitors with Mobility Impairments

The visitor center is a great place to start your visit and to find out more about the park's features. It has accessible parking, elevator, exhibits, theatre, multipurpose room, park store and a film introducing visitors to Struggle and Triumph:The Life and Legacy of George Washington Carver. Restrooms, water fountains, are all accessible. The visitor center is open daily 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. except for Thanksgiving Day, December 25, and January 1.

The picnic area is equipped with accessible parking and includes eight accessible picnic tables located under the trees on grass, recycling stations, and a drinking fountain.

Wheelchairs are available at the visitor center to enable individuals with mobility impairments to enjoy the park. The wheelchairs must stay in the park.

The Carver Trail is approximately 3/4 miles in length and contains a combination of boardwalk, compacted aggregate and asphalt surface. The maximum slope reaches 5.2 degrees. The historic 1881 Moses Carver house is located along the trail and is only accessible via stairs. Benches are available along the trail. The Contemplative Loop Trail is approximately 1000 feet long and has a loose wood chip surface, which may not be accessible for some users.

Assistive Listening Program

George Washington Carver National Monument has initiated a program aimed at improving the park's ability to provide information and interpretive services to members of its staff and the visiting public who have experienced some degree of hearing loss. To accomplish this, the park has installed a permanent Assistive Listening Device for the park film.

Portable wireless FM Assistive Listening Devices are also available for interpretive programs in the visitor center and ranger-led walks out on the trail. Rangers are trained in the use of this technology.

Service Animals

Service Animals are allowed.

The Americans with Disability Act definition of a service animal as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person's disability.

Service dogs are permitted on a leash anywhere in the park, including visitor center and trail.

For more information visit ADA Service Animals FAQ and Service Animals in National Parks

Access Pass

United States citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities are eligible for The America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Access Pass. The pass provides a wide range of discounts on activities and services when you visit federal lands. Access passes are available from the USGS store.

Please call the park at 417.325.4151 or e-mail us with further questions about accessibly needs at the park.

Learn more about Accessibility in National Parks!