Pea Ridge National Military Park
Arkansas
On March 7-8, 1862, over 23,000 soldiers fought here to decide the fate of Missouri which was a turning point of the war in the Trans-Mississippi. This 4,400-acre battlefield honors those who fought and died on these hallowed grounds. Pea Ridge was the most pivotal Civil War battle west of the Mississippi River.
About Pea Ridge National Military Park
Pea Ridge National Military Park is a national military park located in Arkansas. Pea Ridge National Military Park is located in the northwestern part of the state and is on a part of the Ozark Plateau. The climate is hot and humid in the summers, has mild temperatures in the fall, and drier and cooler temperatures in the winter. During the spring and summer, active thunderstorms can pop up. During the winter months, the wind chill factor can make the temperature feel much colder than the air temperature. The winters can be cold with some snow and ice.
The entrance road is located on Highway 62, 1.3 miles east of the intersection of Highways 62 and 72. As one is driving along highway 62, watch for the brown road signs directing one to the entrance road to the park's visitor center.
💰 Entrance Fees & Passes
Entry to Pea Ridge is completely free. There are no general entrance fees or vehicle passes required to access this park unit.
🥾 Things to Do
Pea Ridge 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 - Auto, and 13 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 Pea Ridge
📋 Visitor Planning Tips for Pea Ridge
- →Beat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of Pea Ridge before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
- →Verify Conditions: Weather and trail accessibility inside Pea Ridge can change rapidly. Always verify the latest road conditions and local weather advisories before starting your trek.
- →Leave No Trace: Help protect the delicate ecosystems of Pea Ridge. Stay on marked trails, pack out all of your waste, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
On March 7-8, 1862, over 23,000 soldiers fought here to decide the fate of Missouri which was a turning point of the war in the Trans-Mississippi. This 4,400-acre battlefield honors those who fought and died on these hallowed grounds. Pea Ridge was the most pivotal Civil War battle west of the Mississippi River.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pea Ridge
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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