Wilson's Creek National Battlefield

Wilson's Creek National Battlefield is a very well-preserved Civil War Battlefield that was a strategic location for the Union Army to try to gain access to the south and prevent states such as Missouri from seceding from the union. You can start your visit at the visitor center where you'll find information, maps and exhibits with actual site artifacts from the battle. There is a fee of $7 per person or $15 per vehicle ($10 for motorcycles). If you go after 5 p.m., the gates will be open and no fee is required.

The battle fought here on August 10, 1861, was the first major Civil War engagement west of the Mississippi River. Although this was a rebel victory, the battle sparked a larger Federal military plan in the state.

There is a paved, one-way 4.9-mile road that takes you to the major points in the battlefield. At each major point, there are short hikes taking you directly to focus areas that were important during the battle. These stops and trails have exhibits with historical information, and some also have audio messages that are accessible through a cell phone.