The NPS Wellness Challenge at Wilson's Creek National Battlefield

Welcome to your Wellness Challenge at Wilson's Creek National Battlefield!

BEGINS DURING NATIONAL PARK WEEK, APRIL 16-24

As the first major Civil War battle fought west of the Mississippi River, the Battle of Wilson's Creek marked the beginning of the war in Missouri. In this beautiful undisturbed land, you can explore trails through woodlands and fields, rest by Wilson's Creek, visit the historic Ray House, and learn about the 6-hour battle. Whether you choose to move in the footsteps of Federal and Southern soldiers, expand your knowledge of the Civil War and Missouri politics, or enjoy the native plants and animals, you can improve your wellness at the site of the second major battle in the Civil War.

Wilson's Creek NPS Wellness Hero

NPS Photo

What is the Wellness Challenge?

The Wellness Challenge promotes the unique health resources that you can find in all seven Missouri National Parks. Challenge yourself by choosing from a wide range of activites - physical, mental and learning - to promote your health and well-being.

Learn more about The National Park Service Wellness Challenge in Missouri.

Wilson's Creek National Battlefield Night Cannon Firing

NPS Volunteer/Charlie Dischinger

Get Fired Up for Wellness

Explosive news! Wilson's Creek National Battlefield has many ways to get healthy while learning about Civil War history . Hike a trail, walk a dog, bring your horse and ride our horse trails, visit the newly renovated museum, or just enjoy the great outdoors with the challenges at Wilson's Creek National Battlefield during National Park Week!

Choose Your Challenge

Pick a path - the possibilities are endless. Look at the Wilson's Creek National Battlefield wellness challenges and start claiming your badges.

Answer our brief survey, to get your Wellness Challenge Completion Certificate for Wilson's Creek National Battlefield.

Call to Action

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  Physical Wellness

  Physical Wellness is well within your reach at Wilson's Creek National Battlefield.

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  Learning Wellness

  Exercise your mind with three learning challenges.

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  Mental Wellness

  Bring your journal and write a poem of reflection about the history of Wilson's Creek National Battlefield.

Wilson's Creek NPS Physical Wellness Hero

NPS Photo

Physical Wellness at Wilson's Creek National Battlefield

Will you get your heart pumping as you follow the footsteps of soldiers on Bloody Hill? Willl you pause and remember the lives lost during a major battle of the Civil War? Or will you relax by Wilson's Creek and discover wildlife? The possibilities are endless - personal wellness is out there waiting for you. And, it is well within your reach.

Once you complete the challenges, download your digital badge to share on social media. You can also get a rubber stamp to add to your NPS Wellness Challenge Guide or Passport Book at the Visitor Center lobby.

Wilson's Creek NPS Wellness Learning Hero

NPS Photo

Learning Wellness at Wilson's Creek National Battlefield

Exercise your mind with learning challenges that focus on the stories and experiences of the Federal and Southern soldiers and the Ray family. You can also learn about the conservation efforts to protect the natural environment. Whether you stop at the visitor center and explore the museum, seek and find in nature, or become a junior ranger---each activity will grow your knowledge and challenge your perspective.

The park has an entrance fee.

Once you complete the challenges, download your digital badge to share on social media. You can also get a rubber stamp to add to your NPS Wellness Challenge Guide or Passport Book at the Visitor Center lobby.

Improve your Mental Wellness

NPS Photo

Mental Wellness at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield

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. Whether you pause to ponder on the porch of the Ray House, observe nature’s beauty on battlefield overlooks, listen to the flowing water of Wilson’s Creek, or reflect on the sacrifices made by soldiers in battle, the mental challenges give you a chance to connect with yourself and your surroundings.

The park has an entrance fee.

Once you complete the challenges, download your digital badge to share on social media. You can also get a rubber stamp to add to your NPS Wellness Challenge Guide or Passport Book at the Visitor Center lobby.

The National Park Service Wellness Challenge inspires you to create lasting habits of personal wellness. Healthy Parks, Healthy People advances the fact that all parks - urban and wildland - are cornerstones of your physical, mental and spiritual health, social well-being; and sustainability of the planet.

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.  

Learn more about accessibility at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield. For additional questions email us or call (417-732-2662).