On December 7, 1862, the battle of Prairie Grove took place. The site is now a state park full of historical buildings. It is considered one of the most intact Civil War battlefields. A one mile interpretive trail loops through the major points of interest in the park. Stop in the museum to pick up a free interpretive trail guide and auto tour guide.
The Museum
The museum doubles as a gift shop. Located just inside the park’s entrance, this should be your first stop. Pick up the interpretive guide to the one mile loop trail, inquire about tour times of the Morrow House and Latta House, and request a guide for the driving tour.
On display in the museum are many Civil War artifacts. A model of the battlefield is on display which depicts one of the many days of fighting. Part of the museum fee includes a tour of the historical buildings.
The Trail
The one mile interpretive loop brings you around the park through the places of heaviest fighting. Interpretive plaques and signs alert you to points of interest and give you historical information about the Battle of Prairie Grove.
This is a paved trail. There are steep hills along the trail. The trail is stroller and wheelchair friendly although assistance with wheelchairs may be needed on the hills.
The trail leads you to the Borden House where much of the fighting took place. A cannon is located on top of the ridge overlooking the battlefield. Benches are available for you to sit and view the scenery. The view from the cannon is the best place in the park to see the valley below. The final part of the trail ascends up the hill and you will see the schoolhouse from the Ozark Village greeting you.
The Ozark Village
Come visit and get an idea of what life was like in the Ozarks during the Civil War era. The village includes the Morrow and Latta Houses, a sorghum press and mill, a blacksmith shop, the dogtrot house, a church and schoolhouse.
A vegetable garden is located between the Morrow and Latta Houses. The apple orchard outside of the Borden House offers a fabulous show of blooms in the spring and apples in the fall.
Picnic Area and Shelters
The picnic area contains cement tables and benches. Grills are conveniently located close to the tables. A swing set and playground structure are on one side of the picnic area. Restrooms are located just off of the playground area. A vending machine dispensing water and soft drinks is located by the restrooms.
Two shelters are available for rental. These are a good choice for group gatherings. One of the shelters is located in the picnic area; the other shelter is located in the area close to the large monument in the center of the parking area.
Driving Tour
A five mile driving tour takes visitors through the park and to other historical sites just outside of the park. Pick up a free brochure at the museum. There is no cost for the driving tour. A CD of the tour is available for rent or purchase. The tape is a narrative guide to the driving tour.
Civil War Reenactment
Every other year, on even years, a Civil War reenactment takes place on the Prairie Grove Battlefield.
Fees and Contact Info
Entrance to the park is free. There is no charge to walk the trails, park, or use the picnic areas. Tours of the museum and houses have a fee, and a fee is charged to use the shelter. Senior citizen discounts and group rates are available.
The Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park is located in the town of Prairie Grove, on U.S. Route 62.
Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park
506 East Douglas Street
Prairie Grove, Arkansas 72753
(479) 846-2990
Email [email protected]
