Pea Ridge National Military Park

The park is situated in Benton County, in extreme northwestern Arkansas. Winters are generally mild with average low temperatures around 35°. Occasional fronts may cause extremes in low temperatures, with heavy precipitation. Summers are generally hot and humid with average highs in the 90 degree range. Fall and spring are comparable transition seasons with very comfortable temperatures and abundant precipitation. Sudden thunderstorms, lightning, hail and tornado conditions are prevalent during spring and summer weather patterns.

$3.00 - $5.00

Pea Ridge has much to offer for almost everybody.
Inside the Visitor Center, you will find:

• A 28-minute orientation film
• Many temporary exhibits
• A museum explaining the battle
• A great bookstore

Outside you will find:

• A seven-mile self-guided tour road
• 28 Brand New Interpretive Exhibits
• 9 miles of horse trails
• 7 miles of hiking trails
  

The park's hiking trail is 7 miles long and goes to both natural and historic areas of the park. If you are not interested in the whole seven mile trail there are several shorter loop trails that are accessible from tour stop 7 (the Elkhorn Tavern).

The horse trailhead is located southwest of Tour Stop 1. The trailhead has spots for 10-15 trailers and access to the horse trail is down the dirt road through the trees. There are now two loops to the horse trail. The shorter 5-mile trail and longer 9-mile trail split at Ford Road. The five-mile trail follows Ford Road while the nine mile trail goes to the more remote northern section of the park. Horses are no longer allowed to go to the Elkhorn Tavern or down to the Tanyard.

Bicycles are allowed only on the tour road and must ride with the flow of traffic and obey all traffic laws. Pea Ridge is a scenic and safe place for bicycling. The park's seven mile tour road provides for interesting ride for the whole family.

All bicycles must remain on the tour road, obey all traffic laws and ride with the flow of traffic.

For those that do not have bicycles and wish to ride the park as a number of bikes that can be checked out from the visitor center.

The Pea Ridge Visitor Center is located 100 yards from the entrance to the park. All visitors must stop and pay the entrance fee or show a pass.

Once inside the Visitor Center, there is a 28 minute orientation film "Thunder in the Ozarks" and a small museum. The park's film was produced in 2001 and provides the visitor an excellent production on the reasons for the battle and what happened during and after the battle.

The park's Eastern National Bookstore is also located in the Visitor Center. The bookstore has one of the finest Civil War related selection of books in the National Park System.

The only restroom facilities in the park are also located in the visitor center.

National Park Service Areas:

• Buffalo National River, 70 miles
• Fort Scott National Historic Site, 160 miles
• Fort Smith National Historic Site, 90 miles
• George Washington Carver National Monument, 45 miles
• Hot Springs National Park, 180 miles
• Wilson's Creek National Battlefield, 75 miles