George Washington Carver National Monument

Things To Do Near George Washington Carver National Monument

A trip to George Washington Carver National Monument is a chance to learn more about this man and his remarkable life. See the approximate location where the cabin he was born in stood. Appreciate Carver’s love of nature by seeing the statue of him as a young man. Then, visit the garden with its brown picket fence where he grew peanuts and recorded their daily changes. Then, see the statue of the mature Carver. Stop at the visitor center to learn even more about this man’s extraordinary life and the hardships he overcame. 

Hiking Trails

• Lakeside Forest Trail

  The Lakeside Forest Trail starts at the entrance to Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area in Branson. Wander down the 315 stone steps to see beautiful views of Lake Taneycomo. Then, continue following the trail as it runs by a waterfall and cave. This is an excellent place for a family hike, and your children will love the nearby nature playground. 

  Location

  Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area, 412 Owen Lane, Branson, Missouri 65616

  Length

  3.0 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

• Roark Creek Trail

  The Roark Creek starts at Branson Landing in Branson. Then, this paved trail runs to North Beach before ending at Stockstill Park. Most of this trail is paved so that wheelchair users can easily navigate it. 

  Location

  Branson Landing, 100 Branson Landing Boulevard, Branson, Missouri 65616

  Length

  3.2 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

• Henning Conservation Area Loop Trail

  Start this hike at the parking lot on Missouri 76 West near the Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area. Hike down the stairs and follow the trail on down the rocky hillside. Enjoy views of waterfalls and cascades by following the route to the left. Climb the path back up the hill and hike through the open glade until you reach your starting point. 

  Location

  Missouri 76 West, Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area, Branson, Missouri 65616 

  Length

  5.7 miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

Sightseeing

• Neosho Federal Fish Hatchery

  The Neosho Federal Fish Hatchery is the oldest continually operating hatchery in the United States. Tour the building to learn how the staff raise rainbow trout to be stocked in ponds as far away as New Mexico. This is a fabulous place for a picnic along the pond’s edge. 

  Location

  East 520 Park Street, Neosho, Missouri 64850

• 1872 Neosho Colored School

  See where George Washington Carver got his first formal education by visiting the 1872 Neosho Colored School. The Carver Birthplace Association has lovingly restored the building. Learn the exciting story of how this building was discovered inside a dilapidated rental home. Builders had constructed the house around the school, so it was hidden on the inside. 

  Location

  630 Young Street, Neosho, Missouri 64850

• Wildcat Glades

  The Wildcat Glades is a beautiful place to visit, especially in the spring when the wildflowers are poking through their heads through the chert sediment. Many of these plants have a waxy substance around their parts that seals in moisture. While you can go hiking at this location, there is also a short scenic drive through it. 

  Location

  201 Riviera Drive, Joplin, Missouri 64804

Museums

• Newton County Museum

  The Newton County Museum features three buildings. During your visit, you can see the display of law enforcement memorabilia in the restored jail. Then, tour the one-room schoolhouse and the log cabin. 

  Location

  121 North Washington Street, Neosho, Missouri 64850

• Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center

  Learn more about Missouri plants, fish, and wildlife by visiting the Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center. The staff often give interpretative programs. There are great paths to bike along. 

  Location

  201 Riviera Drive, Joplin, Missouri 64804

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Urban Art Gallery

  See artwork created by about 15 local artists at Urban Art Gallery. They often host special shows and events. Jewelry, paintings, and photos are usually for sale. 

  Location

  511 South Main Street, Joplin, Missouri 64801

• Candy House Gourmet

  Find hand-dipped chocolate creations at Candy House Gourmet. Many of the recipes used have been handed down in Ozark families for years. You will find a wide assortment of regular and seasonal candies. 

  Location

  321 South Main Street, Joplin, Missouri 64801

• DeCarlo’s Italian Café

  Head to this downtown Neosho restaurant for fabulous Italian creations. You can also often find Southern comfort foods on their menu. If you need to feed a group, they do catering. 

  Location

  127 East Main Street, Joplin, Missouri 64801

• Norma’s Diner

  You do not want to miss the chance to eat the great breakfast cooked just the way you want it at Norma’s Diner. Come back later for hamburgers. Then, make it your evening dinner stop where you can find fabulous daily entrees on the ever-changing menu. 

  Location

  1901 South Main Street, Joplin, Missouri 64801

How To Get To George Washington Carver National Monument

It is a beautiful drive to George Washington Carver National Monument from Branson. Take US 65 North toward Springfield. Take the US 60 West exit and take James River Freeway. Then, get on Interstate 44 going toward Joplin. Take Exit 18A and head south on Missouri 59 until you reach Diamond. Then, turn right on Market Street, which will become State Highway V. Turn left on Carver Road. 

Address

5646 Carver Road, Diamond, Missouri 64840

Fee: Entry fee $0

Learn more about George Washington Carver’s remarkable life by visiting the George Washington Carver National Monument. Even as a young child, he was fascinated by plants and started his peanut garden at this location. That love for plants never left him. Instead, he pushed the boundaries to become a great teacher and humanitarian. There are beautiful Ozark hiking trails nearby, along with fascinating attractions to see. Learn more about the area’s history and animals by visiting nearby museums. A great way to explore this area is in your RV. You will love seeing this secluded area that many fly by on the interstate. If you do not have an RV, then rent one on RVshare.com.