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Home >  United States  >  Missouri  >  Excelsior Springs  >  

Watkins Woolen Mill State Park And State Historic Site

Watkins Woolen Mill State Park And State Historic Site

United States, Missouri, Excelsior Springs 

Sandee

Watkins Woolen Mill State Park And State Historic Site

United States, Missouri, Excelsior Springs 

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Watkins Woolen Mill State Park and State Historic Site is located near Lawson, Missouri, offering a blend of history and natural beauty. The park features a preserved 19th-century woolen mill, which is the only one of its kind in the U.S. with original machinery intact. Visitors can explore the mill, the Watkins family home, and enjoy activities like camping, fishing, and hiking. The site is surrounded by creeks, forests, and a lake, providing a serene environment for outdoor enthusiasts.

The park is a National Historic Landmark and offers guided tours, including a Living History Farm Program during summer months. This program allows visitors to experience life in the 1870s through costumed interpreters and demonstrations of period activities.

The area is also close to Excelsior Springs, known for its mineral waters and historic charm, making it a great destination for those interested in history and nature.

For dining near Watkins Woolen Mill State Park, Excelsior Springs offers a variety of options. Ventana Gourmet Grill is a fine dining restaurant known for its upscale atmosphere and extensive wine list. Willow Spring Mercantile combines a wine store with a bistro, offering a cozy setting for wine and small plates. Wabash BBQ provides a casual dining experience with barbecue favorites. The Springs Restaurant is a local favorite for breakfast and lunch. Ray's Diner offers classic diner fare in a cozy setting.

For accommodations near Watkins Woolen Mill State Park, The Elms Hotel & Spa is a top choice. This historic resort hotel offers elegant rooms, a spa, and event spaces. It is located in Excelsior Springs, providing easy access to local attractions. For those seeking alternative options, nearby cities like Liberty and Kansas City offer a range of chain hotels and locally owned inns.

Watkins Woolen Mill State Park provides a variety of amenities for visitors. The park includes nearly 100 wooded campsites, with many offering electric hookups. Facilities include picnic areas, a visitor center with a museum, and access to Williams Creek Lake for fishing and swimming. The park also features a 3.75-mile paved bicycle trail and a separate equestrian trail. Restrooms and showers are available for campers during the on-season.

Visitors to Watkins Woolen Mill State Park can enjoy a range of activities. Guided tours of the historic mill and Watkins family home are available, offering insights into 19th-century life. The park's Living History Farm Program during summer months provides interactive experiences with costumed interpreters. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy camping, fishing, swimming, and hiking or biking on the park's trails. Birdwatching is also popular, with over 100 species recorded in the area.

Watkins Woolen Mill State Park offers some disability access features. The park's campsites include accessible options, and the visitor center and some historic buildings are wheelchair accessible. However, leashed dogs are not allowed in the historic buildings. Visitors with specific needs should contact the park for more detailed information on accessibility.

Parking at Watkins Woolen Mill State Park is generally accessible, with paved parking areas large enough to accommodate most RVs. The park has a combination of paved and gravel roads, and parking is available near the lake and other amenities. However, the campground gate closes at 10 PM, so visitors should plan their arrival accordingly.

Watkins Woolen Mill is notable for being the only 19th-century woolen mill in the U.S. with its original machinery intact. The site was established by Waltus Watkins in the mid-19th century and has been preserved as a National Historic Landmark. The park's Living History Farm Program offers a unique glimpse into life in the 1870s, complete with costumed interpreters and period activities.

Near Watkins Woolen Mill State Park, visitors can explore Excelsior Springs, known for its historic mineral waters and the Hall of Waters. The park itself is a major attraction, featuring the historic mill and the Mt. Vernon Missionary Baptist Church. The nearby town of Kearney offers additional historical sites and shopping opportunities.

Basic Details

INParking

IN10:00am - 7:30pm

INBeige

INCP3R+92 Excelsior Springs, MO, USA

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  • Watkins Woolen Mill State Park And State Historic Site - Beach Map

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Surf through our FAQs to help you find your perfect beach!

    Does Watkins Woolen Mill State Park And State Historic Site have parking? If so, is it free or paid?

    Yes, this Beach provides free parking at the entrance, although spaces are limited. Visitors can also find street parking nearby for easy access to the beach.

    Does Watkins Woolen Mill State Park And State Historic Site have lifeguards?

    No, this Beach does not have lifeguards monitoring the beach - please be careful when swimming on this beach.

    Is Watkins Woolen Mill State Park And State Historic Site a family-friendly beach?

    No, this Beach is not family-friendly and does not have restrooms, lifeguards, and nearby food.

    Is Watkins Woolen Mill State Park And State Historic Site good for swimming?

    No, this Beach is not generally considered a good swimming beach.

    Does Watkins Woolen Mill State Park And State Historic Site have restrooms?

    No, this Beach does not have restrooms on or near the beach.

    Is Watkins Woolen Mill State Park And State Historic Site a nude beach?

    No, this Beach maintains a family-friendly atmosphere and does not allow nude bathing.

    Is there food near Watkins Woolen Mill State Park And State Historic Site?

    No, this Beach does not have nearby food options - please plan your beach day accordingly.

    What are the activities at Watkins Woolen Mill State Park And State Historic Site?

    Yes, this Beach is a good place to Snorkeling

    Does Watkins Woolen Mill State Park And State Historic Site have accommodations for people with disabilities?

    No, this Beach does not have accommodations for people with disabilities.

    Is Watkins Woolen Mill State Park And State Historic Site a dog-friendly beach?

    No, this Beach is not dog-friendly.

    Is Watkins Woolen Mill State Park And State Historic Site good for surfing?

    No, this Beach is not generally considered to be good for surfing.

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