Prairie Grove Battlefield is known as one of America’s most intact Civil War battlefields. Located in the quaint town of Prairie Grove, Ar. With more than 900 acres, this park commemorates the site of the Battle of Prairie Grove, where on December 7, 1862, Confederate and Union forces clashed in a fierce day of fighting that resulted in 2,700 casualties. This battle marked the last major Civil War engagement in Northwest Arkansas. The park offers walking and driving tours, programs, and weekend events. At the Hindman Hall Museum, artifacts recovered from the battle are displayed. Admission to the museum is free. On even numbered years a Civil War re-enactment takes place the 1st weekend in December.

Throughout the park, markers tell the story of the battle. The beautiful sweeping views of the Illinois River Valley to the North make it hard to imagine the blood shed that took place on those very fields.

The sad history of this area is now replaced with much more pleasant sounds and views. Playgrounds, picnic table and pavilions offer a much more pleasing atmosphere. The history of our area and those who helped shape our country is thoughtfully and respectfully preserved here thanks to the many donations and contributions from ancestors as well as Daughters of the Confederacy.

The park offers guided tours of the battlefield, interpretive exhibits in Hindman Hall, a paved and mostly shaded walking trail, a five-mile driving tour, and a geocache tour. Visitors can watch videos about the battle and the Civil War in the park’s audio-visual room. The visitors’ center has a gift shop and bookstore. The park also contains pavilions, a picnic area, and a playground.

Special events at the park include a December reenactment of the battle, with a two-day schedule of activities; a yearly Memorial Day tribute; and the Prairie Grove Clothesline Fair over Labor Day weekend.