Activities
Hiking Backpacking
Recommended Activities
Visitors should stop at the Visitor Center for a park brochure with information about the battle
and self-guided tour, as well as special events available.
A 4.9 mile paved tour road provides a self-guided auto tour. There are eight stops
at significant points to the battle. There are five walking trails off the tour road, varying in length from one-fourth mile to three-fourth mile. A seven mile trail system for horseback riding and hiking is accessible from the tour road.
The Ray House, dating from the 1850s, served as a temporary field hospital for Confederate soldiers following the battle. General
Nathaniel Lyon's body was brought to the house and placed in a bed for examination. The bed is on exhibit in one of the rooms. The House is open on weekends (subject to staff and volunteer availability), Memorial Day
through Labor day.
The anniversary of the battle is observed with a special program and ceremony during the
morning of the anniversary date, August 10. An annual candlelight tour is held, traditionally in August. This program requires advance tickets and is not
included as part of the regular admission charge.
Living history programs depicting Civil War soldier life, cavalry drills, musket firing, artillery
demonstrations, Civil War medicine, and Civil War era clothing are available on Sunday
afternoons Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Intro
