Nestled in the heart of Republic, Missouri and southwest of Springfield, Missouri, the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield is one of over 390 parks in the National Park System. It has spectacular scenery, a wealth of history, and a taste of adventure with a self-guided 5 mile loop road tour that will take to the major points of the battlefield: Gibson’s Mill, Historic Overlook, Pulaski Arkansas Battery, Edwards Cabin / Price’s Headquarters; Bloody Hill, Sigel’s Second Position, Sigel’s Final Position, and Guibor’s Battery.
Each site has maps, artwork, and exhibits that give you the history of what occurred there. There are trails at Ray House, Gibson’s Mill, Pulaski Arkansas Battery, Edwards Cabin / Price’s Headquarters; Bloody Hill, and the Historic Overlook. Some of the stops even have audio messages, telling you the story about each location.
My son and I were able to see a family of deer on one of the trails. Only two of the beauties lingered behind and long enough for me to capture their picture!
I live in Southern Indiana where snakes are plentiful, yet the only time I have seen snakes in person were ones behind a glass case at the zoo and not up close and personal. It’s true! I knew sooner or later that I’d cross paths with one and it happened. I was trekking to one of the cannon locations and I’m not sure what made me look down, but I gasped in horror when I saw this slithery creature basking near a tree. It may appear that I was that close to the snake, but I zoomed in on it with my zoom lens to get a closer look of it before I sprinted back to my car. The snake was so long that I wasn’t able to fully capture a picture of the entire length of it! Poisonous or not, a snake is a snake to me, and I wasn’t up for exploring that part of the area anymore. 😀
Entrance is defined as a person entering the battlefield by vehicle, bicycle, or on foot. The entrance fee to the battlefield is $5 per adult to a maximum of $10 per vehicle, and may be paid in the Visitor Center with cash, debit or credit cards. Visitor Center hours are 8 AM – 5 PM, seven days a week, year-round. They’re only closed on holidays. The receipt is honored for seven days. An adult is defined as anyone 16 years old and older.
A Wilson’s Creek annual park pass is available for $20. This is a Wilson’s Creek-specific pass designed for this park only. The pass is valid for one year from the date of purchase. The pass may be signed by two individuals. The pass applies to the pass holder and anyone in the pass holder’s vehicle. Click here to read more details.
I love to visit places like this that are rich in American History! If I ever make it out that way, I definitely want to make it a point to go there.
I love going on adventures like this. Last year we went to Gettysburg because my Hubs had never been there.
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We love visiting parks like this as a family! The kids enjoy it, and they learn a little more about history in the process. It really does make our history more tangible and real when you visit places like this.
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Wow that park is stunning! I live in the UK and I don’t have anything this beautiful on my doorstep. I love going on walks though.
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Yikes – I would have ran for the hills if I had seen that snake! I love all the photos and can’t imagine watching a battle in a cornfield right outside my home. What a great place to explore history!
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What a beautiful place to visit, although I could definitely do without the snakes, I’m terrified of them. Love all of your photos.
I love Civil War sites like this. I live in Georgia, so Civil War history is a big deal.
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Such a beautiful place with lots of nature! I want to go there, thank you so much for the great post ^_^
It is always amazing to visit a place with so much history, Civil War sites like this are something I actually enjoy going to. it looks really beautiful.
I’ve been to Lexington and Concord, but I’m not sure if they’re national parks. This would be such a fun tour….minus the snake!!
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I haven’t been to a National Park before but I would love to explore one soon. So interesting!
My husband would love this! Your pictures are amazing- so lovely!
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I love visiting battlefield parks. They are so rich in history and it’s a great way to learn and experience it. Wilson’s Creek is a beautiful park.
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I would love to check out the trails and see the sights. It’s so nice that there are historical things to learn from there too.
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omg this looks like a neat place to visit! Being a history need I’m all about this kinda stuff! Love visiting places that take you back into time 🙂
Our family loves going on trips to visit places like this. You took really nice photos that make me feel like I’m there as well. I wouldn’t have wanted to run into the snake though. 😉
I’m glad you looked down when you did. That snake looked mighty big. Great pictures of the place. You made me want to go visit it.
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We have not been to as many national parks as I would like! My kids love to read the blogs about the Junior Ranger program at the parks! One day I will check some off our list!
Oh, and that deer shot…..breathtaking!
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I haven’t been to a national park in a very long time. It’s something I would love to do more of. I love those type of day trips.
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I love that this is an affordable trip. Lately it seems that admission prices are so high that it’s hard to afford certain places when you have a family.
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I haven’t been to many National Parks. Maybe one or two but nothing as gorgeous as this! Love the photos!
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I haven’t been to Missouri yet. I have been to quite a few states. The photos look beautiful.
I am like you on seeing a snake, I would run off too. It has been a long time since I have seen a snake up close. I did kill a few baby ones in my yard one day. I took photos of them and had them identified for curiosity. Luckily, they weren’t poisonous.
Beautiful pictures you captured! I am a nature lover, so this fits right into my cup of tea. I’ve a huge fear of snakes, though! ~lol~
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My husband is a history buff and he took me and our son to Antietam National Battlefield in Sharpsburg, Maryland. It is such a beautiful place. He also would like to take us to Gettysburg. Hopefully soon. 🙂
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That sounds like a great family, educational outing – wildlife and all :). I would’ve screamed like a little girl at that snake. 🙂 I don’t think we’ve actually been to a National Park, that’s a great idea for a family vacation. I’ll have to research one within driving distance. Many thanks for the ideas!
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Great post and what beautiful pictures! I love taking nature pictures, not sure I would take a picture of that snake since I would probably be running lol! Thank you for sharing.
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We’ve been to a few national parks, Sleeping Bear Dunes is probably my favorite. I think it’s great that so much care is taken in their preservation.
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It’s obviously a beautiful park and you seem to capture it well. I love historical places. Although, I don’t think I could stand being that close to a snake. You are one brave mother. 🙂
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Oh gross, I live in Virginia where we have plenty of snakes… in our own backyard! Still doesn’t make me get used to them, and I am SO GLAD they are not as huge as the one in your picture!!
Here in MI I am surrounded by the Great Lakes and that means a National Park in every direction. I’m thankful for that as I truly enjoy nature and the outdoors.
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Such a beautiful place, it looks so peaceful and serene!
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This place looks absolutely amazing. I hope I can bring my kids here one day! Looks like a great time.
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This looks like such a beautiful place to spend the day. I love going out and hiking in the Provincial parks here in Canada.
I love going to historic places and I think going to a battlefield would be soooo cool!!
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That snake encounter is pretty scary! Good thing you are far enough to sprint back! . Great shot though!
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It really looks like a gorgeous place to visit. That snake looks huge!! It would be neat to see all the wildlife though. 🙂
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This looks a great place for hiking and walking in spring and summer. The greenery is amazing fresh.
This would be the perfect place to take my boys, they love nature! I however, could do without seeing a snake!!
You and me both! I could have lived without that snake encounter.
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Looks like such a wonderful place to visit – I love all the pictures. The kids always have a great time when we visit places like this. Thanks for sharing.
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