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Wilson's Creek National BattlefieldTheme(s): Civil War | |
Description:
The battle fought here on August 10, 1861, was the first major Civil War engagement west of the
Mississippi River, involving about 5,400 Union troops and 12,000 Confederates. Although a
Confederate victory, the Southerners failed to capitalize on their success. The battle led to greater federal military activity in Missouri, and set the stage for the Battle of Pea Ridge in March, 1862. Wilson's Creek was also where the first Union general, Nathaniel Lyon, met his
death. With the exception of the vegetation, the 1,750 acre battlefield has changed little from its
historic setting, enabling the visitor to experience the battlefield in near pristine condition.
Designations:
National Battlefield Park (April 22, 1960)
National Battlefield (December 16, 1970)
Accessibility:
All areas of the Visitor Center and Ray House are wheelchair accessible from the parking
areas. A wheelchair is available for use in the visitor center. Interpretive stops along the tour
road are wheelchair accessible. However, interpretive trails off the tour road are primitive trails
and are not wheelchair accessible. Designated handicapped parking spaces are available at
each of the parking areas.
Getting Around:
In Park: personal vehicle, bicycle, and foot.
A 4.9 mile paved tour road provides a self-guided auto tour. There are eight interpretive stops
at significant points to the battle. There are five walking trails off the tour road for individual
exploration, varying in length from one-fourth of a mile to three-fourths of a mile. A seven mile trail system for horseback riding and hiking is
accessible from the tour road.
Parking is available in the visitor center parking area as well as at each of the eight interpretive
stops. There are spaces designated for buses.
Activites:
Auto_Touring | Biking | Educational Programs | Hiking | Horseback Riding | Wildlife Viewing | Backpacking | Bird Watching | Nature Walks | And more.
Facilities:
Visitor_Centers | Picnic Areas | Museum Exhibits | Tours & Guided Activities | And more.
Nature: Endangered Plants | And more.
Directions to Wilson's Creek National Battlefield
Plane:
Springfield is serviced by the Springfield/Branson Regional Airport.
Car:
From I-44: exit at Exit #70 (state highway MM). Continue south to
US highway 60 to traffic light. Proceed through the intersection. MM changes to state
highway M. Continue 1/2 mile to state highway ZZ. Turn right on ZZ.
Continue south 1 and 1/2 miles to Farm Road 182 (Elm Street). Turn left; the entrance to the battlefield is on the right.
From US Highway 65: exit on East Sunshine (state highway 60).
Continue west on US highway 60 to the state highway MM/M intersection. Make a left on highway M. Continue 1/2 mile to highway ZZ and turn right. Continue south one and 1/2 mile to Farm Road 182 (Elm Street). Turn left; the entrance to the battlefield is on the right.
US Highway 65, from Branson and the lakes area: make a left on
state highway 14 at Ozark. Continue west on highway 14 to state highway ZZ. Follow ZZ
north to Farm Road 182 (Elm Street). Turn right; the entrance to the
battlefield is on the right.
From state highway 13: note that highway 13 becomes Kansas
Expressway upon entering Springfield. Follow Kansas Expressway south to
US highway 60 (W. Sunshine). At the intersection turn right on US highway 60. Continue west
and south on highway 60 to the state highway MM/M intersection. Turn left on highway M.
Continue 1/2 mile to highway ZZ and turn right. Continue south 1 and 1/2 miles to Farm Road 182 (Elm Street). Turn left; the
entrance to the battlefield is on the right.
Public Transportation
Limousine and taxi service is available from Springfield. Springfield is also serviced by the Greyhound bus lines.
Attractions:
General Sweeny's Museum of Civil War History
Phone:417.732.1224
Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World
Nearby Parks:
Pea Ridge National Military Park (75 miles)
Fort Scott National Historic Site (120 miles)
Fort Smith National Historic Site (210 miles)
Lincoln Home National Historic Site (310 miles)
George Washington Carver National Monument (65 miles)
Ozark National Scenic Riverways (150 miles)
Buffalo National River (90 miles)
Ulysses S Grant National Historic Site (200 miles)
Harry S Truman National Historic Site (175 miles)
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