Wilson's Creek National Battlefield

Wilson's Creek National Battlefield is a national battlefield run by the National Park Service in Missouri.

In the park service’s words

Wilson's Creek was the first major Civil War battle fought west of the Mississippi River, and where the first Union general was killed in action. The costly Southern victory on August 10, 1861, focused national attention on the war in Missouri. Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield commemorates and interprets the battle within the context of the war in the Trans-Mississippi West.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

• Report for Duty at Wilson's Creek NB (2 to 4 Hours): Become a Junior Ranger at Wilson's Creek National Battlefield!
• Seek and Find (1 to 8 Hours): Seek and Find nature and plant species as you visit the battlefield.
• In the Steps of Soldiers (2 to 3 Hours): Hike in the footsteps of Federal and Southern soldiers.
• Let Nature Surprise You (1 to 8 Hours): Let Nature Surprise You! Bring a notebook to journal about the nature you find at Wilsons Creek.
• Ponder on the Porch (2 to 8 Hours): Visit the Ray House and imagine how their family home was trasformed by battle into a field hospital.
• Moving on the Tour Road (1 to 8 Hours): Choose a method of exploring the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Tour Road that works best for you.
• Explore with your Animal Companion (2 to 8 Hours): Explore with your Animal Companion. Wilson's Creek National Battlefield has over 10 miles of designated trails.
• Reflect at Wilson's Creek (1 to 8 Minutes): Relax by the waters of Wilson’s Creek and transport your mind to a place of reflection.

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Daily, Sunrise to Sunset. The park grounds are open from 1/2 hour before sunrise until 1/2 hour after sunset. This includes non-motorized and pedestrian access to the tour road. Motorized access to the tour road begins at 8:00 am daily when the automated entrance gate will open. The visitor center and museum hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily, seven days a week.

Getting there

From I-44: exit at Exit 70 (Missouri Highway MM). Continue south to U.S. Highway 60. Proceed through the intersection. Continue 1/2 mile to Missouri Highway ZZ. Turn right on ZZ. Continue south to Farm Road 182 (Elm Street). At the roundabout, take the third exit; the entrance to the battlefield is on the right.

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

• Wilson's Creek Visitor Center & Museum: Daily, 9:00AM - 5:00PM. The visitor center and museum hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily, all year long. The visitor center is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

Weather

Summer months are frequently hot and humid, with occasional showers and thunderstorms. Winter months (especially January and February) are frequently cold, with occasional ice and light snow. Spring and fall months are generally pleasant, with occasional showers.

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 180 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

• National Park Service Data API: Wilson's Creek National Battlefield (public domain)
• Official website

Last checked 1 November 2026.