Visitors should stop at the Visitor Center for a park brochure with information about the battle and self-guided tour, as well as special events available. The Sweeny Museum, an outstanding collection of original Civil War artifacts relating to the war west of the Mississippi River, is located just north of the Visitor Center.
A 4.9 mile paved tour road provides a self-guided auto tour. There are eight stops at significant points to the battle. There are five walking trails off the tour road, varying in length from one-fourth mile to three-fourth mile. A seven mile trail system for horseback riding and hiking is accessible from the tour road.
The Ray House, dating from the 1850s, served as a temporary field hospital for Confederate soldiers following the battle. General Nathaniel Lyon's body was brought to the house and placed in a bed for examination. The bed is on exhibit in one of the rooms. The House is open on weekends (subject to staff and volunteer availability), Memorial Day through Labor day.
The anniversary of the battle is observed with a special program and ceremony during the morning of the anniversary date, August 10. An annual candlelight tour is held, traditionally in August. This program requires advance tickets and is not included as part of the regular admission charge.
Living history programs depicting Civil War soldier life, cavalry drills, musket firing, artillery demonstrations, Civil War medicine, and Civil War e
