Wilson's Creek National Battlefield

The battle fought here on August 10, 1861, was the first major Civil War engagement west of the
Mississippi River, involving about 5,400 Union troops and 12,000 Confederates. Although a
Confederate victory, the Southerners failed to capitalize on their success. The battle led to greater federal military activity in Missouri, and set the stage for the Battle of Pea Ridge in March, 1862. Wilson's Creek was also where the first Union general, Nathaniel Lyon, met his
death. With the exception of the vegetation, the 1,750 acre battlefield has changed little from its
historic setting, enabling the visitor to experience the battlefield in near pristine condition.

6424 West Farm Road 182
Republic, MO 65738-9514
417.732.2662 - Headquarters

By Plane
Springfield is serviced by the Springfield/Branson Regional Airport.

By Car
From I-44: exit at Exit #70 (state highway MM). Continue south to
US highway 60 to traffic light. Proceed through the intersection. MM changes to state
highway M. Continue 1/2 mile to state highway ZZ. Turn right on ZZ.
Continue south 1 and 1/2 miles to Farm Road 182 (Elm Street). Turn left; the entrance to the battlefield is on the right.

From US Highway 65: exit on East Sunshine (state highway 60).
Continue west on US highway 60 to the state highway MM/M intersection. Make a left on highway M. Continue 1/2 mile to highway ZZ and turn right. Continue south one and 1/2 mile to Farm Road 182 (Elm Street). Turn left; the entrance to the battlefield is on the right.

US Highway 65, from Branson and the lakes area: make a left on
state highway 14 at Ozark. Continue west on highway 14 to state highway ZZ. Follow ZZ
north to Farm Road 182 (Elm Street). Turn right; the entrance to the
battlefield is on the right.

From state highway 13: note that highway 13 becomes Kansas
Expressway upon entering Springfield. Follow Kansas Expressway south to
US highway 60 (W. Sunshine). At the intersection turn right on US highway 60. Continue west
and south on highway 60 to the state highway MM/M intersection. Turn left on highway M.
Continue 1/2 mile to highway ZZ and turn right. Continue south 1 and 1/2 miles to Farm Road 182 (Elm Street). Turn left; the
entrance to the battlefield is on the right.

By Plane
Limousine and taxi service is available from Springfield. Springfield is also serviced by the Greyhound bus lines.

Getting Around
In Park: personal vehicle, bicycle, and foot.
A 4.9 mile paved tour road provides a self-guided auto tour. There are eight interpretive stops
at significant points to the battle. There are five walking trails off the tour road for individual
exploration, varying in length from one-fourth of a mile to three-fourths of a mile. A seven mile trail system for horseback riding and hiking is
accessible from the tour road.

Parking is available in the visitor center parking area as well as at each of the eight interpretive
stops. There are spaces designated for buses.

Spring and fall are moderate in temperature and humidity. Summer, July through August, is
typically hot and humid. Winter, November through February, is cold with snow a possibility
anytime. Seldom does a snow cover last more than two or three days.

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.

• Auto Touring
• Biking
• Educational Programs
• Hiking
• Horseback Riding
• Wildlife Viewing
• Backpacking
• Bird Watching
• Nature Walks

Recommended Activities
Visitors should stop at the Visitor Center for a park brochure with information about the battle
and self-guided tour, as well as special events available.

A 4.9 mile paved tour road provides a self-guided auto tour. There are eight stops
at significant points to the battle. There are five walking trails off the tour road, varying in length from one-fourth mile to three-fourth mile. A seven mile trail system for horseback riding and hiking is accessible from the tour road.

The Ray House, dating from the 1850s, served as a temporary field hospital for Confederate soldiers following the battle. General
Nathaniel Lyon's body was brought to the house and placed in a bed for examination. The bed is on exhibit in one of the rooms. The House is open on weekends (subject to staff and volunteer availability), Memorial Day
through Labor day.

The anniversary of the battle is observed with a special program and ceremony during the
morning of the anniversary date, August 10. An annual candlelight tour is held, traditionally in August. This program requires advance tickets and is not
included as part of the regular admission charge.

Living history programs depicting Civil War soldier life, cavalry drills, musket firing, artillery
demonstrations, Civil War medicine, and Civil War era clothing are available on Sunday
afternoons Memorial Day through Labor Day.