Pea Ridge National Military Park
Designation: National Military Park
Location: Arkansas
📘 Park Overview
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.
🌤 Weather Information
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.
🚗 Directions
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.
Images
Used as a field hospital during the Battle of Pea Ridge, the Elkhorn Tavern is a focal point at Pea Ridge National Military Park.
Credit: NPS Photo
Park tour road in the fall.
Credit: Sirena Evans NPS
Photo taken at sunset showing the deep green trees.
Credit: Stephanie Caley NPS
Silent Field is a photo that shows the sun setting over the golden grass of the battlefield. Men fought and died in this field, on a cold day in March of 1862.
Credit: Stephanie Caley NPS
Photo of Union Union artilleryman reenactors standing in front of the Elkhorn Tavern for the rededication of the building.
Credit: Stephanie Caley
Ranger Troy Banzhaf giving information about 6 lb. cannon and cannon crew.
Credit: Stephanie Caley
Photo of Union artilleryman reenactors standing in Cox's field firing cannon's on the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Pea Ridge.
Credit: Jackie Fry 3-10-2012
Photo of Union Infantrymen reenactors standing in front of the Elkhorn Tavern, with large crowd during demonstration on the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Pea Ridge. .
Credit: Sirena Evans NPS
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
No entrance fees listed.
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Wednesday, Apr 8
Sunny
High: 79.7°F | Low: 48.9°F
Humidity: 48%
Wind: 15.2 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 1.6
Sunrise: 06:52 AM
Sunset: 07:45 PM
Moon: Waning Gibbous (70%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 53°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Thursday, Apr 9
Sunny
High: 78.3°F | Low: 52.2°F
Humidity: 58%
Wind: 14.1 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 1.8
Sunrise: 06:51 AM
Sunset: 07:46 PM
Moon: Waning Gibbous (61%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 55.9°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Friday, Apr 10
Thundery outbreaks in nearby
High: 76.6°F | Low: 58.3°F
Humidity: 69%
Wind: 13.2 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 1.7
Sunrise: 06:49 AM
Sunset: 07:47 PM
Moon: Last Quarter (52%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 61.4°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Park Alerts
Park Events
164th Anniversary - Fire in the Ranks: Musket Tactics of Pea Ridge
164th Anniversary – Fire in the Ranks: Musket Tactics of Pea Ridge
Step onto the battlefield and experience the power of Civil War musket fire. Watch as living historians demonstrate the loading and firing of muskets, showcasing the discipline and tactics that shaped the Battle of Pea Ridge. Hear the crack of gunfire, see the precision of well-drilled soldiers, and learn how infantrymen fought and maneuvered in combat. This engaging demonstration brings the past to life, offering a glimpse into the challenges faced by soldiers in early March 1862.
This program will occur at Elkhorn Tavern, Tour Stop 8.
Location: Near the Elkhorn Tavern (Tour Stop 8)
Date: Mar 7, 2026 12:00am to Mar 7, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
164th Anniversary - "Forget not the field"
164th Anniversary – “Forget not the field”
Immerse yourself in the vivid history of the Third Louisiana and Fourth Arkansas Infantry at the Leetown Battlefield, where pivotal events shaped the course of the Civil War in March 1862. Join us as living historians bring this chapter of our nation's past to life, offering unique insights into the experiences and struggles of those who fought here. Discover untold stories and gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made on this hallowed ground.
This program will take place at Tour Stop 4.
Location: This program will take place at Tour Stop 4.
Date: Mar 7, 2026 12:00am to Mar 7, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
164th Anniversary - Thunder on the Ridge: Civil War Artillery in Action
164th Anniversary - Thunder on the Ridge: Civil War Artillery in Action
Experience the power and precision of Civil War artillery as our interpreters bring history to life. Learn about the critical role of Union artillery at the Battle of Pea Ridge and the tactics that shaped the battlefield. Witness the teamwork required to load and fire a cannon and discover how artillery impacted soldiers and strategy during the war. The demonstration will take place immediately north of the Visitor Center.
Location: The program will be held behind the visitor center in an open field.
Date: Mar 7, 2026 12:00am to Mar 7, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
15930 National Park Drive
Garfield, AR 72732
🏤 Mailing Address:
15930 National Park Drive
Garfield, AR 72732
📞 Voice Phone: 479-451-8122
📞 Fax Phone: 479-451-0219
✉️ Email: PERI_Interpretation@nps.gov