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National Battlefield · Tennessee

Stones River National Battlefield

National Battlefield in Tennessee. No entrance fee.

By The Green Adventures · Updated · How we check

TypeNational Battlefield
StateTennessee
Entrance feeNo entrance fee
CampgroundsNone
Nearest national parkMammoth Cave (92 mi)
Closest airportBNA (22 mi)
The sun rises behind a green field with a cannon in the foreground.
On January 2, 1863, fifty-seven Union cannons fired from this line ending the Battle of Stones River by killing or wounding more than 1,800 Confederates in less than an hour. Photo: NPS Photo / Buddy Secor

Stones River National Battlefield is a national battlefield run by the National Park Service in Tennessee.

In the park service’s words

The Battle of Stones River began on the last day of 1862 and became one of the bloodiest conflicts of the Civil War. The battle produced important military and political gains for the Union, and it changed forever the people who lived and fought here.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Daily, 8:00AM - 5:00PM. From March 1st through October 31st,the park tour road is open to vehicles from 8 AM to 5 PM daily. Gates to the parking areas at Stones River National Cemetery, McFadden Farm (Tour Stop 6) and Redoubt Brannan are also open from 8 AM to 5 PM. WINTER HOURS - From November 1st through the end of February, the gates listed above close at 4:30 PM. Visitor Center parking open from 7 AM to 30-45 minutes before sunset daily. Pedestrians and bicyclists may use park roads and trails from sunrise to sunset.

Getting there

From Interstate 24 - Take Exit 76 and turn left (eastbound) or right (westbound) onto Medical Center Parkway. Turn left onto Thompson Lane. Turn left at the park entrance at 1563 N. Thompson Lane. Follow the tour road to the visitor center. From Interstate 40 - Take Exit 235 onto TN 840. Take Exit 55 onto US 41/TN 70 and follow the signs for Murfreesboro. Turn right onto Thompson Lane at the first traffic light. Turn right at the park entrance at 1563 N. Thompson Lane.

Airport City Drive to the park Straight-line miles Type
Nashville International Airport (BNA) Nashville, TN No road route 22 Large hub
Huntsville International Airport (HSV) Huntsville, AL No road route 88 Regional
Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (Lovell Field) (CHA) Chattanooga, TN No road route 90 Regional

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

  • Visitor Center: Daily, 9:00AM - 5:00PM. The park visitor center and restrooms are open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm in Spring and Summer and 9am to 4:00 pm from November 1 through February 29 in fall and winter.

Weather

Summer is hot and humid with highs in the 90s. Spring and fall are pleasant. Winter temperatures are variable, but temperatures may drop below freezing with occasional snow.

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 Mammoth Cave, about 92 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

Last checked 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee at Stones River National Battlefield?

No entrance fee.

Where is Stones River National Battlefield?

In Tennessee. The closest airport with scheduled flights is Nashville International Airport, about 22 miles away.

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