stones river national battlefield

robertrO2303JR

very interesting place where some of the bloodiest battles took place. About a 2 mile paved loop and a 4 mile trail loop. Quite fun to run/walk/hike with short breaks to learn some history. Good bathroom facility with a small museum at the welcome center

Retinol13

I am not a particular student of the Civil War but I like history in general and the Civil War was such a pivotal moment in American history it's hard not be fascinated by it. Stone's River was a particularly bloody battle of the Civil War; 1/3rd of all combatants (Union and Confedeate) were counted as casualties (killed, wounded, or missing). The park features a visitor center containing artefacts from the battle including letters, uniforms, weapons, and supplies. The center also details how the battle unfolded, why it happened, and the long term repercussions which were significant as control of Murfreesboro gave the union a direct supply line to support further advances against the CSA.When I visited it was pretty cold and I was not equipped for cold weather hiking. I did my best to stick it out but after about an hour in the 40+ degree weather I'd had enough. in better weather I think I could have spent another hour at least wandering the various trails and seeing the various points of interest where important parts of the battle unfolded. Definitely worth a look if you are in Murfreesboro.

LarryMesa_AZ

We went through the visitors center and watched a video. They have an excellent exhibit which is free and takes a little over an hour plus the video. Well worth the trip. A major battle took place here.

NealsGrl

My husband is a Civil War buff so I get an education any time we go to a battlefield. We live very close to Stones River so we've been here several times. There could be more markers. I'm assuming a lot were taken out by the tornado that ripped through the park and so I'm hoping they'll be replaced. There's a certain feeling when standing where men and boys (and probably a few well-disguised women) fought and died and their blood has saturated the very ground you stand on. Plan to spend some time as there is a lot of history here.

jpb993

We have been visiting SRNB since 1993. It is a wonderful place to visit with lots of history about the war. We especially enjoy the Hallowed Ground Lantern Tour.

Grandmud1

The visitor center park rangers are very knowledgeable. Gift store is small but okay. Trail is about 6 miles. It is drivable but also a nice paved trail along park. Not like Shiloh Battlefield but this battle was critical to the civil war.

juneann116

They have put a lot of effort to make this an interesting history lesson. Take the time to walk the battlefield and get the audio tour. Don't forget to visit the National Cemetery - well worth the time. We also attended a "ghost tour" of the cemetery narrated by different folks in period costumes - so interesting - they brought the individuals to life!

609sb

My son enjoyed completing the Jr Ranger program and earning his medal. We enjoy learning more local history when we explore places like this.

dees65

We stopped on a whim and were we ever glad we did. The park ranger gave a wonderful detailed narrative of the battle and just brought it all to life. If you have an hour or two, please make the stop. You will be glad you did.

NanCan0517

Very interesting Civil War visit for anyone interested in the Civil War. Be sure to take the tour with a guide. Then drive around and through the battle field. Cemetery also very interesting.

Dannyhiker

I find it weird to rate and review national parks. But since Trip Advisor has that category, I will add my voice.I am not a Civil War buff; I am a National Park visitor and writer. I look at parks as a way to unify the nation and to explain history to nonexperts.Stones River was the site of a very bloody battle, the highest percentage of men killed. Hell's Half Acre and Slaughter Pen leave you with a good understanding of what it must have been like to fight there.But the most interesting thing to me is Hazen Brigade Monument, the oldest monument in the Civil War. It was erected in 1863, while the Civil War still raged.Walk around the battlefield, visit the Visitor Center and talk to the rangers, who are very helpful and eager to talk to you.

phislamajama

we ran in one morning on our way home. It was cold and raining. YUCK. My son loves civil war things and doing the junior ranger program at the national parks. He has done 11 of them. This one was fun. Depending on the child's age you do various activities in their workbook and then turn it in for a patch, badge pin or other items.( we've gotten daypacks, pencils, stuffed animals etc.) It took us about 2 hours to do because you need to drive to other locations to fill out some of the questions. There was a cemetery, monument. The museum is nice. IT has several items to view and a short movie about the battle. The main gate is huge and then you drive back down the lane a little piece before you come upon the visitor center. There is a self driving tour which you can call a cell phone and listen from your phone. Nice for handicapped people. The visitor center was staffed with very nice rangers. Love it when they are friendly with the children. Believe me some parks are not. Go and enjoy. Soak in the history.

knygard

The Stones River National Battlefield is one of the premier Civil War sites. Not only is Murfreesboro one of the important battle fields in the Civil War, but this exhibit has a great deal of personal possessions and diaries and letters which give you a very first person feel for the war. Neither my wife, her 84 year old parents, nor myself are civil war enthusiasts. None the less, all of us greatly enjoyed going through the exhibits and driving around some of the sites. Later this year a friend of mine visited. He had a couple of hours to kill while I had some work to do in Murfreesboro. He too visited the battlefield and came away moved and impressed. This is well worth a visit.

Vetskidog

As a runner, we often run through Stones River National Battlefield. There are paved trails and you can get in a good number of miles and see a huge portion battlefield on foot. However, if you are not a runner, the self driven tours or the walking/hiking tours are great. Everyone there is very friendly and very knowledgeable. It is interesting to hear about the history of the civil war and seeing a portion of the battlefield where it was fought.

241clemt

This place is full of history. Its a must do!! We have been going back now and love to take our out of guests as well. It amazes them that our town made the history books.