Wilson creek is a well preserved piece of American history. For me the best feature was the library which houses a surprising large collection of vintage pieces and rare manuscripts. I spent over 3 hours in the library alone pouring through materials. One of the librarians, Allen, was extremely knowledgable and helpful in pulling out resource after resource and showing me some of their exceptional holdings. The visit greatly exceeding my expectations.
I went with my husband, even though this is not my thing. It is informative, interesting, and I really did learn about the Civil war. Scenic area with many vistas. Good staff and video to start your visit.
Because it was so cold the day of our visit, it was nice to have the car close by to warm up after walking some of the trails. Our visit coincided with Presidents' Day weekend, so park fees were waived. The NPS staff was friendly and knowledgeable. Other good points for this battlefield; the phone tour, video, and small museum.
The National Park Service operates the Wilson Creek National Battlefield. This is a solemn park a little off the beaten path. Start the visit in the visitor center and there are paved roads and walking trails to explore. Plenty of Ozark scenery to take in anytime of the year. For anyone interested in Civil War history, this is a must see. If you bring the family make sure to bring some snacks or a cooler.
It is unfortunate that this historic site has been surrounded by urban sprawl in the last 20 years. It is still one one of the best preserved civil war battlefields in the country but the whole experience is diminished by Springfields lack of concern for its local history as is seen by the sprawl around the sight.
For quite sometime we have been meaning to visit this battlefield and now wished we had visited much earlier. The movie that is presented at the visitor center is a valuable tool to learn and understand about this battle -- i.e. that it is the second major battle of the war and that it was the first where a general was killed during the war. The folks at the visitor's center were very helpful and gave us pointers about where we could hike, etc. There is a self guided 5-mile one-way auto tour with several places to park and take hikes (or small walks) to some of the sites not visible from your vehicle. The app that lets you use your cell phone for info on many of the stops is very informative. This place is worth a stop and another site that will help one understand what happened during the Civil War. Also, although not large, the gift shop has many books at a reasonable price for both adults and children. We were there after Labor Day and the park was very quiet. We recommend this wonderful place of remembrance. If you do not have a National Park Pass, there is a small fee to enter but worth the price.
We go often and walk trails and think back to the past. It is a peaceful place. Got a recording of a whisper in what we think is German during the Park re enactment. Ghosts of the past still present. Lovely place.
There is a good movie at the visitors center and a few artifacts. The battlefield itself is mostly a driving tour with a few stops, but it is basically just preserved Missouri countryside. A quick visit for Civil War history buffs will suffice.
A 5 mile tour. Can drive though or walk though. Very interesting. Make sure you stop in the visitor center to watch the film and watch the light show on the movements on the field before the drive though.
Rather small but immaculate national battlefield -- the only one in Missouri. The National Park Service has improved the experience in the past few years with a new introductory film (I think!), new explanatory placards, a cell phone tour, while maintaining the site's grace and beauty. It's as well presented as Gettysburg, only you don't need a month to take it all in. One day will do. Get out and walk! You will experience a fraction of this lovely place in your vehicle. Plus it's $10 per vehicle, free to pedestrians. And the trails are great.