Pea Ridge National Park - Arkansas

On a trip to Arkansas, The Travelling Toe and 3 other friends were able to visit the Pea Ridge National Military Park.  It is located in Northwest Arkansas just a few miles outside of Bentonville.

NP Pea Ridge Battlefield

Upon arriving we first stopped at the National Park visitors center.  It featured souvenirs, of course, a clean restroom and friendly Park Rangers to assist visitors.  We did opt to watch the film about the battle that took place in the park before setting out to tour the grounds.  

Even before it was an official park both Union and Confederate veterans attended several reunions at the Pea Ridge Battlefield.  The Veterans of both sides, dedicated monuments on the battlefield to the Union and Confederate dead.  These 2 monuments are still in the park.  

Confederate and Union Monuments

In 1956, 4,300 acres were either purchased or donated to preserve the 1862 battlefield. Dedicated as a National Park during the National Civil War Centennial in 1963,  it is one of the best preserved Civil War battlefields.

Postcards
Visitors Center

We took the driving tour using a map that the Park Ranger gave us.  We saw beautiful open fields with cannon lined up.  One particular stop along the trail was on a lovely high point that looked out on a long vista

One of the original structures within the park area, Elkhorn Tavern, still stands.  On our visit, we were fortunate to meet a reenactor who had many interesting stories of the battle, the soldiers and the surrounding area to share.  What a exciting and wonderful opportunity that was to learn more about this beautiful land!

Overlook
Elkhorn Tavern

If you get to visit a National Park don't forgot your NP passport to acquire another NP stamp!

Happy Trails!