Let Nature Surprise You

NPS Photo

Challenge 2: Let Nature Surprise You 

Bring a notebook to journal about the nature you find at Wilson’s Creek. 

Let nature surprise you as you encounter white tailed deer roaming in the mornings, enjoy native wildflowers in the fields, or hear a hawk cry as it circles above the battlefields.  

How would you describe this place?     

What captures your attention?     

What sparks your curiosity? 

Sometimes you just need a moment to pause, reflect, and unplug. The mental challenges invite you to explore the park to improve your mental health.

Details

Duration

1-8 Hours

The time you allow for the battlefield depends on what your interests are. In this challenge the time can be short or long depending on how long your reflect in the battlefield with nature.

Activity

Living History

Challenge 2: Let Nature Surprise You 

Bring a notebook to journal about the nature you find at Wilson’s Creek. 

Let nature surprise you as you encounter white tailed deer roaming in the mornings, enjoy native wildflowers in the field, or hear a hawk cry as it circles above the battlefields.  

How would you describe this place?     

What captures your attention?     

What sparks your curiosity?

The National Park Service Wellness Challenge focuses on your experience of wellness in nature. We encourage you to get out of your comfort zone, have fun and create a new routine of personal wellness. 

Age(s)

4-90

All ages are welcome. For this challenge all you need is your mind!

Pets Allowed

Yes

Pets are allowed outdoors in the public accesses of the park as long as the pet is on a leash no longer than 6 foot. Service animals are allowed indoors in public accesible buildings.

Activity Fee

No

Wilson's Creek National Battlefield does not charge an entrance fee.

Location

Let Nature Surprise You

Battlefield location with a self guided 5-mile driving tour with 8 interpretive waysides. Over 10 miles of designated trails.

Reservations

No

Season

Spring

Summer months are frequently hot and humid, with occasional showers and thunderstorms. Winter months (especially January and February) are frequently cold, with occasional ice and light snow. Spring and fall months are generally pleasant, with occasional showers.

Time of Day

Day

Tour road, battlefield, and trails are open during posted hours (changes by season). Tour Road opens at 7:00 am for walkers and bicycles only. Vehicle entrance begins at 8:00 am which requires a gate token issued inside the visitor center. The visitor center and museum hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm daily, seven days a week. 

Entrance Fee Applies

Accessibility Information

Accessibility Information 

• The Visitor Center has three accessible parking spaces, and there is a paved sidewalk to its entrance. There is an accessible restroom, and it is all on one level. A wheelchair is available for use at the Visitor Center. 

• The brochure is not available online, or in audio description format currently. The brochure is available in braille at the visitor center information desk. 

• Please give us two weeks notice if you need an ASL Interpreter.  

• A park staff member can provide live audio description if you provide us with two weeks advanced notice. 

Contact:  

• Phone: [phone] 

• Email: [e-mail]   

Reflect at Wilson’s Creek 

• Are there any specific areas by Wilson’s Creek that are accessible? 

A Field of Surprises 

• Are there any benches that are accessible? 

Trail Information 

• Gibson Mill: 1 mile and 40 ft elevation change 

• Ray Cornfield: 1 mile and 80 ft elevation change (horses allowed) 

• Ray House: <0.25 mile and 30 ft elevation change 

• Ray Springhouse: <0.25 mile and 30 ft elevation change 

• East Overlook: <0.25 mile and 60 ft elevation change 

• Pulaski Battery: <0.25 mile and 50 ft elevation change 

• Manley Uplands: 2.5 miles and 170 ft elevation change (horses allowed) 

• Southwest: 1.7 miles and 140 ft elevation change (horses allowed) 

• Wire Road: 1.7 miles and 150 ft elevation change (horses allowed) 

• Bloody Hill: 0.5 mile and 60 ft elevation change 

• Bloody Hill Spur: 0.5 mile and 100 ft elevation change 

• Du Bois’s Battery: 0.25 mile and <10 ft elevation change 

• West Overlook: 0.25 mile and <10 ft elevation change 

Ponder on the Porch 

• The Ray House Trail is paved to within 50 feet of the Ray House. When the house is staffed, visitors who access the building via an accessible ramp at the rear of the house over a grassy surface. 

Learn more about accessibility at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield.