[Skip all navigation]

DNR Home PageDNR Home Page | Locator Map | Resource Center | FAQ | Events | Directory | Search

Watkins Woolen Mill State Park and State Historic Site
816-580-3387

Interpretive and Educational Programs

Interpretive Programs

Guided tours are available of Watkins Woolen Mill and the Watkins family home. The mill is a National Historic Landmark and is the only 19th-century textile mill in the country with its original machinery intact. The visitor center offers an introduction to the Watkins family and their many business ventures.

During the summer months (April through October), the historic site's Living History Farm Program offers visitors a glimpse into the life of a family in the 1870s. Costumed staff and volunteers give demonstrations on cooking, gardening and other period activities.

Natural history programs are offered throughout the summer months in the campground.

April through October

Visitor Center, Museum Exhibits, Grounds (free admission):
Monday-Saturday 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday 10:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Tours of Watkins Woolen Mill and the Watkins House:
Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Mill tours are given on the even hours (10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m.) and house tours are on the odd hours (11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m.).
Sunday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Fees for tours:
Adults $2.50
Children ages 6 through 12 $1.50
Children under 6 free
Family rate $12


Tours begin on the hour. Mill tours are given on the even hours (10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.) and house tours are on the odd hours (11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.).

Visitors must be with a tour guide to enter the house or mill. Tours are limited to 15 people per group.

Pets are not allowed in the visitor center, on the grounds of the historic site or in the historic buildings.

November through March

Visitor Center, Museum Exhibits, Grounds (free admission):
Monday-Saturday 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Sunday 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Tours of Watkins Woolen Mill and the Watkins House:
November Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.   Mill tours are given on the even hours (10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m.) and house tours are on the odd hours (11 a.m.,
1 p.m., 3 p.m.).
  Sunday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.  
December - February Friday-Saturday, holiday Mondays 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.  
  Sunday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.  
March Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.  
  Sunday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.  

Fees for tours:
Adults $2.50
Children ages 6 through 12 $1.50
Children under 6 free
Family rate $12

November and March: Guided tours of the historic buildings are given daily.

December through February: Guided tours of the historic buildings are only given on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and holiday Mondays.

Tours begin on the hour. Mill tours are given on the even hours (10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.) and house tours are on the odd hours (11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.).

Visitors must be with a tour guide to enter the house or mill. Tours are limited to 15 people per group because of space and floor load.

Pets are not allowed in the visitor center, on the grounds of the historic site or in the historic buildings.

Educational Programs

The historic site offers a variety of education programs. Contact the office 816-580-3387 for further information.

Tours

Tour fees are $.75 for students ages 6-12 and $1.50 for older students and adults. The tour fee includes both the mill and house. Tours must be scheduled for weekdays at least two weeks in advance.

Woolen Mill

Theme
Grades fourth through sixth: Emphasis is on the types and uses of machinery; mill workers; working conditions; the role of the woolen mill in Missouri history.

Grades seventh through twelfth: Emphasis on types and uses of machinery; production of goods; mill workers; working conditions; industrialism in the United States during the 19th century; and the role of the woolen mill in Missouri history.

Watkins House

Theme
Grades first through sixth: Emphasis is on the furnishings and use of rooms; 19th century living conditions; the Watkins family; the farm, the orchard and livestock.

Grades seventh through twelfth: Emphasis is on the furnishing and use of rooms; 19th century living conditions; the Watkins family; food preservation; the farm, the orchard, and livestock.

Audio-Visual Programs

Video - Missouri Confronts Industrialism

Slideshow

Museum Activities

Museum Scavenger Hunt

Museum Hands-On Table

Franklin Academy School Program

Other Programs

Off-Site Presentations

Walk-About Program

Reservations

The above offerings apply to public, private, parochial and home school groups only. These programs and activities are not available on weekends or holidays. Reservations are required and can be made by calling the office at 816-580-3387.