Prairie Grove, AR - Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park will host interpretive programs each week in October.

Sundays, October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Curator Corner, Hindman Hall

Historic artifacts help illustrate the many stories of Prairie Grove Battlefield. Our curator will showcase items from the park’s collection so you can discover the history they reveal.

Sundays, October 1, 8, 15, 22
2 p.m. – 3 p.m., Historic House Tour, Hindman Hall

On this guided tour through the park’s historic buildings, visitors can explore how people lived in the 1800s. Tickets are $6 per adult and $4 for ages 6-12. Children 5 and under are admitted for free.

Fridays, October 6, 13, 20, 27
1 p.m. – 2 p.m., Nature Journaling, Hindman Hall

Soldiers’ written observations and drawings provide historians with first-hand descriptions of what the landscape, people and community looked like in 1862. Today, we’ll use our senses to describe and record observations in the park. No skill or experience is necessary.  

Friday, October 6
3 p.m. – 4 p.m., Friday Funday Crafts, Hindman Hall

Do you have a favorite toy? Have you ever made a toy? Children of the 1800s would make their toys out of everyday objects. Come make your own spinning top today. Materials and instructions are provided.

Saturdays, October 7, 14, 21, 28
3 p.m. – 4 p.m., Battlefield Tour, Hindman Hall

Lives were forever changed here on Dec. 7, 1862. Join us for a 1-mile walk along the ridgeline where the heaviest fighting occurred during the Civil War Battle of Prairie Grove.

Saturday, October 7
2 p.m. – 3 p.m., Fall Color Stroll, Hindman Hall

Join us for a stroll as we admire and identify the trees that have made Prairie Grove a beautiful fall destination for centuries.

6 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Meet the Morton’s, Borden House
The community of Prairie Grove was altered after Dec. 7, 1862. Join us as we learn about one of these families and how the Battle of Prairie Grove changed their lives.

7 p.m. – 8 p.m., Borden House: After Dark, Borden House
The community of Prairie Grove was altered after Dec. 7, 1862. Join us as we learn about one of these families and their home that was in the middle of the battlefield. It will be dark; bring a flashlight.

Sunday, October 8
3:30 p.m. – 4 p.m., Corn Husk Creatures, Hindman Hall

Manufactured toys and goods were scarce on the Ozark frontier, so kids had fun with the resources available to them in their natural environment. Join us for this fun, historic activity that was passed from Native Americans to pioneers to us.

Wednesday, October 11
10 a.m. – noon, Spinning and Lace Making Demonstration, Latta Barn

In this special showcase, local spinners will share how they craft fibers into yarn and lacemakers will exhibit the creation of handmade laces. They welcome all interested visitors to join them for an informal presentation and chat about the history and art of spinning and lace making.

Fridays, October 13, 20, 27
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., 1800s Homestead Tour, Latta House

Learn how to live in a historic homestead in the 1800s.

6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Spirit Walk, Borden House
Ozark folklore says that we can use our senses to experience the phenomenon that brought many legends to life, hundreds of years ago. Join us as embark on a twilight “Spirit Walk,” relying on our senses as we explore the stories that Prairie Grove Battlefield still holds today. Space is limited. Call 479-846-2990 to register.

8 p.m. – 9 p.m., Spirit Walk, Borden House
Ozark folklore says that we can use our senses to experience the phenomenon that brought many legends to life, hundreds of years ago. Join us as embark on a twilight “Spirit Walk,” relying on our senses as we explore the stories that Prairie Grove Battlefield still holds today. Space is limited. Call 479-846-2990 to register.

Friday, October 13
4 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Name that Contraption, Latta Kitchen

Ozark settlers used a wide variety of gadgets to help them accomplish their everyday tasks. Visitors will be put to the test as they try to identify some 19th-century “contraptions” and how they were used.

Saturday, October 14
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Partial Solar Eclipse, Hindman Hall

As you are exploring the park today, take some time to witness a partial solar eclipse. The maximum of the eclipse will be at 11:53 a.m. Learn how this annual event happens and prepare for the Total Solar Eclipse that will occur on April 8, 2024.

5:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., Sounds of the Times: Music of the 1860s, Borden House
Music helped lift spirits in times of war. Join Park Interpreter Mattison as we listen to songs that were heard in camps and back home. Chairs will be provided, but you are welcome to bring lawn chairs.

6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Soldier Stories, Borden House
To learn about the Battle of Prairie Grove, we rely on records from the soldiers who fought on these hallowed grounds. Join us this evening around a campfire as we hear some of these soldiers' stories. Chairs will be provided, but you are welcome to bring lawn chairs.

8 p.m. – 9 p.m., Star Stories, Borden House
Throughout history, humans have used the stars to guide them and for other purposes. Join us this evening around a campfire as we look at the night sky and learn about some of the constellations. It will be dark; you will need to bring a flashlight. Chairs will be provided, but you are welcome to bring lawn chairs.

Sunday, October 15
4:30 p.m. – 5 p.m., Civil War Battle Flags, Battle Monument

Flags are powerful symbols of heritage and history. Learn about flag meanings and symbols as we look at the flags that flew over the Battle of Prairie Grove on Dec. 7, 1862. Bring lawn chairs.

Saturday, October 21
2 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., Infantry Drill, Dogtrot House

Many men and boys answered the call to arms in the 1860s. Follow in their footsteps and learn infantry maneuvers using wooden rifles.

4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Artillery Demonstration, Dogtrot House
Cannons played a crucial role in the Battle of Prairie Grove. Come experience the sights, sounds, and smells of an artillery line. Firings will take place on the hour beginning at 4:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Tales of the Campfire, Dogtrot House
Life on the move looked different for soldiers in the Civil War. Join us around the campfire to hear some of these soldiers’ stories.

Sunday, October 22
3:30 p.m. – 4 p.m., Detectives of the Past, Hindman Hall

Join a park interpreter to discover how historians use primary sources to understand the past.

Friday, October 27
4 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Civil War Letters, Borden Picnic Area

Soldiers and their loved ones often wrote heartfelt letters describing the hardships of battle and the yearning for home so many felt during the Civil War. Historians study these hand-written accounts to gain a greater understanding of those challenging times.

Saturday, October 28
2 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., Artillery 101, Hindman Hall

Cannons played a crucial role in the Battle of Prairie Grove. Join a Park Interpreter to learn how to fire a Civil War Cannon. Volunteers will demonstrate the job of each gun position.

6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Halloween Park After Dark, Hindman Hall
Kick off your Halloween weekend by experiencing the sights and sounds of Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park after dark on this short self-guided walk. Visitors will follow lanterns and clues to living historians as they collect supplies for an evening surprise. Supplies are limited. Admission is $2 per person or a nonperishable food item donation.

Sunday, October 29
2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., Afternoon Tea, Latta Barn

Don your best hats and dresses – it’s time for tea. Join us for a tea party with traditional refreshments, games and crafts, as you practice 19th-century etiquette. This event is perfect for friends and families of all ages. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration by Oct. 22 is required as space is limited. To register, contact the park at 479-846-2990. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children.

Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park

Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park is one of America’s most intact Civil War battlefields. The park protects and manages the battlefield to interpret an inclusive understanding of the Prairie Grove campaign and the effects of the Civil War on the people of Northwest Arkansas. Interpretive programs about the Civil War and life in the 1860s are offered year-round.

Arkansas State Parks

Arkansas State Parks is a division of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. Arkansas state parks and museums cover 55,006 acres of forest, wetlands, fish and wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation facilities, and unique historic and cultural resources. Established in 1923, Arkansas State Parks preserve special places for future generations, provide quality recreation and education opportunities, enhance the state’s economy through tourism and provide leadership in resource conservation. Connect with ASP on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and visit ArkansasStateParks.com and ArkansasStateParks.com/media to learn more.

Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism

The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism protects and promotes our state’s natural, cultural and historic assets, contributing to a thriving economy and high quality of life. It is made up of three divisions: Arkansas State Parks, Arkansas Heritage and Arkansas Tourism.