Parks / Wilson's Creek National Battlefield
Wilson's Creek National Battlefield
National Battlefield · MO
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.
Official NPS page →Current Alerts (2)
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.
Navigation Warning
Some navigation systems on devices misdirect visitors driving to Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield. Please note that the entrance to the park is at the visitor center located near the Southeast intersection of Hwy ZZ and FR 182.
Entrance Fees
This park is fee-free.
Upcoming Events
Beyond the Musket: Common Soldiers at the Battle of Wilson's Creek
Sep 5, 2026 · Visitor Center Lawn
Caravan Tour
Sep 7, 2026 · Meet at the visitor center and follow in your own vehicle to stops along the tour road.
Civil War Medicine
Sep 13, 2026 · Join us in the multipurpose room of the visitor center.
Civil War Medicine
Sep 27, 2026 · Join us in the multipurpose room of the visitor center.
Things to Do
Battlefield Museum
Let your curiosity be your guide while visiting one of the nation's finest publicly held Civil War museum collections.
Explore with your Animal Companion
Explore with your Animal Companion. Wilson's Creek National Battlefield has over 10 miles of designated trails.
In the Steps of Soldiers
Hike in the footsteps of Federal and Southern soldiers.
Let Nature Surprise You
Let Nature Surprise You! Bring a notebook to journal about the nature you find at Wilsons Creek.
March with the Missouri State Guard
Follow in the footsteps of Missouri State Guard soldiers! Cross Wilson's Creek on a historic bridge and peek into a cabin near where Major General Sterling Price set up his headquarters. Continue the adventure at Bloody Hill, the battlefield's most iconic location.
Moving on the Tour Road
Choose a method of exploring the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Tour Road that works best for you.
Ponder on the Porch
Visit the Ray House and imagine how their family home was trasformed by battle into a field hospital.
Reflect at Wilson's Creek
Relax by the waters of Wilson’s Creek and transport your mind to a place of reflection.
Report for Duty at Wilson's Creek NB
Become a Junior Ranger at Wilson's Creek National Battlefield!
Seek and Find
Seek and Find nature and plant species as you visit the battlefield.
Tour a Family Farm Turned Field Hospital
See the battle of Wilson’s Creek through the eyes of a farming family caught up in combat and its aftermath. The Ray family not only lost much of their property to foraging soldiers, but they witnessed the horrifying toll of battle when their home became a makeshift field hospital. The historic Ray House and Springhouse are the only surviving period structures from 1861 in the park, which is one of the country’s best-preserved Civil War battlefields.
Travel the Tour Road at Wilson's Creek
A 4.9-mile paved road for driving, walking, or cycling loops through Wilson's Creek National Battlefield, once of the most pristine Civil War sites in the nation. Along the tour road you'll see historic structures and farm fields, artillery placements, the historic Wire Road, and the iconic Bloody Hill.
Visitor Centers
- Wilson's Creek Visitor Center & Museum
Source: National Park Service.