Wilson's Creek National Battlefield
Designation: National Battlefield
Location: Missouri
đ Park Overview
Wilson's Creek was the first major Civil War battle fought west of the Mississippi River, and the site of the death of Nathaniel Lyon, the first Union general killed in action. The costly Southern victory on August 10, 1861, focused national attention on the war in Missouri. Wilsonâs Creek NB commemorates and interprets the battle within the context of the war in the Trans-Mississippi West.
đ¤ Weather Information
Summer months are frequently hot and humid, with occasional showers and thunderstorms. Winter months (especially January and February) are frequently cold, with occasional ice and light snow. Spring and fall months are generally pleasant, with occasional showers.
đ Directions
From I-44: exit at Exit 70 (Missouri Highway MM). Continue south to U.S. Highway 60. Proceed through the intersection. Continue 1/2 mile to Missouri Highway ZZ. Turn right on ZZ. Continue south to Farm Road 182 (Elm Street). At the roundabout, take the third exit; the entrance to the battlefield is on the right.
Images
Living history volunteers act out a scene during the annual Moonlight Tours event
Credit: Charles Dischinger
Living history volunteers give demonstration at the historic Edwards Cabin
Credit: NPS Photo
The 1928 Lyon Marker commemorates General Nathaniel Lyon, the first Union general to die in the Civil War.
Credit: NPS Photo
A rare 1864 Henry repeating rifle from the park's museum collection belonged to Missouri Civil War veteran George W. Fulton
Credit: Courtesy of Morphy Auctions
Visitors enjoy an evening stroll on the Tour Road.
Credit: NPS Photo
Begin your visit at the newly remodeled Visitor Center at Wilson's Creek National Battlefield.
Credit: Charles Dischinger, NPS Volunteer
The Bed where General Nathaniel Lyon is placed, after being fatally wounded on the Battlefield.
Credit: Charles Dischinger, NPS Volunteer
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
No entrance fees listed.
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Friday, Mar 6
Moderate rain
High: 75.7°F | Low: 60.3°F
Humidity: 83%
Wind: 23.9 mph
Rain Chance: 89%
UV Index: 4
Sunrise: 06:38 AM
Sunset: 06:13 PM
Moon: Waning Gibbous (93%)
Visibility: 5 mi
Dew Point: 62.3°F
Cloud Cover: 89%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Saturday, Mar 7
Moderate rain
High: 64.2°F | Low: 43.3°F
Humidity: 83%
Wind: 21 mph
Rain Chance: 81%
UV Index: 3
Sunrise: 06:36 AM
Sunset: 06:14 PM
Moon: Waning Gibbous (87%)
Visibility: 5 mi
Dew Point: 50.5°F
Cloud Cover: 81%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Sunday, Mar 8
Partly Cloudy
High: 68°F | Low: 31.1°F
Humidity: 71%
Wind: 8.5 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 3
Sunrise: 06:35 AM
Sunset: 06:15 PM
Moon: Waning Gibbous (80%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 42.6°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
From the Curator's Desk: A Show and Tell of Museum Collections
Museum staff will explore the fascinating stories behind arts, letters, and artifacts from the battlefield's museum collection.
Date: Mar 21, 2026 12:00am to Mar 21, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Spring Homeschool Field Trip
Homeschool Field Trip is organized for homeschool students in the area. All ages are welcome, but activities are targeted for grades kindergarten through eight grade. Descriptions of the stations, schedules, and registration instructions can be found below.
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Activities
Check back soon.
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Schedules
Check back soon.
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Registration
Send an email to wicr_education@nps.gov with:
1. Your contact information
2. Age(s) of your student(s)
3. Preferred start time
4. If you prefer to keep your children in one group or split into different age categories. If staying in a group, which activities you would like your group to do (k-2nd, 2nd-5th, or 6th-8th).
5. Accommodations needed for accessibility
* Please note a responsible adult must be on site and within visual and hearing range of all children in your group.
After recieving a your request, a park representative will get back to you with a confirmation, final schedule, map, and suggestions for what to bring on the day of your visit.
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Wilson's Creek Education Team and partners look forward to welcoming your students out to the battlefield!Â
Location: Check in and start your program at the visitor center. From there follow a provided schedules to stops 2, 3, 5, and 7 for the remainder of your activities.
Date: Apr 3, 2026 12:00am to Apr 3, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Artillery Program
Cannons were integral to the battle at Wilsonâs Creek and now serve as a symbol and reminder of the brutal nature of the Civil War.
See the loading and firing of a cannon and learn about the jobs of each position at the cannon and the importance of working together as a unit.
Location: Stop 5 of the Wilson's Creek National Battlefield Tour Road.
Date: May 23, 2026 12:00am to May 23, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
đ Physical Address:
6424 W. Farm Road 182
Republic, MO 65738
đ¤ Mailing Address:
5242 S. State Hwy ZZ
Republic, MO 65738
đ Voice Phone: 417-732-2662
âď¸ Email: WICR_visitor_requests@nps.gov