Okieamber
I finally stopped in after wanting to for years. First off, if you can, go on a nice day and you can walk the trails. It was too cold/windy when I went. But I was able to view from an observation deck and it looked stunning. The museum takes a little while to get through, but once you see George Washington Carver's history you will realize it is well worth it. It is such a humbling experience. There is a short video to watch, which was nice. The focus lends towards nature and the park does a lot with children. They are always offering something for children to do. This place is beautiful and well worth the stop.
Baugh1
I've lived close my whole life. I came as a child and now I take my children. Always have a lot of fun!!
750annt
We went to this monument as a planned destination on our way to Arkansas. Unfortunately, we arrived with only 1.5 hours to spend there. Did not see the movie at 4PM since we wanted to be sure and walk the grounds before they started closing the path at 4:30 (example: removal of the "laundry" from the Carver house). The walking path site and info signs were well done and educational. I did not know the white Carvers (original owners of young George and his mother) raised George in their own home after his mother was captured and not found again. The Carver house is on the grounds and includes a remarkable timeline displayed inside. At one stop, hearing GWC's own voice was incredible, as was his philosophy of life. The displays inside the NPS building were excellent. You can pick up a card at the NPS desk of GWC's quotes and quips found along the walking path. This was an amazing man with a brilliant mind who did anything he could to get an education, was a child slave without apparent adult bitterness. Most of all, this man gave all credit and glory to God for who God is and the gifts He had given George.We will definitely go back on another trip passing through the area near Joplin, MO.
514susank
It has lovely grounds and short walks. The old buildings are well preserved. They have a video that plays that talked about his life that was quite good.
144kb
We stopped here on a whim on our way home from vacation when we saw the sign on the highway. So glad we did! It ended up being one of our favorite stops on the whole vacation. Amazing information, interactive displays, and historical significance. The gift shop was great too!
kimberlyag_13
This site is as amazing as George Washington Carver. The site encompasses the land and farm where he grew up, so by taking the walking tour, you get a real sense of how he became a botanist and scientist. The museum tells the story of his life through his possessions and artifacts from the time period. While he is buried at Tuskogee Institute, his family is buried here. It's so peaceful here, with both woods and prairies, and the National Park Service has made an effort to restore the land to how it would look in the 18850s. This site is just outside of Joplin MO, and it is worth the detour. A great respite from a car trip, and educational too!
TeaSip
We absolutely loved this wonderful spot and wished we could have stayed longer. The museum has lots of hands-on exhibits to teach us about this amazing man. The grounds were also beautiful and peaceful and made for a lovely stroll. The rangers were friendly and knowledgeable. It is a bit remote but absolutely worth the effort.One negative: The movie they showed was absolutely awful. The film quality looked like it was made about 30 years ago, and it was bordering on proselytizing more than factual historical education. It did not fit in with the rest of the extremely well done displays.
MylarCXIII
I was driving from Carthage MO to Bentonville AR and saw the signs for the park. On a complete whim, I decided to go check it out. I honestly was surprised to learn more about George Washington Carver and all that he did. I think the most amazing thing was that he knit and crocheted! I knew about his time at Iowa State, and had taken classes in Carver Hall, but never knew about his early life. I will most likely stop by again when I'm in the area.
15valeriew
What a wonderful testimonial to an extraordinary human being! This national park is not far from the highway and is an interesting historical tribute to George Washington Carver. The exhibits are well done and offer "hands on" science experiments for kids (and others). The staff was knowledgeable and the setting is lovely. Well worth the time!
Breitbarth
I saw the George Washington Carved sign on the highway and I knew I couldn't miss it. Once I got there with my son, the place was so much more that I thought it could be. My son didn't want to leave; I didn't want to leave, and I cried a little when my son sat in absolute silence as the bust of GWC played his real recorded voiced.I look forward to going back with all my kids, and maybe grandkids one day, too.
557devinm
This is a place for young & not so young. (Children who can read will enjoy this much more than the very small, but there are things for the very small to enjoy) Trails for walking out in nature, hands on exhibits, clean, looks good too. We recommend it! Worth the time to go a bit out of the way (Easy access to highways). Great place about a Great man. Plan to spend at least an hour - a couple of hours would let you take your time and see most everything.
ddpark
What a man. The display was in depth and gave you an idea of Who George Washington Carver was as a man and what he gave us by his discoveries and inventions. I had tears a couple of times.
yearbook1
There are plenty of things to interest young children here, especially if they are doing junior ranger challenges. There are lots of hands on exhibits, great visuals, and a trail to walk. I am only sad we did not have enough time to do it all. Allow at least two hours here.
_therealjhill
Park Ranger Douglas Bzar was great and very knowledgeable of the history of George Washington Carver. The place is calm and serene and has lots of inspiring history. It made my children's study of George Washington Carver come alive-The Hill Family
JoanW230
My first stop at this 210 acre monument (no fee charged) located a bit off the beaten path amidst lovely Ozark scenery southwest of Joplin, Mo. was the visitor center which had increased from 3000 sq. ft. In 2007 to its present 16,000 sq. ft. It is one of the best visitor centers I have seen at a National Monument. First stop was the 28 minute film "Man of Vision" which features some of the local NPS employees. Also at the visitor center are a Discovery Center with lots of terrific interactive exhibits, an observation deck and a bookstore.As great as the visitor center is, be sure to save time to take the one mile self-guiding Carver Trail through woodlands and restored prairie past many springs and a river. The walk goes past Carver birthplace (actual home is gone), statue of Carver as a boy, Contemplative Trail, Moses Carver Home, the graves of Moses and Susan Carver in the Carver Cemetery, and the bust of Carver. When I was there the temperature was in the mid 60's and birds were singing and a few hearty wild flowers still lingered. The boardwalk was my favorite part of the trail, but it was all beautiful.A word of caution-once you leave the paved portion of the trail, the ground can be wet so open toed or cloth shoes can get very muddy. In addition wheels on strollers or wheelchairs can easily become stuck. The contemplative Trail is also not paved and can be wet.