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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.

Day-Use Areas

  • Lake Trail
    7 a.m. to Sunset
  • Williams Creek Picnic Area
    Open year-round
  • Hill Top Picnic Area
    Open daily from April 1 to Oct. 31
  • Fox Hunt Picnic Area
    Open daily from April 1 to Oct. 31
  • South Gate:
    April through October: 6:30 a.m. to sunset, daily
    November through March: 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 through October
    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)

  • November 1 through 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 through October
    9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday
    10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday
  • November
    9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday
    10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sunday
  • Dec. 1, 2020, through Feb. 28, 2021
    9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday
    10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sunday
    The visitor center may be closed during these hours due to weather.

Swimming Beach hours

Season: May 27-Sept. 5
10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.