163rd Anniversary of the Battle of Chickamauga Ranger-Guided Tours

Ranger-guided tours are a great way to explore the battlefield during the battle anniversary.

NPS

Throughout the battle anniversary period, rangers will lead numerous tours and programs exploring the Battle of Chickamauga and its memorialization with the establishment Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. These programs range from broad overview tours to presentations about specific locations on the field.

Visitors are encouraged to bring chairs, bug spray, water, and wear comfortable clothes and appropriate shoes for walking/hiking.

All programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or staffing availability.

 

Friday, September 18

10 am - Send in the Cavalry: Car Caravan Tour of Chickamauga Battlefield

• Location: Meet inside the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center
• Duration: 2 hours

For a broad introduction to the opening day of the Battle of Chickamauga, meet a park ranger inside the visitor center and join a car‑caravan tour to several key locations associated with the fighting on September 18, 1863

2 pm - Special Ranger-led Program

• Location: Meet inside the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center
• Duration: 1 hour

Join a park ranger for a special, ranger-led program exploring the events of September 18, 1863. These programs spotlight soldiers who fought here and crucial decisions they made in the heat of battle. All programs begin inside the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center.

 

Saturday, September 19

9 am - Bicycle Tour of Chickamauga Battlefield

• Location: Meet in the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center's lower parking lot
• Duration: 2.5 hours

The public is invited to enjoy a leisurely, history‑focused bicycle ride where National Park Service rangers will share stories and insights about the Battle of Chickamauga, while Outdoor Chattanooga staff and volunteers provide route leadership and support. All participants are required to wear helmets.

Outdoor Chattanooga’s Mobile Bicycle Fleet will offer free loaner bicycles and helmets for riders 5 feet tall and above. This program is made possible due to the generous support of National Park Partners - Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Moccasin Bend. To reserve a bicycle, call Outdoor Chattanooga at 423‑643‑6888.

10 am - Bushwhacking on a Grand Scale: Car Caravan Tour of Chickamauga Battlefield

• Location: Meet inside the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center
• Duration: 2 hours

For a broad introduction to the second day of the Battle of Chickamauga, meet a park ranger inside the visitor center and join a car‑caravan tour to several key locations associated with the fighting on September 19, 1863.

2 pm - Special Ranger-led Program

• Location: Meet inside the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center
• Duration: 1 hour

Join a park ranger for a special, ranger-led program exploring the events of September 19, 1863. These programs spotlight the soldiers who fought here and the crucial decisions made in the heat of battle. All programs begin inside the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center.


4:30 pm - Lightning Strikes at Chickamauga – John T. Wilder’s Brigade, September 18-20, 1863

• Location: Meet inside the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center
• Duration: 2 hours

Few units at the Battle of Chickamauga inspire as much interest as Union Colonel John T. Wilder’s mounted infantry brigade. Armed with seven‑shot Spencer repeating rifles, these Indiana and Illinois soldiers earned the nickname “Lightning Brigade” and played a significant role in the fighting on all three days of the battle.

This ranger‑led car caravan tour explores the Lightning Brigade’s actions throughout the battle. Visitors should meet at the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center for an introduction before heading out on the tour.

Because the program includes some walking over uneven terrain, participants are encouraged to wear sturdy footwear and bring water.

 

Sunday, September 20

10 am - Unspeakably Grand: Car Caravan Tour of Chickamauga Battlefield

• Location: Meet inside the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center
• Duration: 2 hours

If you are interested in a general overview tour of the final day's fighting at Chickamauga, meet a park ranger inside the visitor center to take a car caravan tour to areas associated with one of the last major Confederate victories of the Civil War.

Begins at 10:30 am - Hands-on History Table

• Location: Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center
• Duration: Drop-in anytime between 10:30 am - 12:30 pm & 2 pm - 4 pm

Stop by the Hands-on History Table at the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center to learn about soldier's life during the Civil War. Visitors of all ages will have the opportunity to hold and touch authentic reproduction uniforms, weapons, and equipment made to match items worn and used by Civil War soldiers. A ranger will be on hand to answer questions and to discuss the experiences of soldiers during the Chickamauga campaign.

2 pm - Sprecial Ranger-led Program

• Location: Meet inside the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center
• Duration: 1 hour

Join a park ranger for a special, ranger-led program exploring the events of September 20, 1863. These programs spotlight the soldiers who fought here and the crucial decisions made in the heat of battle.