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

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. - 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

COVID-19 Temporary Hours

May 5-15:
Beginning May 5, 2021, the office at Watkins Mill State Park will be open to the public five days a week -- Wednesdays through Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Per local ordinance, masks will be required inside.

Regular 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

May 5-15:
Beginning May 5, 2021, the visitor center and museum will be open to the public five days a week -- Wednesdays through Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Per local ordinance, masks will be required inside the visitor center. 
 
Beginning May 16:
The visitor center and museum will be open seven days a week beginning on Sunday, May 16. Hours of operation are Mondays through Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Per local ordinance, masks will be required inside the visitor center.

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

Season: May 28 through Sept. 6
10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., daily