wilson's creek national battlefield

lumpar

This is the fascinating and tragic story of one the first battles of the civil war, an amazing tour of the battlefield with location information and the course of how the battle was fought and how it touched everyday Americans, there is something quite fascinating but errie about this place, It has been kept in great condition and very reasonable entrance, Shame the day we visitied was very wet. I would recommend visiting It is worth at least half a day when the weather is nice, local wildlife can also be seen, but it should always remain as a mark of respect to those who fell. The visitors centre has great exhibits including a model of how the battle took place.

Kare4Ever

Because it was so cold the day of our visit, it was nice to have the car close by to warm up after walking some of the trails. Our visit coincided with Presidents' Day weekend, so park fees were waived. The NPS staff was friendly and knowledgeable. Other good points for this battlefield; the phone tour, video, and small museum.

QuilterBHS

The battlefield offers options for any level of activity. If you are just looking for a quick stop, there is a small gift shop and movie accounting the civil war battle of Wilson Creek (free). For a small fee ($5/per car) you can choose to drive a 5 mile loop through the park. You can also bike or run the loop, but no dogs. There are many stops where you can get out and read the historic plaques (or listen to them on your phone). Several of these stops also offer trails, cannons, memorial markers, or buildings to explore. Great place to see deer and wild turkey.

Grammy1952

We go often and walk trails and think back to the past. It is a peaceful place. Got a recording of a whisper in what we think is German during the Park re enactment. Ghosts of the past still present. Lovely place.

jimcS6746GU

It is unfortunate that this historic site has been surrounded by urban sprawl in the last 20 years. It is still one one of the best preserved civil war battlefields in the country but the whole experience is diminished by Springfields lack of concern for its local history as is seen by the sprawl around the sight.

dwm_SGF_1987

The National Park Service operates the Wilson Creek National Battlefield. This is a solemn park a little off the beaten path. Start the visit in the visitor center and there are paved roads and walking trails to explore. Plenty of Ozark scenery to take in anytime of the year. For anyone interested in Civil War history, this is a must see. If you bring the family make sure to bring some snacks or a cooler.

3JJulia

I went with my husband, even though this is not my thing. It is informative, interesting, and I really did learn about the Civil war. Scenic area with many vistas. Good staff and video to start your visit.

135Greg135

There is a good movie at the visitors center and a few artifacts. The battlefield itself is mostly a driving tour with a few stops, but it is basically just preserved Missouri countryside. A quick visit for Civil War history buffs will suffice.

danf761

Wilson creek is a well preserved piece of American history. For me the best feature was the library which houses a surprising large collection of vintage pieces and rare manuscripts. I spent over 3 hours in the library alone pouring through materials. One of the librarians, Allen, was extremely knowledgable and helpful in pulling out resource after resource and showing me some of their exceptional holdings. The visit greatly exceeding my expectations.

930stevanw

as an American history buff Wilson's Creek was another battlefield on my list that i had to visit.The battlefield is well preserved and has a rather nice rout that the driving tour took. Walking paths and info plaques gives the visitor a good idea as to what happened on August 10,1861

Hoosiercritic

Wilson's Creek was one of the first major engagements of the Civil War, and you can see the battlefield virtually as it was at the time, without commercialization. The visitor center exhibits are under renovation and the staff is most helpful--when we tried to watch the film their projector system failed so they gave us a DVD of the film! Don't miss the electric map that clearly explains the battle. The loop drive has several stop offs with interpretive signs and a couple of trails to further explore, and a relatively new cell phone system to explain each stop.. I have been to almost all the Civil War sites and Wilson's Creek is one of the most preserved and best explained, even those with little knowledge of the campaign or the Civil War in Missouri should find it most informative and understandable. And in the fall the colorful trees and creek make this a most pleasant place to visit.

Thayertravelingagain

For quite sometime we have been meaning to visit this battlefield and now wished we had visited much earlier. The movie that is presented at the visitor center is a valuable tool to learn and understand about this battle -- i.e. that it is the second major battle of the war and that it was the first where a general was killed during the war. The folks at the visitor's center were very helpful and gave us pointers about where we could hike, etc. There is a self guided 5-mile one-way auto tour with several places to park and take hikes (or small walks) to some of the sites not visible from your vehicle. The app that lets you use your cell phone for info on many of the stops is very informative. This place is worth a stop and another site that will help one understand what happened during the Civil War. Also, although not large, the gift shop has many books at a reasonable price for both adults and children. We were there after Labor Day and the park was very quiet. We recommend this wonderful place of remembrance. If you do not have a National Park Pass, there is a small fee to enter but worth the price.

backontheroadagain

Allow plenty of time to view the displays in the visitor center, watch the film and visit the battlefield. Opportunities for biking, hiking and horseback riding. After visiting the visitors center you can get in your car and drive around the loop, stopping at well-documented sites describing the war. Even if you are not a history buff you will enjoy this attraction. We only had 1 1/2 hours en route to the airport but would have spent longer if we could have. Thanks to the National Park Service for preserving and caring for this battlefield. Nominal charge of $10 per car.

nealf630

Rather small but immaculate national battlefield -- the only one in Missouri. The National Park Service has improved the experience in the past few years with a new introductory film (I think!), new explanatory placards, a cell phone tour, while maintaining the site's grace and beauty. It's as well presented as Gettysburg, only you don't need a month to take it all in. One day will do. Get out and walk! You will experience a fraction of this lovely place in your vehicle. Plus it's $10 per vehicle, free to pedestrians. And the trails are great.

pastorsue

A 5 mile tour. Can drive though or walk though. Very interesting. Make sure you stop in the visitor center to watch the film and watch the light show on the movements on the field before the drive though.