National Battlefield

Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield

Midwest

About Wilson’s Creek

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.

Region: Midwest
State: Missouri
Designation: National Battlefield
Entrance fee: None listed

Trail data for this park is still being added.
Places for this park are still being added.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, weather and getting to Wilson’s Creek.

Entrance fees

The National Park Service lists no entrance fee for this park.

Hours

STANDARD HOURS (TOUR ROAD)

Mon: Sunrise to Sunset
Tue: Sunrise to Sunset
Wed: Sunrise to Sunset
Thu: Sunrise to Sunset
Fri: Sunrise to Sunset
Sat: Sunrise to Sunset
Sun: Sunrise to Sunset

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.

Weather and when to go

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.

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.

Directions from the National Park Service

Contact the park

Address: 6424 W. Farm Road 182, Republic, MO 65738
Phone: (417) 732-2662
Email: WICR_visitor_requests@nps.gov
Official site: nps.gov/wicr

From the National Park Service, checked weekly. Fees, hours and road conditions change: confirm with the park before you go.

Trip planner

A day-by-day plan for Wilson’s Creek

Tell us your dates and what you are into. We group the stops by where they are, so each day is one part of the park, not a zigzag.

Plan your park trip Free. No account needed.

Things to do in Wilson’s Creek

The park service's own list, with how long each takes.

Report for Duty at Wilson's Creek NB

Junior Ranger Program · about 2.7 hours

Become a Junior Ranger at Wilson's Creek National Battlefield!
Seek and Find

Self-Guided Tours - Walking · about 3.3 hours

Seek and Find nature and plant species as you visit the battlefield.
In the Steps of Soldiers

Self-Guided Tours - Walking · about 2.3 hours

Hike in the footsteps of Federal and Southern soldiers.
Let Nature Surprise You

Living History · about 3.3 hours

Let Nature Surprise You! Bring a notebook to journal about the nature you find at Wilsons Creek.
Ponder on the Porch

Living History · about 4 hours

Visit the Ray House and imagine how their family home was trasformed by battle into a field hospital.
Moving on the Tour Road

Self-Guided Tours - Walking · about 3.3 hours

Choose a method of exploring the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Tour Road that works best for you.
Explore with your Animal Companion

Self-Guided Tours - Walking · about 4 hours

Explore with your Animal Companion. Wilson's Creek National Battlefield has over 10 miles of designated trails.
Reflect at Wilson's Creek

Picnicking · about 15 min

Relax by the waters of Wilson’s Creek and transport your mind to a place of reflection.
Battlefield Museum

Museum Exhibits · about 45 min

Let your curiosity be your guide while visiting one of the nation's finest publicly held Civil War museum collections.