March with the Missouri State Guard

Thomas Isaac Duvall and two brothers, including William (right) served in the Missouri State Guard

Wilson\'s Creek National Battlefield Museum Collection, WICR 30171

Enjoy a moderate hike to key historical locations at one of the country’s best-preserved Civil War battlefields.

This 1-mile or 3-mile (optional) roundtrip walk on unpaved trail will lead you to key battlefield locations related to the Missouri State Guard. Tour Road Stop 3 is the suggested starting point. From there, hike on the historic Wire Road, with an optional stop at the Pulaski Arkansas Battery. Cross Wilson’s Creek via a historic steel truss bridge near the original creek ford. You’ll soon reach the Edwards Cabin, a restored 1850s cabin near the location of the original home. The temporary headquarters for Maj. Gen. Sterling Price, commander of the Missouri State Guard, was situated nearby. From the Edwards Cabin, you may continue on the longer hike (3 miles roundtrip) to iconic Bloody Hill, where Union forces took the high ground and resisted three determined Southern attacks. View the 1928 marker commemorating the death of Gen. Nathaniel Lyon, the first Union general to fall in battle during the Civil War. The trail also passes a natural sinkhole where Southern survivors hastily buried fallen Union troops. Cannons located at the Totten and Du Bois gun batteries bring the battle to life. On the southern slope of Bloody Hill lies rare “remnant prairie,” one of the few such habitats left in Missouri. Return to Stop 3 via the same trail or use the pedestrian lane on the tour road to walk south toward Stop 3 (a route that adds about 1 mile to the total distance). You also may begin the hike from Stop 7 and view Bloody Hill before opting to proceed down the trail to Edwards Cabin. Enter the one-way tour road from the main entry gate in the visitor center parking lot. Stop 3 is approximately 2 miles from the entrance. Bathroom facilities and water are NOT available along the tour road or trails.

Details

Duration

25-90 Minutes

The 1-mile roundtrip hike takes about 25 minutes while the optional longer roundtrip hike (3 miles or 4 miles, depending on the return route chosen) can take about 1 hour to 1.5 hours.

Activity

Self-Guided Tours - Walking

Moderate 1-mile or optional 3-mile roundtrip hike to sites of historic and scenic interest.

Age(s)

6 and Older

Recommended for ages 6 and older but all are welcome.

Pets Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

Pets must be on a leash not more than six feet long and are not allowed in buildings (except service animals). Horses are restricted to authorized trails,

Activity Fee

No

Visitors must pay standard park entry fee at visitor center before entering tour road.

Location

Stop 3 on Wilson's Creek National Battlefield Tour Road

This 1-mile or optional 3-mile moderate hike may start from Stop 3 or Stop 7 on the battlefield Tour Road.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Tour road and tour stops at points of interest are available year round. Hours for tour road and visitor center vary by season. 

Time of Day

Day, Dawn, Dusk

Tour road hours vary by season. 

Accessibility Information

This 1-mile or optional 3-mile moderate hike is on unpaved trail, which is not wheelchair accessible. Accessible parking lots with handicapped parking and accessible sidewalks at tour road stops lead to some viewpoints and wayside information related to locations described in this hike. Hiking/walking trails include rocky, uneven, and rising and falling ground. The 1-mile roundtrip hike takes about 25 minutes, while the 3-mile optional extended roundtrip hike takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on return route chosen. If walking or jogging on the tour road (optional longer return route starting south from tour road stop 7), visitors must use the 6-foot paved pedestrian lane marked for those activities. Bathrooms and drinking water are available only at the visitor center, adjacent to the tour road entry gate.