Pea Ridge National Military Park

Pea Ridge National Military Park is located in northwest Arkansas, near the town of Garfield. It was established in 1956 to preserve and commemorate the site of one of the most significant Civil War battles in the western theater.

The park spans 4,300 acres, making it one of the most well-preserved battlefields in the country. It offers visitors the opportunity to explore the landscape and learn about the events that took place on March 7-8, 1862, during the Battle of Pea Ridge. The battle was a pivotal moment in the Civil War as it secured Missouri for the Union forces and marked the decline of Confederate control in the region.

Visitors to Pea Ridge National Military Park can follow a self-guided driving tour that takes them through the main sites of the battle. Along the way, there are numerous interpretive panels providing information about the strategies, tactics, and significance of the battle. Additionally, there are several walking trails that allow visitors to explore the battlefield up close.

One of the main attractions within the park is the Elkhorn Tavern, a historic inn that served as the focal point of the battle. The tavern has been restored to its 1862 appearance and now serves as a museum, showcasing artifacts, exhibits, and interactive displays that further illuminate the events of the battle.

In addition to the historical aspects, Pea Ridge National Military Park offers various recreational activities. The park features picnic areas, a playground, and a visitor center with a bookstore where visitors can purchase books and souvenirs related to the Civil War and the park itself.

For those looking to explore the area further, there are several attractions located nearby. The nearby Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, located in Bentonville, showcases an impressive collection of American art spanning from the colonial period to the present day. Additionally, the city of Fayetteville, located a short drive away, offers a vibrant downtown area with shops, restaurants, and a lively arts scene.

Overall, Pea Ridge National Military Park provides a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the history of the Civil War while enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

Pea Ridge National Military Park is located in the northwestern part of the state of Arkansas. Nestled within the beautiful Ozark Mountains, this historic site encompasses a sprawling area of scenic woodlands and rolling hills. Situated just outside of the town of Garfield, the park is easily accessible, lying approximately 10 miles east of the border with Missouri. Its geographical location offers visitors a stunning natural landscape with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, making it an ideal destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Address & Contact

15930 National Park Drive
Garfield, AR 72732
Driving Directions
Phone: 479-451-8122
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Pea Ridge National Military Park is in the months of June, July, and August. During this period, the average maximum temperatures range from 85°F to 89°F, providing pleasant weather for outdoor activities. The average minimum temperatures in these months range from 66°F to 69°F, ensuring comfortable evenings. Additionally, these months have moderate precipitation, with an average monthly rainfall of around 4 inches.

Visitation rates are relatively high during these months, indicating a lively atmosphere, but not overwhelmingly crowded. This makes it a suitable time to explore the park without feeling overwhelmed by large crowds.

On the other hand, visiting during the winter months (December, January, and February) would offer cooler temperatures, with average maximum temperatures ranging from 45°F to 49°F and average minimum temperatures ranging from 25°F to 28°F. However, visitor counts are significantly lower during this time, allowing for a more serene and quieter experience.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Pea Ridge National Military Park are: Guided Tours Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Gift Shop and Souvenirs Biking Road Biking Hiking Horse Trekking Horseback Riding Living History Self-Guided Tours - Auto Historic Weapons Demonstration

Topics

Learn about these topics at Pea Ridge National Military Park: Trails Military Infantry and Militia Artillery Battlefields Wars and Conflicts Civil War Cavalry

Visitor Centers

Pea Ridge National Military Park

The Pea Ridge Visitor Center is located down the new entrance road from Hwy 62. Once inside the Visitor Center, there is a 28-minute orientation film "Thunder in the Ozarks." The park's film was produced in 2001. The park's museum was opened in 1963, but the exhibits have been completely updated as of February 2010. The park's Eastern National Bookstore is also located in the Visitor Center.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Pea Ridge National Military Park.

Campsites within or near Pea Ridge National Military Park

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near Pea Ridge National Military Park

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Bentonville South - Rogers, AR

When you stay at Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Bentonville South - Rogers, AR in Rogers, you'll be near the airport, within a 5-minute drive of Scottsdale Center and Horsebarn Trailhead. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and express check-out. Planning an event in Rogers? This hotel has facilities measuring 675 square feet (61 square meters), including a meeting room. A shuttle from the hotel to the airport is complimentary (available on request).
Address: 4304 W Walnut St, Rogers, Arkansas 72756
Web: Link

Eureka Springs Treehouses, Hobbit Caves & Castles

With a stay at Eureka Springs Treehouses, Hobbit Caves & Castles in Eureka Springs, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Intrigue Theater and Eureka Springs Historical Museum. Featured amenities include express check-in and express check-out. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 3018 E Van Buren, Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632
Web: Link

Lake Forest Luxury Log Cabins

With a stay at Lake Forest Luxury Log Cabins in Eureka Springs, you'll be 0.8 mi (1.2 km) from Beaver Lake and 7.2 mi (11.6 km) from Thorncrown Chapel. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 351 Lake Forest Drive, Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72631
Web: Link

Best Western Inn of the Ozarks

With a stay at Best Western Inn of the Ozarks in Eureka Springs (Eureka Springs Historic District), you'll be within a 15-minute walk of Eureka Springs District Court and Intrigue Theater. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and a 24-hour front desk. Planning an event in Eureka Springs? This hotel has facilities measuring 18300 square feet (1700 square meters), including conference space. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 207 W. Van Buren, Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632
Web: Link

The Country Inn of Eureka Springs

Located in Eureka Springs, The Country Inn of Eureka Springs is in the mountains, a 3-minute drive from Thorncrown Chapel and 10 minutes from Intrigue Theater.
Address: 14582 US-62, Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632
Web: Link

The Inn at Bella Vista

Located in Bella Vista, The Inn at Bella Vista is in the mountains, a 5-minute drive from Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel and 11 minutes from Bella Vista Back 40 Trail Head. Featured amenities include a library, coffee/tea in a common area, and refrigerator in a common area. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 101 Chelsea Road, Bella Vista, Arkansas 72715
Web: Link

Sugar Ridge Resort

Located in Eureka Springs, Sugar Ridge Resort is a 1-minute drive from Beaver Lake and 10 minutes from Indian Creek Park. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1216 County Rd 113, Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72631
Web: Link

Tall Pines Inn

When you stay at Tall Pines Inn in Eureka Springs, you'll be connected to a shopping center, within a 5-minute drive of Intrigue Theater and Eureka Springs Historical Museum. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 3 Pivot Rock Rd, Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632
Web: Link

Brackenridge Lodge

With a stay at Brackenridge Lodge in Eureka Springs, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Intrigue Theater and Eureka Springs Historical Museum. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 352 W Van Buren, Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632
Web: Link

Table Rock Landing

Located in Eureka Springs, Table Rock Landing is a 1-minute drive from White River and 5 minutes from Beaver Bridge - Little Golden Gate.
Address: 1 Landing Drive, Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72631
Web: Link