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Watkins Mill State Park

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Park Information

A 100-acre lake with a paved bicycle path around it, plentiful fishing, a picturesque campground and a choice picnic spots make Watkins Mill State Park an ideal place for an afternoon or longer. Located near the Kansas City area, the park has ample fishing opportunities and an abundance of white-tailed deer and wild turkeys to watch. The park is adjacent to Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site, a National Historic Landmark.

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 park 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. 

Day-Use Areas

  • Lake Trail
    7 a.m. to sunset
  • Williams Creek Picnic Area
    Open year-round
  • Hill Top Picnic Area
    Open daily April 15-Oct. 31
  • Fox Hunt Picnic Area
    Open daily April 15-Oct. 31
  • South Gate:
    April 15-Oct. 31: 6:30 a.m. to sunset, daily
    Nov. 1-April 14: 7 a.m. to sunset, daily
  • North Gate
    7 a.m. to sunset, daily, year-round

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.