Prairie Grove, AR - Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park will host interpretive programs each week throughout August.

Friday, August 4

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Historic House Tour, Hindman Hall

On this guided tour through the park’s historic buildings, visitors can explore the similarities and differences between the ways of life experienced by today’s families and those who settled here prior to the Civil War. Tickets are $6 per adult and $4 for ages 6-12. Children 5 and under are admitted for free.

1 p.m. – 2 p.m., Nature Journaling, Hindman Hall 

Soldiers’ written observations and drawings provide historians with first-hand descriptions of what the landscape, people and community looked like in 1862. Today, we’ll use our senses to describe and record observations in the park. No skill or experience is necessary.  

6 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Ozark Women of the Civil War, Latta House

Women played key roles in the “total war” phenomenon that took place in the Ozarks during the Civil War. Join us this evening as we take a closer look at what war looked like through the eyes of local civilian women in 1862. 

7 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Pioneer Chores, Latta House

Generations have been tasked with daunting daily chores, but the chores of pioneers looked a little different than the ones of today. Come try your hand at some pioneer chores. 

8 p.m. – 9 p.m., Biscuits and Honey, Latta Kitchen

Few things are more historic than biscuits cooked in cast iron – with honey on the side. This Dutch oven demonstration will take you on a journey from your head to your stomach, as we whip up this old-fashioned staple in Arkansas’s official state cooking vessel. 

Saturday, August 5

9 a.m. – 10 a.m., Battlefield Tour, Hindman Hall

Lives were forever changed here on Dec. 7, 1862. Join us for a 1-mile walk along the ridgeline where the heaviest fighting occurred during the Civil War Battle of Prairie Grove.

10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Pea Ridge National Military Park Grand Reopening, Pea Ridge National Military Park, 15930 National Park Dr., Garfield, 72732

Join us at Pea Ridge National Military Park to celebrate its Grand Reopening. Enjoy living history demonstrations and view historic weapons.

Sunday, August 6

1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Curator Corner, Hindman Hall

Historic artifacts help illustrate the many stories of Prairie Grove Battlefield. Our curator will showcase items from the park’s collection so you can discover the history they reveal.

2 p.m. – 3 p.m., Historic House Tour, Hindman Hall

On this guided tour through the park’s historic buildings, visitors can explore the similarities and differences between the ways of life experienced by today’s families and those who settled here prior to the Civil War. Tickets are $6 per adult and $4 for ages 6-12. Children 5 and under are admitted for free.

6 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Map to the Past, Borden Picnic Area

Studying historic maps helps us see how much things have changed or remained the same. With the park interpreter, visitors will assemble a large interactive map of the Prairie Grove Battlefield as we explore the changes that have taken place over the past 160 years.

7 p.m. – 7:45 p.m., Civil War Letters, Borden House

Soldiers and their loved ones often wrote heartfelt letters describing the hardships of battle and the yearning for home so many felt during the Civil War. Historians study these hand-written accounts to gain a greater understanding of those who lived through such challenging times. Bring your lawn chairs.

Wednesday, August 9

10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Spinning and Lace Making Demonstration, Latta Barn

In this special showcase, local spinners will share how they craft fibers into yarn and lacemakers will exhibit the creation of handmade laces. Interested visitors are invited to join them for an informal presentation and chat about the history and art of spinning and lace making.

Friday, August 11

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Historic House Tour, Hindman Hall

On this guided tour through the park’s historic buildings, visitors can explore the similarities and differences between the ways of life experienced by today’s families and those who settled here prior to the Civil War. Tickets are $6 per adult and $4 for ages 6-12. Children 5 and under are admitted for free.

1 p.m. – 2 p.m., Nature Journaling, Hindman Hall

Soldiers’ written observations and drawings provide historians with first-hand descriptions of what the landscape, people and community looked like in 1862. Today, we’ll use our senses to describe and record observations in the park. No skill or experience is necessary.  

5 p.m. – 7 p.m., Back in Time to Back-to-School, Schoolhouse

Start your school year off by traveling back in time. Join us for part one of our Back-to-School weekend. Experience school in the 1800s and learn about some school traditions. 

Saturday, August 12

9 a.m. – 10 a.m., Battlefield Tour, Hindman Hall

Lives were forever changed here on Dec. 7, 1862. Join us for a 1-mile walk along the ridgeline where the heaviest fighting occurred during the Civil War Battle of Prairie Grove.

2 p.m. – 4 p.m., U.S. Sanitary Commission, Dogtrot House

During the Civil War, women looked for ways to provide comfort and care to soldiers. The U.S. Sanitary Commission did just that. Come see items they provided to soldiers and learn about their mission.

6 p.m. – 8 p.m., Back-to-School BOOM!, Dogtrot House

Start your school year off with a BOOM! Join us for part two of our Back-to-School weekend. Experience soldier life during the Civil War. Cannon firings will take place on the hour beginning at 6 p.m.

Sunday, August 6

1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Curator Corner, Hindman Hall

Historic artifacts help illustrate the many stories of Prairie Grove Battlefield. Our curator will showcase items from the park’s collection so you can discover the history they reveal.

2 p.m. – 3 p.m., Historic House Tour, Hindman Hall

On this guided tour through the park’s historic buildings, visitors can explore the similarities and differences between the ways of life experienced by today’s families and those who settled here prior to the Civil War. Tickets are $6 per adult and $4 for ages 6-12. Children 5 and under are admitted for free.

3 p.m. – 4 p.m., Sunday Funday Crafts, Hindman Hall

Do you have a favorite toy? Have you ever made a toy? Children of the 1800s made their toys out of everyday objects. Come make your own spinning top; materials and instructions are provided.

Friday, August 11

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Historic House Tour, Hindman Hall

On this guided tour through the park’s historic buildings, visitors can explore the similarities and differences between the ways of life experienced by today’s families and those who settled here prior to the Civil War. Tickets are $6 per adult and $4 for ages 6-12. Children 5 and under are admitted for free.

1 p.m. – 2 p.m., Nature Journaling, Hindman Hall

Soldiers’ written observations and drawings provide historians with first-hand descriptions of what the landscape, people and community looked like in 1862. Today, we’ll use our senses to describe and record observations in the park. No skill or experience is necessary.  

2 p.m. – 3 p.m., Infantry Drill, Morrow House

Many men and boys answered the call to arms in the 1860s. Follow in their footsteps and learn infantry maneuvers using wooden rifles.

4 p.m. – 5 p.m., A Soldier’s Experience: Pleasant Buchanan and Montgomery Wilson, Dogtrot House

The lives of local men were forever changed during the Civil War. Hear the stories of the Civil War in Northwest Arkansas from soldiers who spent their whole lives here.

Saturday, August 19

9 a.m. – 10 a.m., Battlefield Tour, Hindman Hall

Lives were forever changed here on Dec. 7, 1862. Join us for a 1-mile walk along the ridgeline where the heaviest fighting occurred during the Civil War Battle of Prairie Grove.

2 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., Artillery 101, Hindman Hall

Cannons played a crucial role in the Battle of Prairie Grove. Join a park interpreter to learn how to fire a Civil War Cannon. Volunteers will demonstrate the job of each gun position.

3 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., Detectives of the Past, Borden Picnic Area

History is deeper than watching a movie or searching Google. Join a park interpreter to discover how historians use primary sources to understand the past.

6 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Dutch Oven Cobbler, Amphitheater

Want to learn a quick and easy Dutch oven recipe? This Dutch oven demonstration will take you on a journey from your head to your stomach, as we whip up a simple staple in Arkansas’s official state cooking vessel.

7 p.m. – 8 p.m., An Evening with the Generals, Amphitheater

If you could meet someone from the past, what would you ask them? This is your chance to spend an evening with two of the generals whose armies fought here at the Battle of Prairie Grove. Join us as General James G. Blunt and General Thomas C. Hindman share details about their lives and military careers up to the events of December 7, 1862, while we gather around a campfire. Bring your lawn chairs.

Sunday, August 20

1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Curator Corner, Hindman Hall

Historic artifacts help illustrate the many stories of Prairie Grove Battlefield. Our curator will showcase items from the park’s collection so you can discover the history they reveal.

2 p.m. – 2:45 p.m., Corn Husk Creatures, Hindman Hall

Manufactured toys and goods were scarce on the Ozark frontier, so kids had fun with the resources available to them in their natural environment. Join us for this fun, historic activity that was passed from Native Americans to pioneers.

6 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Camo Crawl, Dogtrot House

To avoid enemy detection, soldiers tried to blend in with their surroundings. While searching for hidden objects along the trail, participants will explore the effectiveness of camouflage.

7 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Name That Contraption, Latta Kitchen

Ozark settlers used a wide variety of gadgets to help them accomplish their everyday tasks. Visitors will be put to the test as they try to identify some 19th-century “contraptions” and how they were used.

8 p.m. – 9 p.m., 1800s Homestead Tour, Latta House

The families who settled here long before the Civil War share many of the same values and traditions we hold today. Explore the similarities and differences between our ways of life on this guided tour through the park’s historic homestead.

Friday, August 25

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Historic House Tour, Hindman Hall

On this guided tour through the park’s historic buildings, visitors can explore the similarities and differences between the ways of life experienced by today’s families and those who settled here prior to the Civil War. Tickets are $6 per adult and $4 for ages 6-12. Children 5 and under are admitted for free.

1 p.m. – 2 p.m., Nature Journaling, Hindman Hall

Soldiers’ written observations and drawings provide historians with first-hand descriptions of what the landscape, people and community looked like in 1862. Today, we’ll use our senses to describe and record observations in the park. No skill or experience is necessary.  

2 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., Women of War, Hindman Hall

Women’s participation in the war effort wasn’t limited to the home front. Women seeking adventure, employment and patriotism fought during the Civil War. Learn about the hardships these women faced. 

3 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., Quill and Ink, Hindman Hall

Before text messages and phone calls, letters were the primary means of communication for families and friends. Join us to experience the power in these messages and craft your own using 19th-century quills, pens, and ink.

Saturday, August 26

9 a.m. – 10 a.m., Battlefield Tour, Hindman Hall

Lives were forever changed here on Dec. 7, 1862. Join us for a 1-mile walk along the ridgeline where the heaviest fighting occurred during the Civil War Battle of Prairie Grove.

6 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Cold, Dark and Safe, Latta Cellar

The Morton Cellar offered local families safety during the heat of battle on Dec. 7, 1862. Learn about their experiences as they hid 160 years ago.

7 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Meet the Mortons, Morton Hayfield Overlook

The community of Prairie Grove was altered after Dec. 7, 1862. Join us as we learn about one of these families and how the Battle of Prairie Grove changed their lives. Limited seating is available, so bring your lawn chairs.

8 p.m. – 9 p.m., General Blunt: The Rescuer of the Union, Morton Hayfield Overlook

The Battle of Prairie Grove took its toll on the troops until one man showed up and saved the day for the Union. Learn about General James G. Blunt and how he changed the outcome of the events of Dec. 7, 1862. Limited seating is available, so bring your lawn chairs.

Sunday, August 27

1 p.m. – 4 p.m., Spinning and Lace Making Demonstration, Hindman Hall

In this special showcase, local spinners will share how they craft fibers into yarn and lacemakers will exhibit the creation of handmade laces. They welcome all interested visitors to join them for an informal presentation and chat about the history and art of spinning and lace making.

1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Curator Corner, Hindman Hall

Historic artifacts help illustrate the many stories of Prairie Grove Battlefield. Our curator will showcase items from the park’s collection so you can discover the history they reveal.

2 p.m. – 3 p.m., Historic House Tour, Hindman Hall

On this guided tour through the park’s historic buildings, visitors can explore the similarities and differences between the ways of life experienced by today’s families and those who settled here prior to the Civil War. Tickets are $6 per adult and $4 for ages 6-12. Children 5 and under are admitted for free.

6 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Signal Flags, Dogtrot House

Effective communication on a Civil War battlefield was crucial to a soldier’s survival. Join us as we explore the art of communicating with signal flags.

7 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Civil War Battle Flags, Dogtrot House

Flags are powerful symbols of heritage and history. Come learn about flag meanings and symbols as we look at the flags that flew over the Battle of Prairie Grove on Dec. 7, 1862.

Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park

Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park is one of America’s most intact Civil War battlefields. The park protects and manages the battlefield to interpret an inclusive understanding of the Prairie Grove campaign and the effects of the Civil War on the people of Northwest Arkansas. Interpretive programs about the Civil War and life in the 1860s are offered year-round.