Theodore Roosevelt Presidential LibraryPublic Lands Directory

Alerts and conditions

Information 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.

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Information 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.

Overview

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

History

The designation history for this site (every law, proclamation and order, and the administration behind each) is being researched and checked by the Library’s historians.

What to see and do

Activities

  • Arts and Culture
  • Cultural Demonstrations
  • Live Music
  • Auto and ATV
  • Scenic Driving
  • Biking
  • Road Biking
  • Food
  • Picnicking
  • Guided Tours
  • Self-Guided Tours - Walking
  • Self-Guided Tours - Auto
  • Hiking
  • Front-Country Hiking
  • Horse Trekking
  • Horseback Riding
  • Living History
  • Historic Weapons Demonstration
  • First Person Interpretation
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Birdwatching
  • Park Film
  • Museum Exhibits
  • Shopping
  • Bookstore and Park Store
  • Gift Shop and Souvenirs

Browse hiking, biking and paddling routes on AllTrails

Plan your visit

Hours

STANDARD HOURS (TOUR ROAD): 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.

Visitor centers

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.

Phone: 417-732-2662

Whose lands these are

These lands are the ancestral and present-day homelands of Native nations. A section on whose lands these are is being prepared with tribal review. In the meantime, Native Land Digital offers a starting point.

Photos

Women in reproduction historic dress sit and stand on porch of old cabin
Edwards Cabin · NPS Photo
A stone marker with engraving sits in front of a wooden fence and trees
Lyon Marker · NPS Photo
The receiver of an 1864 rifle shows decorative engraving with the original owner's name
Henry Rifle · Courtesy of Morphy Auctions
A man and woman walk with their dog on a paved road edged by trees and fields
Tour Road · NPS Photo
Front Entrance of Visitor Center and Arrowhead on sign reading "Wilson's Creek National Battlefield"
Wilson's Creek National Battlefield Visitor Center · Charles Dischinger, NPS Volunteer
General Nathaniel Lyon killed at The Battle of Wilson's Creek was placed on this bed. The Lyon Bed.
The Lyon Bed · Charles Dischinger, NPS Volunteer

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