Pea Ridge National Military Park
Overview
Pea Ridge National Military Park is a 4,300 acre Civil War Battlefield that preserves the site of the March 1862 battle that saved Missouri for the Union. On March 7 & 8, nearly 26,000 soldiers fought to determine whether Missouri would remain under Union control, and whether or not Federal armies could continue their offensive south through the Mississippi River Valley. Major General Earl Van Dorn led 16,000 Confederates against 10,250 Union soldiers, under the command of Brigadier General Samuel R. Curtis. Van Dorn's command consisted of regular Confederate troops commanded by Brigadier General Benjamin McCulloch, and Missouri State Guard Forces commanded by Major General Sterling Price. The Confederate force also included some 800 Cherokees fighting for the Confederacy. The Union army consisted of soldiers from Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri and Ohio. Half of the Federals were German immigrants. The park also includes a 2.6-mile segment of the Trail of Tears. The Elkhorn Tavern, site of bitter fighting on both days, is a NPS reconstruction on the site of the original. The park is one of the most well preserved battlefields in the United States.
Visit Pea Ridge and get a tour of the nation's history by checking out the visitor center, which has many exhibits on the park's history, as well as a 28-minute film. The seven-mile, self guided auto tour is a great way to see the historical sites at the park.
Activities
Auto/Motorcycle
The park has a seven mile tour, 10 stop, self-guided automobile tour road that is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m everyday, weather permiting. Audio tour guides may be purchased in the bookstore.
Hiking
The park's hiking trail is seven miles long and goes through both natural and historic areas of the park. If you are not interested in hiking the entire trail there are several shorter loop trails, accessible from tour stop 7 (the Elkhorn Tavern).
Many people enjoy walking and running along the tour road as well.
Historic Sites
Pea Ridge is one of the most well preserved battlefields in the country. A seven-mile, self guided tour road takes visitors through many historic sites, and the visitor center has many exhibits about the history of the park, as well as a 28-minutes film.
Horseback Riding
The horse trailhead is located southwest of tour stop one. The trailhead has spots for 10-15 trailers and access to the horse trail is down the dirt road through the trees. There are now two loops to the horse trail. The shorter five-mile trail and longer nine-mile trail split at Ford Road.
Picnicking
Please contact the park for more information.
Directions
Driving
From the Northeast (Republic, MO): Take US 60 to Monett, MO, then south on MO 37 to Gateway, AR. Go west on US 62 to the park.
From the North (Joplin, MO): Take US 71 south until the Pea Ridge Exit and then go left on AR 72. At the town of Pea Ridge follow 72 to US 62. Turn left on US 62 to the Park.
From the South (Ft. Smith, AR): Take I-540 north. Go through Fayetteville, AR. Continue north on I-540 to the US 62 exit and follow signs to the park.
From the West (Tulsa, OK): Take the Cherokee Turnpike to US 412 to Siloam Springs and Springdale, AR. Take I-540 north to US 62 East and follow signs to the park.
Flying
Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA) serves the NW Arkansas area and is 20 miles southwest of the park. US Airways, Northwest, Delta, United, Continental and American Airlines serve this facility. Rental cars are available at the airport. The park can be reached by traveling from XNA to AR Highway 12 to Bentonville and I-540, then north one exit to US 62 East and following the signs to the park.
Phone Numbers
Primary
(479) 451-8122Links
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