The sight of the first major Civil War battle fought west of the Mississippi River, this large rolling open space is a fascinating place to visit. The land looks much as it did in 1861 when a large Union force tried to surprise a Confederate force here. After a day's intense fighting leading to 2500 total casualties, the Union troops retreated. Visitors can drive, walk or bike a 4.9-mile loop through the battlefield. Signs explain what happened where.
The site is 10 miles southwest of Springfield.
