1860s Children's Day

at Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site

5/16/2026 | Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site | New Madrid, Mo.

Children of all ages are invited to Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site on Saturday, May 16, for 1860s Children's Day. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., children will have the opportunity to learn what life was like in the 1860s by participating in common chores and games of the period. Activities will include washing clothes with a washboard, dipping candles, making corn shuck dolls, walking on stilts and more.

Children's Day is free and open to the public; there is no need to register. In the case of inclement weather, the event will be canceled.

This event is being held in conjunction with the National Park Trust's Kids to Parks Day. For more information about Kids to Parks Day and to see a complete list of associated events at Missouri state parks and historic sites, please visit our Kids to Parks Day landing page.

Event Times:

  • Start: 11 a.m.
  • End: 1 p.m.

Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site Contact Information:

  • Address: 312 Dawson Road, New Madrid, Mo.
  • Phone number: 573-748-5340