Wilson's Creek National Battlefield is located in southwest Missouri, just outside of Springfield. It commemorates the Battle of Wilson's Creek, which took place on August 10, 1861, during the early stages of the American Civil War.
This historic site offers visitors a chance to learn about and experience a crucial moment in American history. The battlefield covers over 900 acres of rolling hills, forests, and meadows. It provides a remarkable glimpse into the events that unfolded during the battle that ultimately shaped the course of the Civil War.
At the visitor center, guests can gain a deeper understanding of the battle through interactive exhibits, artifacts, and audiovisual presentations. Knowledgeable park rangers are available to provide guided tours and answer questions, helping to bring the history to life.
For those interested in exploring the battlefield, a self-guided driving tour allows visitors to visit key locations and immerse themselves in the terrain where Union and Confederate troops clashed. Hiking trails are also available, offering stunning views of the landscape and opportunities to discover historic markers and interpretive panels along the way.
Several attractions are located near Wilson's Creek National Battlefield. The nearby town of Republic offers unique shops, restaurants, and other amenities for visitors. Springfield, just a short drive away, provides additional opportunities to explore history, with attractions such as the Route 66 Car Museum and the History Museum on the Square.
Overall, Wilson's Creek National Battlefield provides an educational and thought-provoking experience for history enthusiasts and those interested in the Civil War. Whether it's exploring the battlefield, learning from exhibits, or enjoying nearby attractions, visitors have plenty to see and do when they visit this historic site.
Wilson's Creek National Battlefield is situated in the picturesque state of Missouri, within the southwestern region. Nestled in the stunning Ozark Mountains, this historic site spans over 1,750 acres of preserved land. As visitors explore the battlefield, they are met with rolling hills, lush vegetation, and meandering creeks that add a serene touch to the landscape. Located just a short drive from Springfield, this pivotal Civil War site showcases the natural beauty of the Missouri countryside while also providing a firsthand glimpse into the dramatic events that unfolded on these hallowed grounds.
6424 W. Farm Road 182Republic, MO 65738Driving DirectionsPhone: 417-732-2662Web: Link
The best time to visit Wilson's Creek National Battlefield is in May or September. These months offer pleasant weather with average maximum temperatures of 76°F in May and 81°F in September. The minimum temperatures range from 56°F in May to 60°F in September. Additionally, precipitation levels are moderate, with an average of 6.4 inches in May and 4.3 inches in September. Visiting during these months will allow for enjoyable outdoor activities while avoiding large crowds.
Some of the activities you can do in Wilson's Creek National Battlefield are: Food Picnicking Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Gift Shop and Souvenirs Arts and Culture Biking Road Biking Hiking Front-Country Hiking Auto and ATV Scenic Driving Horse Trekking Horseback Riding Living History Self-Guided Tours - Auto Historic Weapons Demonstration First Person Interpretation Cultural Demonstrations Live Music
Learn about these topics at Wilson's Creek National Battlefield: Animals Birds Groundwater Freshwater Springs Night Sky Arts Industry Tortoises and Turtles Trails Unique Species Military African American Heritage Painting Photography Schools and Education Women's History Forests and Woodlands Grasslands Meadows Astronomy Battlefields Monuments and Memorials Wars and Conflicts Civil War Endangered Enslavement Mills Medicine Hospital Prairies Farming and Agriculture
The recently renovated visitor center contains a staffed contact station, exhibits housing items from our extensive museum collection, a twenty-eight-minute film, an eight-minute fiber optics troop movement map, a bookstore, and the John k. and Ruth Hulston Civil War Research Library.
The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Wilson's Creek Visitor Center & Museum.
This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).
Located in Springfield, Sleep Inn Springfield South I60 near Medical District is in the business district, a 3-minute drive from Lester E. Cox Medical Center South and 5 minutes from Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 233 E Camino Alto, Battlefield, Missouri 65810
Web: Link
You'll be centrally located in Springfield with a stay at La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Springfield South, within a 15-minute walk of Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World and Wonders of Wildlife Museum & Aquarium. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, a 24-hour front desk, and multilingual staff. Planning an event in Springfield? This hotel has facilities measuring 792 square feet (71 square meters), including a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2535 S Campbell Ave, Springfield, Missouri 65807
Web: Link
Located in Springfield, Quality Inn & Suites is in the entertainment district, within a 10-minute drive of Hulston Cancer Center and Wheeler Heart and Vascular Center. Featured amenities include a business center, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 3930 S Overland Ave, Springfield, Missouri 65807
Web: Link
Located in Nixa, Super 8 by Wyndham Nixa/Springfield Area is within a 10-minute drive of Hulston Cancer Center and Wheeler Heart and Vascular Center. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-out, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 418 N Massey Blvd, Nixa, Missouri 65714
Web: Link
When you stay at Best Western Plus Springfield Airport Inn in Springfield, you'll be near the airport and 8 minutes by car from Ozark Empire Fairgrounds & Events Center. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and express check-out. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary (available 24 hours).
Address: 4445 W Chestnut Expressway, 1/2 Mile East Of I-44, Exit 72, Springfield, Missouri 65802
Web: Link
When you stay at Holiday Inn Express and Suites Springfield Medical District, an IHG Hotel in Springfield, you'll be in a shopping district, within a 5-minute drive of Wheeler Heart and Vascular Center and Hulston Cancer Center. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in Springfield? This hotel has facilities measuring 270 square feet (25 square meters), including a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 310 E Monastery, Battlefield, Missouri 65801
Web: Link
Located in Springfield, Candlewood Suites South - Springfield, an IHG Hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Hulston Cancer Center and Wheeler Heart and Vascular Center. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1035 E Republic Rd, Battlefield, Missouri 65807
Web: Link
Located in Springfield, Best Budget Inn Springfield is in the business district, within a 10-minute drive of Ozark Empire Fairgrounds & Events Center and Discovery Center of Springfield. Featured amenities include a computer station, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 4433 W Chestnut Expressway, Springfield, Missouri 65802
Web: Link
Located in Springfield, WoodSpring Suites Springfield is within a 5-minute drive of Hulston Cancer Center and Wheeler Heart and Vascular Center. Featured amenities include express check-out, laundry facilities, and an elevator. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2021 W Kingsley St, Springfield, Missouri 65807
Web: Link
With a stay at The Mansion at Elfindale in Springfield, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Wonders of Wildlife Museum & Aquarium and Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World. Featured amenities include luggage storage, a safe deposit box at the front desk, and coffee/tea in a common area. This bed & breakfast has 3 meeting rooms available for events. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1701 S Fort Ave, Springfield, Missouri 65807
Web: Link
| Date issued | Details |
|---|---|
| 2026-03-05 | BE AWARE OF HIGH-WATER DANGER Visitors should be aware of high-water danger. Heavy rain has made crossing flowing water hazardous for hikers and horseback riders. |
| 2026-02-09 | Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Prescribed Burns Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield may intermittently conduct prescribed burns in the park between February 14, 2026, and March 15, 2026. More |
| 2026-02-09 | Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Prescribed Burns - Updated March 13 Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield may intermittently conduct prescribed burns in the park between March 13, 2026, and March 31, 2026. More |
| 2025-12-16 | America the Beautiful Pass not Issued at Wilson's Creek Wilson's Creek National Battlefield is a fee free site. No pass or charge is required to visit. Due to being a fee free site, America the Beautiful Passes are no longer issued. To learn about different pass types and where you can obtain them, including new digital passes, please visit the provided link. More |
| 2025-05-30 | Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield to rehabilitate pavement along the tour road and throughout the battlefield with funding from the Great American Outdoors Act. Between June 30 – August 6, the NPS and Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield will complete pavement rehabilitation on high-priority roads through contract work. The battlefield received Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) Legacy Restoration Funding to utilize proactive pavement preservation techniques, such as crack sealing, chip sealing, patching, joint and crack repair, and restriping to extend the useful surface life of parking lots and roadways within the battlefield. More |
| 2024-12-08 | Update on Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Prescribed Burns Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield will intermittently conduct prescribed burns in the park between December 9 and December 12, 2024. More |