Where History and Nature Unite in Tennessee

Nestled in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Stones River National Battlefield is a place where American history comes alive amid peaceful rolling fields and shaded walking trails. This 570-acre park, managed by the National Park Service, preserves the site of one of the Civil War’s most significant and hard-fought battles — a clash that tested the resolve of both the Union and Confederate armies and helped shape the course of the war. Today, it offers visitors not only a window into the past but also a serene space to reflect and explore.

A Brief History: The Battle of Stones River

The Battle of Stones River took place from December 31, 1862, to January 2, 1863, and stands as one of the war’s bloodiest encounters. It was fought between Union forces under Major General William S. Rosecrans and Confederate troops led by General Braxton Bragg.

The two armies clashed just after Christmas, in bitter cold conditions. Over the course of three days, they exchanged fierce assaults and counterattacks across fields, forests, and rocky terrain near the Stones River. By the battle’s end, nearly 24,000 soldiers were killed, wounded, or missing — a staggering toll for both sides.

Although the battle was technically inconclusive, the Union emerged strategically victorious. Bragg was forced to retreat, giving President Abraham Lincoln and the North a much-needed morale boost after earlier defeats. The Union’s hold on central Tennessee also paved the way for later advances toward Chattanooga and Atlanta, critical to the war’s outcome.

Visiting Stones River National Battlefield

Today, the battlefield offers a thoughtfully preserved landscape that balances historical interpretation with natural beauty. Visitors can experience the park in multiple ways — whether you’re a Civil War buff, a hiker, or simply seeking a quiet afternoon outdoors.

Start at the Visitor Center

Begin your journey at the Stones River National Battlefield Visitor Center, where you’ll find interactive exhibits, artifacts recovered from the battlefield, and a powerful short film that provides essential background on the events of 1862–63. Rangers are available to answer questions and suggest walking or driving routes tailored to your interests.

Drive the Battlefield Loop

A self-guided driving tour leads you through key sites, including:

  • The Slaughter Pen – A rugged limestone area where Union soldiers made a desperate stand.

  • McFadden’s Ford – The site of the battle’s final, devastating Confederate charge.

  • Hazen’s Brigade Monument – Erected in 1863, this is the oldest Civil War monument still standing in its original location.

Interpretive signs along the way help bring the soldiers’ experiences to life.

Walk or Bike the Trails

The park features several walking and biking trails, perfect for taking in both history and scenery. The Stones River Greenway connects the battlefield with other local parks, offering peaceful river views and wildlife sightings.

Explore the Stones River National Cemetery

Located near the Visitor Center, the Stones River National Cemetery is the final resting place for over 6,000 Union soldiers. Walking among the rows of white headstones is a sobering reminder of the battle’s cost and the sacrifices made for unity and freedom.

Attend Ranger Programs and Living History Events

Throughout the year, the park hosts ranger-led tours, musket demonstrations, and commemorative events, especially around the battle’s anniversary in late December. These programs provide deeper insights into the strategies, stories, and people who shaped the conflict.

Practical Information

  • Location: 3501 Old Nashville Highway, Murfreesboro, TN

  • Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset; Visitor Center hours vary seasonally.

  • Fees: Admission is free.

  • Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall offer comfortable weather and beautiful foliage, but winter visits around the battle anniversary (December 31–January 2) often include special events.

A Place of Reflection and Connection

Walking through Stones River National Battlefield, it’s easy to feel the weight of history beneath your feet. Yet it’s also a place of renewal — where wildflowers bloom beside historic stone walls, and families picnic in the same fields once scarred by war.

Whether you come to learn, to honor, or simply to enjoy the Tennessee outdoors, Stones River National Battlefield invites you to pause, reflect, and remember the enduring lessons of courage, loss, and reconciliation.


You can see more photos from Stones River National Battlefield by visiting the photo gallery here.

Location: Stones River National Battlefield, 3501 Old Nashville Hwy, Murfreesboro, TN 37129, USA

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