Starting November 20, 2025 the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center will be closed while updates are made to building systems. Front Desk operations including visitor orientation will move to the adjacent Fredericksburg Battlefield Bookstore. The Chancellorsville Visitor Center remains open to visitors 9am - 5pm all week.
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Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park
Virginia
Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Wilderness, and Spotsylvania, this is America's battleground, where the Civil War roared to its bloody climax. No place more vividly reflects the War's tragic cost in all its forms. A town bombarded and looted. Farms large and small ruined. Refugees by the thousands forced into the countryside. More than 85,000 men wounded; 15,000 killed--most in graves unknown.
About Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park
Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park is a national military park located in Virginia. The regional climate is characterized by mild winters and warm, humid summers. The mean annual temperatures is 56 degrees Fahrenheit. The average summer temperature is 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Daytime highs during the summer can reach the 90s, and nighttime lows are in the lower 60s. Daytime highs in the winter are typically in the upper 40s, and nighttime lows in the middle 20s. Precipitation is well distributed throughout the year, with the minimum amount in August and the maximum in February.
Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park manages 4 battlefields and multiple historical sites across multiple counties. The park is located approximately 50 miles south of Washington DC. Different battlefields and historical sites are accessible via I-95 and VA Route 3. For directions and physical addresses for each of our sites, please visit the Directions & Transportation section of our website.
💰 Entrance Fees & Passes
Entry to Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania is completely free. There are no general entrance fees or vehicle passes required to access this park unit.
🥾 Things to Do
Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Biking, Road Biking, Guided Tours, Self-Guided Tours - Walking, and 11 other recreational activities, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.
📦 Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist
Custom items selected for activities at Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania
📋 Visitor Planning Tips for Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania
- →Beat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
- →Monitor Active Alerts: There are currently 2 active alerts for Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania. Keep an eye on the alert notifications at the top of this guide for crucial information regarding closures or safety issues.
- →Leave No Trace: Help protect the delicate ecosystems of Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania. Stay on marked trails, pack out all of your waste, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Wilderness, and Spotsylvania, this is America's battleground, where the Civil War roared to its bloody climax. No place more vividly reflects the War's tragic cost in all its forms. A town bombarded and looted. Farms large and small ruined. Refugees by the thousands forced into the countryside. More than 85,000 men wounded; 15,000 killed--most in graves unknown.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.
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