Reviews of Pea Ridge National Military Park (Park)

Shirley Scott

I took six kids and picnic lunch we all had a good

Adjutant Patterson

I have wanted to visit this battlefield for many years to see where Confederate General Stand Waite and his Cherokee troops took on the Union troops. Glad to have been able to go and got out before the storm hit.

Brandon Culpepper

I was really impressed with the information and displays. Our nephew was so excited the entire time.

Chris Bloomfield

Very nice visitor center. They have Junior Ranger program and the kids earned a badge and a cool patch.

Heng Yu

Used to be a battlefield of the Civil War, you can visit the visitor center and there are some exhibitions about the battlefield. Also you can watch a short movie about the battle. After that, you can drive a long a circle road on the battlefield, with 10 stops you can learn more about the battle.

Willy Mulimbi B.

Interesting place to visit in NWA.

Paul P

The Dogwoods are in bloom and beautiful. The Elkhorn Tavern has been undergoing a rehabilitation project during the fall, winter and spring. There are a few pieces of construction equipment around but the fence is down. Should be open soon.

Terry Lund

Very well maintained park. I only wish I lived closer to visit more often.

Donna VanTwuyver

It is a very nice and educational park.

Terry Cobb

Awesome place to stop and check out of you're any where near Pea Ridge. Really brings the drama of the civil war to life.

Tom Harden

Very nice. You should plan at least a half day to really see it all.

Omega Alpha

When I saw the name-Military Park, I thought I gonna see some ancient battlegrounds and old musketeers in the museum, and thats it. But no, not for this park. It has gorgeous natural views, great trails, and nicely preserved battleground. …

Richard McClellan

A place of historical significance.

C W

To be honest I was a little disappointed while visiting PRNMP. Having previously worked at a military park I could visually see that the park could use some maintenance, particularly the cannon. I was happy I stopped by, but I would highly recommend that you read-up on the battle and bring your own materials, such as battle maps, and any insight of what took place at each particular location in the park. The reason I say this is that there are very few informational waysides that describe what took place at specific locations. This is why I would recommend having your own materials to help while touring the battlefield. There were several cannon here and there, but the ones I saw could use some TLC. I would recommend anyone who loves history to stop by, just be prepared with materials. I believe the tour road is about seven miles. I also think the entrance fee is $20.00 but I'm not sure why the fee is so high. In my opinion there was very little to see - very few monuments or memorials. My experience left me with a feeling that all I did was drive along a road viewing open fields with a cannon here or there. As far as getting to the park, I had no problems. I came from the south and I was able to find the park entrance easily. If you are coming from the north you might want to check the park's website since the road is closed just passed the park entrance. The park entrance is located on a side road just off the main road. Coming from the north may present some challenges. While visiting the park in March the Elkhorn Tavern was closed to the public due to rehab work. The short movie in the visitor center was okay as it was telling a story of the battle. I'm sort of a meat and potatoes kind of person. Show me the who, what, when, how, and where. I think the park is failing in this aspect. Just my point of view while others may vary. If you stop by the Prairie Grove State Battlefield, you will see what I'm talking about. Their short movie does exactly what I'm looking for. The small museum contained displays and information about the battle. The raised relief maps were good since they showed the different phases of the battle.

John Vangalis

The history was everywhere and you could easily see what both sides had to face.

Mike Shelton

I walked through civil war history here. The overlook was my favorite stop along the tour road. So peaceful now. I imagined the chaos of war then.

Drew Fountain

Nice museum ,clear roads follow the flow of the battlefield, and well marked interpretive signs make this a clear site to follow the historic events that took place here. Given the many battlefields, this is one of the most coherent and straight forward to follow in the National and State parks devoted to battlefields.

Joseph Bailey

I did enjoy this place very much . I learned a lot of stuff about war

Rebecca Trapp

National Battlefield of NPS. Less visited but all you expect from NPS-information history maps paved roads for car touring or bike or hike

Travis Friesen

Love the history.

John Stumpf

Park Rangers are very knowledgeable and very nice. History of one of the battles of the Civil War.

Michael Reed

Great! Awesome historic site.

Roger Headley

Great for bikes n walking

Jane Vie

Very nice place with an informative movie. We enjoyed the driving tour.

hunter doughty

Pea ridge national Park is a very interesting place the history surrounding the are is very cool it is the place were the battle of pea ridge occoured and was very fun for the family there are many trails tours and a museum that you may visit I highly recommend.

Jim Snider

Watched the 30 min video of the battle of pea ridge and then took the guided tour. Lot of information and background.

Sirena Evans

I wonderful place to learn more about the American Civil War in the Trans-Mississippi theater. A great place to go hiking and nature watching. They do have fee, but it is so worth the money. Give yourself at least 2 hours to tour this National Park.

Mc KitKat

Awesome from the history to the baby Coyote and the 2 Deer

Mark T

Nice area with a few trails and nice visitor center with a very good documentary film of the battle

Beverly Gayler

Pea Ridge is a part of American history and we enjoyed visiting it. It is worth the trip.

J Rissman

Great historic stop.

Jamie Anne Weidner

5 stars for sure

Jeanne Besaw-Evers

Really lovely place to visit

Dan S

Fantastic NPS site devoted to a strategically important Civil War battle. Immaculate grounds and a great visitor center set this place apart, but the exhibits are also very engaging.

Amy Willis

I liked this place never been before memorial day weekend went on the bike

Larry Nesbit

Great historical place to visit.

Kathryn Engemann

Must visit this Historic Battlefield if you are visiting Pearidge!

Tom Milroy

Great biking loop! One good climb each time. Great scenery.

Michael 'Reed' Brooks

The trees have grown too tall along the tour drive, and need some serious thinning, even with the policy of returning the terrain to state it was during the battle.

David Reed

Really neat place.

Charlie Gammon

Great experience for the whole family. It's very educational.

Jeanette Harbauer

A beautiful somber tribute to a civil war battlefield.

Wolfman Proboi

This place was a huge memory of my dad before he died. I remember this place. It was really cool!

Mrs Farmer

Beautiful place to visit! Ranger in the museum area was super friendly and helpful. Lots of great artifacts in the museum. The tour of the property was beautiful and serene!

Kathy Gammel

My husband and I really enjoyed the time we had at PeaRidge. If you like history you will love the museum, and love the outdoors? This is a must see place. You can drive through the grounds or take a long walk on the trails. All along the trails are post telling you about the history of the land. You will love it.

Emily Wilson

We missed the showing of the film, but the visitor center was very informative. My daughter completed the junior ranger program here and there rangers were so great in encouraging her. Like all NPS units, definitely worth a stop!

Luther Green

Great place to learn more about our history

Don Hardwick

Outstanding history here!

Allyssa Riley

Nice place off the main road now. Lots of deer to see especially during hunting season. The deer go there to be safe--and laugh at the hunters.

Stuart Covey

Great place to visit with lots to explore!

Charlene Ware

Interesting n Educational!! Ranger was awesome n knowledgeable! Quick turn off the busy hwy...watch for the signs!

Robert Maldonado

Fantastic visit, I was told by the Ranger that 95% of the battlefield is intact. Definitely a worthwhile destination.

Travis Redd

Great place

Mark Daniels

Great piece of history, very fun on a reenactment day. Very knowledgeable staff and volunteers!

Ralph Marshall

History and small museum

Linda Sabo

Awesome stop

Ignacio Torres

Great way to teach kids about the war

Adam Wiener

One of the best maintained american civil war battlefields, this park provides extraordinary insight into an important battle early in the civil war. The overlook also gives a great viewing point from which you can see the terrain nearly how it was nearly 160 years ago.

Chris & Brandi Chance

Very awesome historical site. You can tour the inside and watch a movie about Pea Ridge all for free. If you want to drive through it will cost you $15. per car but it is definitely worth it.

Jenny Beam

Interestin place nice drive around battle field with very explanatory pamplet and nice over looks

Benjamin Russell

This is one of the more accurate to time period locations I've been to.

Mike Bosley

A wonderful little park that my son and I visited on a beautiful spring day. We highly recommend the drive around so that you can see the battlefield from the east overlook. It's just a short hike from the road and worth the effort.

richard melton

Great place to visit

Alleene Boyle

The battlefield is a comfprt to our family.

Kyle Ramsey

Nice park, great hiking

Billy Mac

Awesome place to visit. We were visiting family when they told us about it. Paid a visit and was amazed at the information of an event we had never heard about before. Well worth the visit.

Paul Schmidt

The Park was extremely well maintained, and the staff and volunteers very knowledgeable thank you for my family and I.

Fym Patriot

Boring place but cool to see like a one time thing

Chris Bork

Such a cool place, great place to learn the history of the area and Civil War history

John Bergwerff

A great riding tour of the Park. The staff was very helpful and knowledgeable.

Cassie Leach

My family and I LOVE visiting the park. They daily and year pass was inexpensive. We bought a yearly pass because we love to hick the park each weekend we have off of work. The park is super clean, the rangers are super nice, and very informative. And there is a store with kid items, books, and clothing. There is a movie about the war that occurred in the park that can be watched at the visitors center.

Aaron Anderson

Great hiking and biking trails. There's usually surprisingly few people, so it'll likely be quiet when you visit. Definitely recommend for a Sunday afternoon.

Mason Bryant

Very informative experience. We had gone to Wilson’s Creek a few weeks before, and this was a great follow-up! We loved it here. The east overlook is great! You can see the whole battlefield from this spot. Also be sure to stop at the elk horn tavern as it’s a very interesting building! Loved it at Pea Ridge!

Mary Fritts

Great place to visit!!

Marla Walker

Most of the horse trails were closed yet it still cost $20 to ride. We were not informed that the trails were closed. Found out after we paid when we saw the signs on the trail.

Bruce Kinkade

Beautiful and powerful piece of Civil War history.

bella isla

Awesome, beautiful..an amazing experience if you are a Civil War buff

Margie Watts

Its very interesting...

Kevin Tubbleville

nice military history

Malanie McReynolds

Next time we are bringing our bicycles! Loved exploring the park.

Kenny Bragg

This battlefield feels more "realistic" than the more tourist oriented Gettysburg battlefield.

April Poirier

Always a great trip. Lots of information.

Stephen Volsted SR

Awesome cannon firing event interesting civil war info

Charlotte Jones

I love this park

Leslie Morlandt

Wonderful visit. Very informative film and great driving tour. Great American history live!

Maia

Day trip for history and nature lovers. Museum is small but packed with information. There are also pamphlets, guided tours, and placards on the route. Many trails and great views along the way.

John Weichmann

Great drive and views.

Brenda Meservey-Bala

I didnt get to ride through the scenic loop . But the visitor center was awesome. Def will return to see the loop.

Jackie Jones

Love the history behind this place. This is the site of one of the most game changing event in history. There are tons of cannons intact, and the overlooks gives you an idea of what the brave men on both sides of the fence faced. This is a great place for a child or anyone who loves history.

David Smith

Great park and great video. Thank you for a nice time.

Maicie Sykes

Nice exhibits inside. Overlook and Elkhorn tavern are good stops along the road tour. Very educational.

TAMMY GUICE

I've seen nothing like it it's absolutely beautiful. A place to enjoy during the summer.

Angel Montgomery

Loved it!! Bigger than I thought.

Amy Kimbrough Mitchell

We enjoy riding our bikes around the loop (7ish miles) we have also practiced backpacking. Good overlooks and neat history.

Ryan Spaedy

Very neat place with some beautiful views. Ken was an A+++ tour guide!!!

Joseph Skelton

Great place to visit and learn the history well worth the cost

Mary L. Roark

Fun educational trip.

TT Bee

Such a moving experience. A beautifuly maintained memorial too people that gave their lives.

Dee DiNino

Very nice and the film about it was done nicely.

Lesli Langley

Went, or tried to go, on a trail ride today. Word of caution; some of the trails are marked (with little, tiny disks), but some are not marked at all. The trails could use directional markers as I got completely, totally and scarily lost when both the trail AND the markers disappeared. Had to use my GPS to get out of the woods. The trail "map" is really poor as well. It's a beautiful ride, but can turn dangerous quickly. Also, THERE IS NO WATER AT THE TRAIL HEAD. And no spigot for water at the main ranger station. Bring your own water! Wish I'd known this. I do think the park service could do MUCH better job marking the trails. I'd be more than happy to volunteer my time to help them. What should have been a two-hour ride turned into a four-hour nightmare.

Paul Clarkson

Great place, good atmosphere

Mark Garland

This place is in my backyard. I grew up 15 miles from here. I can remember my Grand father bringing all the grandchildren here and telling us of our great great grandfather fighting here. I always come here when I go back home. The Battle That Saved Missouri For The Union On March 7-8, 1862, over 23,000 soldiers fought here to decide the fate of Missouri and was a turning point of the war in the West. The 4,300 acre battlefield honors those who fought and died on these grounds. Pea Ridge was the most pivotal Civil War battle west of the Mississippi River and is one of the most intact Civil War battlefields in the United States. The Battle of Pea Ridge (March 7 – 8, 1862), also known as the Battle of Elkhorn Tavern, was a major battle of the American Civil War fought near Leetown, northeast of Fayetteville, Arkansas. Federal forces, led by Brig. Gen. Samuel R. Curtis, moved south from central Missouri, driving Confederate forces into northwestern Arkansas. Maj. Gen. Earl Van Dornlaunched a Confederate counter-offensive, hoping to recapture northern Arkansas and Missouri. Curtis held off the Confederate attack on the first day and drove Van Dorn's force off the battlefield on the second. This American Civil War battle was one of the few in which a Confederate army outnumbered its opponent. By defeating the Confederates, the Union forces essentially established Federal control of most of Missouri and northern Arkansas. They had more battles to fight in southern Arkansas.

Sharon Knight

When I arrived the museum, it had already closed.Drove the road throughout the battlefield areas. It was breath taking beautiful with many Dogwood trees still gracing the woods all along the way with their magnificent beauty. It is a wonderful serene place.

Elmer Hickman

Remember the country's history.

Joe Pollard

Nice visit Very informative

Austin Phillips

Very nice military park, battlefield, and museum. Go through the museum, watch the short movie about the Battle of Pea Ridge, and then drive around the tour of the park. Definitely stop at the overlook and Elk Horn Tavern. Expect to take 2-4 hours for this park if you want to see everything.

Will Schmitt

Great Civil war location

Roger Miller

Great tour at one of the important battlefields of the war. Superb day if you are a history buff. Make sure you take the ranger led tour.

Jim

Great place to see and learn about a pivotal Civil War battle. Watch the 30 minute movie first. Then wander the exhibits in the visitor center. Finally drive the route and stop at every point. One complaint is that if you are in a tall RV you are going to scrape a lot of trees. They need to trim them!

Brandon Chasteen

A beautiful place of American history. They have a staff that enjoys sharing the history of the battlefield. They also have a small theatre area that will show programs of the history as well. They have a roughly 7mile loop going around the park. You can see the nature, cannons, the type of fortifications that were utilized with some guided tours with parks guide.

David Jones

Beautiful, moving and a well kept National Monument. The displays and educational tools were well done, informative. The Rangers were helpful and knowledgeable.

April Frazier

Was a awesome place would love to go back

Marshall Barker

Interesting history here! I suggest reading about it a but before going to fully appreciate the experience. Has walking and biking trails around the battlefield. The park itself is very large. Spend time at the museum; it has plenty of …

Thomas Worcester

Very interesting military park. Spells out the civil war battles that occured there. Park is well maintained with many informative signs.

John Hagen

Best preserved Civil war battle field.

Lizar0n

It was facinating, educational and fun to visit.

Collin Agee

Superb staff ride, led by park ranger Ken Lockhart.

jim catalfamo

i like to send a thanks to a special employee (SERENA) for all her help and making my visit to the park and my trip to arkansas that much better. not only are the ground here well cared for. i like that this park is loaded with historical makers. if you truly read each one and look at the surround you get a great idea what these people went through. i really wanted to see the Elkhorn Tavern but they were doing repairs that would of been done if it wasn't for the government shutdown. but there is a silver lining in each cloud. it look like they guy in charge of the construction also has a love for historical building in arkansas gave my a lot of information bout the tavern. i told him he should be a tour guide with all that knowledge. he gave me smile. so it was like having my own personal tour guide. i left happy even tho i couldn't go inside the building. so i want to thank him to for stopping his work and giving me a few moments of his time. thank you sir.

Chris Sterling

Very nicely maintained, interesting history and memorial.

Christy Krynak

I love history, so seeing a battlefield from The Civil War was amazing

Rex Maus

Civil War history comes alive at the Pea Ridge Battlefield. The park is easy to navigate by car or on foot. There are illustrated signage throughout the battlefield telling what occurred at different locations. I have been to the park when the trees and bushes were all green and growing as well in early spring before all the trees and bushes had bloomed. The battle occurred in March of 1862 so seeing the battlefield in early spring gives you a look at what the terrain looked like during the battle. Without the foilage, the movement of the armies would be easier to visualize.

Charlene Henderson

Great place sure will be returning

Adrienne Morton

Great. I don't know if they do this all the time but we went with a group and a ranger and he talked about the history and stop at the main stops and said things about what went on there very informative.

Ed Morris

On a recommendation from a friend, I visited the park and enjoyed it thoroughly. If you are a Civil War history buff or a person who is just interested in the topic, you will definitely enjoy your visit. I highly recommended the guided tour. We arrived by chance just minutes before it started. The park ranger who was our guide was extremely knowledgeable about the park and details of the battle. We followed him in our vehicle around the park’s loop and stopped at strategic points where he walked us through the battle with many details you will not likely get elsewhere. Very informative and it took around 2.5 hours. At the completion of our tour we ended up at the museum where they were firing a replica cannon with the gun team dressed in period correct uniforms. Thrilling!! Again, I highly recommended the guided tour of the park. It is well worth a few hours of your time to learn about our history.

Bill Seamster

A peaceful and serene place to visit, that tells the story of a battle, that took place back in March,1862. A unique battle that lasted 2 days, that resulted in a Union victory. The centerpiece if this Battle was the Elk Horn Tavern.

Carol Hartis

This park is beautiful. I recommend taking the guided driving tour with the Park Ranger. This land is Sacred. In honor of the bravery of men on both sides of the battlefield this park should be visited by everyone. And than we must take the time to reflect back on those who gave up their lives on that battlefield. I left feeling very moved and humbled.

Randy Northrup

Real neat place. Very interesting. Could use a stop to go to the restroom.

Jayne Cochran

National Park got to love them

Josh

Kinda lame. Need way more things and stories to capture the attention and imagination. Needs update.

Katelyn & Cory McKim

Love this place so much ❤ It’s our home away from home. Worth the $35/a year so we can ride our bicycles anytime and hike all over the trails. Be sure to bring bug spray as you will be a living tick magnet.

James Jones

Great family fun

Ed Raner

Lots of history that is somehow not being included in textbooks any longer. Take the time to familiarize yourself with each element of the encounter. Put yourself in the shoes of someone on the battlefield. Think of the carnage and how population numbers from the era would calculate to today's population. Devastating.

Angel Schriner

A nice family place

angela roy

Great place to visit with kids, I enjoy riding my bike here early mornings

Huck Fin's fishing Guide Service LLC

Awesome history to walk

Vicky Goosey

Very educational and beautiful. A part of our history that everyone should visit.

Debra Duvall

Interesting if you are a history buff but not much to see but fields and cannons.

matt foutch

I'm a history buff. I actually didn't know much about Pea Ridge. I learned a lot about this important battle. More people should come here.

Greg Cox

Very informative about the local civil war. Great museum.

Tiffani Trout

If you love civil war history like I do. This is definitely a place to check out.

Ramonia Stephens

Very nice place, employees friendly, knowledgeable. Well kept, guided tours. And for spouses who are not into history as much, beautiful little town across street to shop

Melba Bowman

A must see place for all ages! Fun and educational. You could spend an entire day here and maybe not catch it all. Very interesting, and was a great place. Very beautifully preserved place of history.

Dean Dubois

Great place to vist

Julie Bailey

Nice place to learn about the history around the area & what they went through. They have trails you can walk or drive through. The staff was friendly too.

Amber Cockey

Come early because the 28min park film is not on a loop and you might miss it! Super park film! Plenty of parking. Clean bathrooms but bathrooms are only in the visitor's center. Rather large gift shop. Very interesting visitor's center …

Kris Tyler

Beautiful park. Lots of places to walk and explore nature. Great for bikes on the ~7 mile tour road-- and I'm pretty sure there are plans to connect with the NWA Regional Greenway system! They will need more friends as NW AR continues to grow.

Lorrie Roemer Healy

The rangers are so friendly and knowledgeable. The museum was well laid out and so interesting! I learned a lot. The drive around the park was fascinating. Take your time driving the perimeter of the park. Walk on the trails and enjoy the wildlife. This park is well worth our time.

Steph S

This place is immaculately kept and informative. Our Pittsburgh

Bill Lowe

Cool place

Keaton Dalquist

Fantastic dark sky's with beautiful views.

Tushar Prabhu

Get transported to different era if you can imagine the battles in your mind

Dabney Smith Jr

Very impressive. The Ranger greeted us was very cordial and very informative. I am glad we spoke to him before we drove through the park. I will definitely revisit this park another time and when people come visit us in Northwest Arkansas, this will be one of the places I offerto take guests.

Reddawg 1989

Had a great time with my family!

Andrea Brelinski

Nice little visitors center and film.

Gordo N

Nice drive through park. My nieces and nephew really enjoyed seeing the cannons up close.

Tammi Reuss

Scenery is beautiful

DblTapp87

Great place! Doing some really cool things trying to bring back native grasses.