Arkansas' Old Battlefield Is Now A National Park

Follow the winding trails of Pea Ridge National Military Park, and you'll pass monuments, surviving earthworks, and fields where over 20,000 soldiers once faced each other. The National Military Park is one of Arkansas' most significant battlefield sites and a major stop along Arkansas's scenic and historic heritage trails. In fact, the battle at Pea Ridge is considered the most significant conflict that took place west of the Mississippi River, per the National Park Service (NPS). The site was designated a national park in 1963, now a protected landscape complete with hiking trails marked by interpretive signs and scenic overlooks.

Pea Ridge is close to Missouri — about a 20-minute drive from the border — and its proximity discloses a crucial reason why such a high-stakes battle was fought here. Both the Union and Confederacy in the Civil War wanted to stake a claim over Missouri because of its advantageous location as an invasion route and its abundant natural resources (as well as its surplus of muskets). The Union Army first began to advance in Lebanon, Missouri, pushing Confederate forces further south into Arkansas. Pea Ridge was the climax of the Union's campaign, and it marked a victory for the Union — after the Battle of Pea Ridge, Missouri was secured as a Union state.

Today, while the park is a serene green space, you can see a few traces of the battle that once took place. A key landmark is the Elkhorn Tavern, which has been restored to its original Civil War-era form. The building served as both a headquarters and a hospital on the battle site. You'll also see cannons positioned across the fields and some preserved trenches.

At the northern reaches of Arkansas, Pea Ridge National Military Park is about a 15-minute drive from Rogers, a city with a small-town soul hidden among lakes and mountains. Those flying in will find the Northwest Arkansas National Airport about 40 minutes away, which has arrivals from many large U.S. cities. At Pea Ridge itself, you'll find parking at several different stops throughout the park, with the visitor's center serving as the main lot. Entrance is free year-round.

The visitor center at Pea Ridge is a highlight, with many reviewers strongly suggesting it as a primer before you tour the park. "[The] visitor center has an informative film that takes about 30 minutes. It provides a nice overview, starting with a portrayal of a soldier returning to Pea Ridge 40+ years after he fought there," a Tripadvisor reviewer wrote. There's also a bookshop and some exhibits inside the center. It's open for most of the year, except when it closes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from mid-November to March.

After departing the visitor's center, you can do a driving tour or hike through the park. The self-guided driving tour takes you on a loop around the park, covering 11 stops that showcase battle grounds, trenches, and a segment of the Trail of Tears. Hikers, meanwhile, can follow the Williams Hollow Hiking Loop, which the NPS states is just over 2 miles, beginning at the Elkhorn Tavern. If you want to get more of northwest Arkansas' lush outdoors, you can drive just under an hour away to Hogscald Hollow, a secluded Ozark paradise with enchanting waterfalls.