Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park is a historic site located in Iowa that commemorates the Battle of Prairie Grove that occurred during the Civil War.


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Summary

The park offers visitors a chance to step back in time and explore the battlefield and its surrounding areas. There are many good reasons to visit the park, including its rich history, beautiful scenery, and numerous recreational opportunities.

One of the main points of interest at Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park is the battlefield itself, which is marked by several monuments and interpretive signs. Visitors can also explore the historic town of Prairie Grove, which features several restored buildings from the 19th century. In addition, the park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and a visitor center with exhibits and information about the battle and the area's history.

Interesting facts about the park include that it was the site of one of the bloodiest battles in Arkansas during the Civil War, with more than 2,700 soldiers killed or wounded. The park also contains several rare and endangered plant species, as well as a diverse array of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and birds.

The best time of year to visit Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its most vibrant. However, the park is open year-round and offers visitors a chance to experience the changing seasons in a beautiful and historic setting.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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