Pea Ridge National Military Park

Used as a field hospital during the Battle of Pea Ridge, the Elkhorn Tavern is a focal point on the Pea Ridge National Military Park.
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.
Map showing location of park.
Image of smoke bellowing out of forested background, grassy fields in foreground, with split rail fences in the middle of the picture.
Pea Ridge National Military Park Announces Prescribed Burns
Pea Ridge National Military Park will conduct prescribed fire operations Monday and Tuesday, March 10-11, 2025, subject to weather conditions falling within the parameters of prescribed fire prescriptions.
The National Park Service invites the public to Pea Ridge National Military Park on Saturday, March 8, from 9:45 AM to 3:15 PM to attend programs commemorating the 163rd anniversary of the Battle of Pea Ridge.
The National Park Service invites the public to Pea Ridge National Military Park on Saturday, March 8, from 9:45 AM to 3:15 PM to attend programs commemorating the 163rd anniversary of the Battle of Pea Ridge. The Battle of Pea Ridge was fought on March 7-8, 1862, by over 23,000 Union and Confederate soldiers. It was the largest battle fought west of the Mississippi River and was a major turning point, helping Union forces maintain physical and political control of the state of Missouri. Visitors are invited to experience programs presented by staff and volunteers as they share accounts of what happened during the battle. Attendees will hear the crash of musketry and the roar of cannon and see how these weapons were used. Volunteer living historians will be giving programs at Tour Stop Four, Leetown Battlefield, and Tour Stop Eight, Elkhorn Tavern, while others will be portraying a cannon detachment at the Visitor Center. The full program schedule is available on the park website and social media pages. All program times and locations are subject to change. There are no entrance fees to Pea Ridge National Military Park. Water, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
A reconstructed Elkhorn Tavern.
Photo by NPS Photo
Photo of road with trees on both sides of road. Trees have Fall Foliage
Photo by Sirena Evans NPS
Photo of the rays of sunshine, shining though dark green trees, with long shadows falling on grass
Photo by Stephanie Caley NPS
Photo of sun setting over the golden grass the battlefield.
Photo by Stephanie Caley NPS
Photo of Union Union artilleryman reenactors standing in front of building.
Photo by Stephanie Caley
Photo of Park Ranger talking about cannon and Cannon Crew.
Photo by Stephanie Caley
Photo of Union cannons and crew firing cannons in a field.
Photo by Jackie Fry 3-10-2012
Photo of Union Infantrymen reenactors standing in front of building with large crowd.
Photo by Sirena Evans NPS