Watkins Mill State Park

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Park Information

Missouri State Parks has implemented a number of measures designed to maintain required social distancing and protect visitors, volunteers and staff. We ask our visitors to view our Park Hours to confirm operating hours. A full list of temporary closures can be found here. The latest information from Missouri State Parks on COVID-19 can be found here.

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

Day-Use Areas

  • Lake Trail
    7 a.m. - Sunset
  • Williams Creek Picnic Area
    Open year-round
  • Hill Top Picnic Area
    Open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day
  • South Gate:
    April through October: 6:30 a.m. - sunset, daily
    November through March: 7 a.m. - sunset, daily
  • North Gate
    7 a.m. - sunset, daily, year-round

Park Office hours

Summer Hours (on-season)

  • April 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 through March
    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

COVID-19 Temporary Hours

As of Friday, March 5, 2021, the visitor center will be reopened on an abbreviated schedule due to COVID-19 and staff restrictions. The visitor center will be open Fridays and Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Capacity of the visitor center will be restricted to a maximum of 40 guests. Face coverings will be required, as the park is located in Clay County and the local ordinance requires this.

Regular Hours

  • 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

Beach is closed for the season