Kids, do you love history? Well, a visit to the Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park lets you not only learn about a very important event in US history, but lets you learn it on the ground that it actually happened!
Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park is recognized as one of the USA's most intact Civil War battlefields, which is pretty special. The state park now protects the battle site and interprets the Battle of Prairie Grove, so families can have an educational family day out too.
On December 7, 1862, the Confederate Army of the Trans-Mississippi clashed with the Union Army of the Frontier. This resulted in a day of terrible fighting, and about 2,700 casualties. This marked the last major Civil War engagement in northwest Arkansas.
Now, when you visit, you can walk over this hallowed ground where history actually happened. Spent time and walk along the ridge and in the valley where the heaviest fighting took place. You can follow the one-mile Battlefield Trail or travel the park's five-mile Driving Tour if you want to explore a bit further afield.
Make sure you spend time touring the historic structures in the Ozark village too.
$5 for guided tour of historic buildings. Visitor Center and Exhibits are free
Ages 6 - 12: $3 for guided tour of historic buildings. Visitor Center and Exhibits are free
Family is $15
2023
They have picnic spots so why not take a packed lunch and enjoy it on the grass taking in the sights.
The park hosts state's largest battle reenactment biennially in even-numbered years during the first weekend of December - put it in the diary!
Activities include guided tours through Union, Confederate and civilian camps; military drills conducted by reenactors; cooking, spinning and lace-making demonstrations; and living history programs. Beginning at 1:00 p.m. each day, battle demonstrations feature charges and counterattacks by Union and Confederate infantry and cavalry on the actual battlefield near the historic Borden House.
The visitor center has a gift shop where you can pick up a host of items including educational and sournivers
Bona Fide School Groups (with advance notice) are $3/person so call ahead to book
It's a good idea to take bottled water to stay hydrated
Speak to staff about the historic buildings, but a driving tour is a great option, because as long as you're okay in your own vehicle you can enjoy the history
Check out the instructions for the self guided and guided tours online so you can make the most out of the day!
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