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National Military Park · Arkansas

Pea Ridge National Military Park

National Military Park in Arkansas. No entrance fee. 1 hikes listed.

By The Green Adventures · Updated · How we check

TypeNational Military Park
StateArkansas
Entrance feeNo entrance fee
CampgroundsNone
Nearest national parkHot Springs (145 mi)
Closest airportXNA (19 mi)
A reconstructed Elkhorn Tavern.
Used as a field hospital during the Battle of Pea Ridge, the Elkhorn Tavern is a focal point at Pea Ridge National Military Park. Photo: NPS Photo

Pea Ridge National Military Park is a national military park run by the National Park Service in Arkansas.

In the park service’s words

On March 7-8, 1862, over 23,000 soldiers fought here to decide the fate of Missouri which was a turning point of the war in the Trans-Mississippi. This 4,400-acre battlefield honors those who fought and died on these hallowed grounds. Pea Ridge was the most pivotal Civil War battle west of the Mississippi River.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

  • Bicycles in Pea Ridge National Park (30 to 120 Minutes): Cycling at Pea Ridge National Military Park is a great way to discover the true scope of the park, both in size and meaning. It is also a wonderful opportunity to experience a quiet peaceful place of nature in bustling Northwest Arkansas.
  • Williams Hollow Loop Hike (45 to 90 Minutes): Hiking at Pea Ridge National Military Park is a great way to understand the true scope of the park, both in size and meaning. It is also a wonderful opportunity to experience the quiet peace of nature in bustling Northwest Arkansas.

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Daily, 6:00AM - Sunset. The battlefield driving tour road is open for visitors to tour 7 days a week from 6 am to sunset.

Getting there

The entrance road is located on Highway 62, 1.3 miles east of the intersection of Highways 62 and 72. As one is driving along highway 62, watch for the brown road signs directing one to the entrance road to the park's visitor center.

Airport City Drive to the park Straight-line miles Type
Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) Fayetteville/Springdale/Rogers, AR No road route 19 Regional
Branson Airport (BKG) Branson, MO No road route 47 Regional
Boone County Airport (HRO) Harrison, AR No road route 51 Regional
Tulsa International Airport (TUL) Tulsa, OK No road route 105 Large hub

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

  • [Pea Ridge National Military Park](): Daily, 9:00AM - 5:00PM. The visitor center is open 7 days a week, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The battlefield driving tour road is open for visitors to tour 7 days a week from 6 a.m. to sunset. The Visitor Center is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from mid-November through early March.

Weather

Pea Ridge National Military Park is located in the northwestern part of the state and is on a part of the Ozark Plateau. The climate is hot and humid in the summers, has mild temperatures in the fall, and drier and cooler temperatures in the winter. During the spring and summer, active thunderstorms can pop up. During the winter months, the wind chill factor can make the temperature feel much colder than the air temperature. The winters can be cold with some snow and ice.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Hot Springs, about 145 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

Last checked 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee at Pea Ridge National Military Park?

No entrance fee.

Where is Pea Ridge National Military Park?

In Arkansas. The closest airport with scheduled flights is Northwest Arkansas National Airport, about 19 miles away.

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