Missouri George Washington Carver National Monument map and highlights

George Washington Carver, who was born here in 1864, ascended  national prominence as a scientist, educator, and humanitarian. The park  preserves the historic 1881 home where he lived and a cemetery (though  George W. Carver is not buried there). Kids have fun at the hands-on  discovery center, and talks on local history and nature are held  year-round at the multipurpose classroom facility. The monument was  authorized in 1943 and established in 1953.

WHAT TO SEE & DO

Hiking, picnicking, touring home and cemetery, watching film.  Facilities: Visitor center, movie, outdoor interpretive exhibits.  Book-and-gift shop, picnic tables. Programs & Events: Ranger-guided  tours; interpretive, living-history, cultural, and nature programs;  educational field trips. Black Heritage Month and 4th-grade Art &  Essay Contest (Feb.), March for Parks (Apr.), Carver Day Celebration  (July), Prairie Day Celebration (Sept.), Holiday Open House (Dec). Tips  & Hints: Busiest in May and July, least crowded Dec. and Jan.     

FOOD, LODGING & SUPPLIES     

Camping: None at site. In Carthage: Ballard's Campground (U.S.  71, tel. 417/359-0359; 30 sites; $11-$15; flush toilets, showers,  hookups). E3 Hotels: None in park. In Carthage: Best Western Precious  Moments Hotel (2701 Hazel Ave., tel. 417/359-5900 or 800/551-7676; 121  rooms; $71), Days Inn (2244 Grand Ave., tel. 417/358-2499 or 888/  454-2499; 40 rooms; $51-$56). X Restaurants: None in park. In Carthage:  Ranch House (2937 S. Grand Ave., tel. 417/359-5200; $5-$8; closed Sun.).  In Joplin: Undercliff Grill & Bar (6385 Old U.S. 71, tel.  417/623-8382; $5-$13; closed Mon. and Tues.; no dinner Sun.).  Groceries  & Gear: None in park. In Diamond: Barbs One Stop (101 N. Washington  St., tel. 417/325-7114).     

FEES, HOURS & REGULATIONS     

Free. No hunting or fishing. No motorized or mechanized  equipment on trails. Leashed pets only. Monument and visitor center open  daily 9-5.

HOW TO GET THERE     

10 mi east of Joplin via 1-44, take Exit 11A to U.S. 71 south,  then the Diamond exit 4 mi east and travel 1 mi south. Closest airport:  Joplin (15 mi).     

George Washington Carver National Monument (5646 Carver Rd.,  Diamond, MO 64840, tel. 417/325-4151, fax 417/325^231,). Joplin  Convention & Visitors Bureau (222 W. 3rd St., Joplin, MO 64801, tel.  417/625-4789 or 800/657-2534). Carthage Chamber of Commerce (107 E. 3rd  St., Carthage, MO 64836, tel. 417/358-2373, fax 417/358-7479). Neosho  Chamber of Commerce (Box 605, Neosho, MO 64850, tel. 417/451-1925, fax  417/451-8097).   

George Washington Carver National Monument.   

Basic information for visitors to the George Washington Carver National Monument In southwestern Missouri, near Diamond