Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site

Activities

Park Information

Stepping on to the grounds of Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site is like stepping into 19th century pastorale. Many of the buildings that Waltus Watkins spent half a century building – including a home and a three-story woolen mill – have been preserved to give visitors a sense of life in the 1870s. The mill is the only 19th century textile mill in the United States with its original machinery still intact. The site's visitor center offers an introduction to the Watkins family and their many business ventures.

Park Hours

For temporary closures related to weather, stewardship activities and maintenance, visit our Park and Site Status Map.


On the following days (actual or observed), staff will not be available and site buildings will be closed: Christmas Eve; Christmas Day; New Year’s Eve; New Year’s Day; Jan. 2, 2023; Martin Luther King Jr. Day; Lincoln’s Birthday; and Presidents Day. 

Historic Site Grounds:

  • April 15-Oct. 31
    9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday
    10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday
  • Nov. 1-April 14
    9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday
    10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sunday

Tours:

Please call for tour information and times at 816-580-3387.

Park Office hours

Summer Hours (on-season)

  • April 15-Oct. 31
    8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
    9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday
    10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday

Winter Hours (off-season)

  • Nov. 1-April 14
    8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
    9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday
    10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sunday

Visitor Center hours

Visitor Center and Museum

April 15-Oct. 31
9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday
10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday

Nov. 1-April 14
9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday
10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sunday

Swimming Beach hours

Season: May 26 through Sept. 4
Hours: 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.