“Where are you from?” The uniformed Union soldier shined a lantern in our faces.

“Texas.”

The soldier nodded. He had found what he was looking for. “We heard there were Confederate spies in these ranks. You’re going to have to come with me.”

And so we marched through the Missouri night, the sounds of battle played out nearby. In the far corner of the field, we could see the lights of a battlefield hospital beneath a white tent, “wounded” soldiers laid out on white cots.

This was the anniversary of the Wilson Creek Battle, a reenactment played out every August 10th. The event recalls the battle fought here August 10, 1861, the first major Civil War battle west of the Mississippi River.

Today visitors can learn more about the battle and the war with a visit to the park and visitor’s center.

Are We There Yet?

(OK, follow these directions carefully. We went to Wilson’s Creek on a chartered bus and the driver got lost on the way and had to stop for directions.)

If you’re traveling east-west on I-44, take exit 70. Head south on Rt. MM to Rt. ZZ. Continue south to the intersection of Farm Road 182. The park is at the intersection of Rt. ZZ and Farm Road 182.

What’s There To Do Here?

Make your first stop at the visitor’s center. where you can watch a video telling more about the battle. You can then go on to see exhibits relating to this period.

From there, you can head off on a self-guided auto tour with eight stops. From the driving tour, several trails lead off to explore on foot. There’s also a trail for horseback or bike riding.
An interesting stop is the Ray House, which served as a field hospital during the battle. The house is open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

When Are We Going?

The peak times for visits are June through September, although April and May can be busy with school groups.

How Long Are We Staying?

You’ll want to budget about half a day for seeing the visitors center and driving the auto tour.

What Should We Bring?

There are no grocery stores, food stops, or concessions in the park so bring along some snacks for the auto drive and some water.

What Are We Doing Next?

There are several good attractions in nearby Springfield, the largest city in the area and rich with a variety of attractions. Take a couple of hours to tour Fantastic Caverns, about 30 minutes North of Springfield off I-44 and Highway 13, Tel. 417/833-2010, aboard a motorized tram (the only such tour in the country).

It’s a 40-minute drive down Highway 65 to Branson, the hub of Ozark tourism, a town always filled with vacationers. The main route through Branson is Highway 76, often called “The Strip” because of its glittery light displays. Mile after mile, you’ll see motels and miniature golf courses, shops and shows, so many attractions, in fact, that traffic jams are not uncommon.

Branson is a vacation wonderland, with attractions of just about every description. Many rely on a “hillbilly” theme, and most of the attractions cater to families. There are no high-priced restaurants or hotels here, and, in spite of their glitter, the evening shows are very reasonably priced, and dress is casual.

Branson may now be a tourist hot-spot, but it started out as a river stop in an isolated part of the country. Cut off by the Ozark Mountains, the people of this area were fiercely self-sufficient. Many only heard tales of “city life” that existed beyond the barriers of the endless rolling hills.

In order to explore these hills, you’ll want to spend at least three days exploring the many attractions which lie within 15 miles of Branson. First, head for the Shepherd of the Hills Homestead, Highway 76, for a look at the Ozarks of an earlier time, before roads and railroads allowed easy access. This park is built on the very birthplace of Ozark tourism, the spot where, in 1907, Harold Bell Wright wrote a book called The Shepherd of the Hills. Today, you can enjoy a tram tour of the hills and valleys which Harold Bell Wright once maneuvered on horseback. At night, be sure to return to the park for the outdoor dramatization of The Shepherd of the Hills, the most attended outdoor drama in the U.S.

Just down the road from Shepherd of the Hills lies Silver Dollar City, Highway 76, probably the most successful operation in the Ozarks. Plan to spend all day here. Silver Dollar City is the only crafts park in the country. Your admission to Silver Dollar City includes a guided tour of Marvel Cave, and on hot summer days there’s no better way to beat the heat than some natural Ozark air-conditioning! Along with the crafts, you can enjoy fast rides, wandering musicians and storytellers, and a nightly show at the Echo Hollow Amphitheater, much like the family music shows in Branson.

As the sun starts to set, head back for Branson, where several hours of entertainment still lie ahead. Take your pick from numerous music shows featuring Country, Big Band, Gospel, and even Tex-Mex music. Most of the shows are variety acts, with a little bit of everything including comedy acts, to delight the visitors who jam Branson’s music theaters every night.

Which One Is My Room?

There are no accommodations in the park but many accommodations are found in Springfield and Branson.

Practical Information

Address: Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, 6424 W. Farm Road 182, Republic, MO 65738
Website: http://www.nps.gov/wicr/
Operating Season: Year round, closed Christmas and New Year’s Day