Things To Do

A man and child listening to George Washington Carver on headphones.
Visitors enjoying an interactive exhibit in the Carver Discovery area.  

NPS

Things To Do!

There are many things to do and see at George Washington Carver National Monument:
  • Watch the park film, Struggle and Triumph: The Legacy of George Washington Carver (28 minutes)
  • Tour three floors of museum exhibits on the life and legacy of George Washington Carver
  • Kids can explore interactive exhibits in the Discovery Area
  • Participate in Junior Ranger programs
  • Hike the one-mile Carver walking trail
  • Guided tours of the Carver trail take place daily at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
  • Explore the park store
  • Annual Special Events
  • Check the web calendar for upcoming programs


If you are planning a trip to Missouri, visit the official Missouri Tourism website for additional things to do around the state.

 
A women speaking at the podium during a Carver Day celebration.
Past Carver Day special guest speaker, Marilyn Nelson.

NPS


2024 Schedule of Park Special Events

Art in the Park and National Junior Ranger Day – April 27 (10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.)
Celebrating George Washington Carver’s love for art, this event features local artists at work across park grounds, hands-on demonstrations, and instructional workshops with pastels, natural dyes, pencil, and more. No matter your age, you are invited to explore, learn, and protect on National Junior Ranger Day. Earn a special Art in the Park Junior Ranger badge! Become a park explorer, sound explorer, night sky explorer, or a George Washington Carver explorer.

National Trails Day – June 1 (8:00 a.m. - noon)
Come take a hike at the park and learn more about National Trails, local trails, hiking safety, and more. Choose the best hiking option for you: 1 mile, 1.5 mile, or 3 miles. Wear sturdy footwear and bring a refillable water bottle.

Carver Day Celebration – July 13 (10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.)
Join us for a special day celebrating the establishment of George Washington Carver National Monument 81 years ago! Carver Day features programs interpreting the life and legacy of George Washington Carver, guest speakers, musical groups, and exhibitors. Earn a special Carver Day Junior Ranger badge! A concession stand will be available.

Storytelling Day – August 24 (11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.)
Celebrating the founding of the National Park Service, storytellers will focus on the compelling narratives of U.S. culture and history. Discover these stories in all their diversity. Our history is part of who we were, who we are, and who we will be. Bring a lunch and stay all day!

Prairie Day – September 14 (10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.)
Exploring life on the Missouri prairie when George Washington Carver was a child, this event includes basket weaving, candle-making, spinning, storytelling, musical groups, quilting, archaeology, Civil War history, interactive exhibits about natural resources, and more. Earn a special Prairie Day Junior Ranger badge! A concession stand will be available.

Hispanic Heritage Celebration – September 21 (11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.)
Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates and recognizes the contributions Hispanic Americans make to American society. Storytellers and dancers will share their culture. Bring a lunch and stay all day!

National Public Lands Day – September 28 (9:00 a.m. - noon)
This is a nationwide, volunteer-led workday to improve public lands. Become a steward of your national park but helping with projects to beautify the grounds. Contact the park for more details. Bring a lunch and stay all day!

Holiday Open House – December 14 (1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.)
The park staff and volunteers invite the public to a holiday celebration with seasonal music, craft, and refreshments.

Programs and events are free of charge and are supported by the Carver Birthplace Association.

 

Stop by the Visitor Center

Loading results...

    Last updated: January 7, 2024

    Park footer

    Contact Info

    Mailing Address:

    5646 Carver Road
    Diamond, MO 64840

    Phone:

    417.325.4151

    Contact Us