Stones River National Battlefield

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The sun rises behind a green field with a cannon in the foreground.
On January 2, 1863, fifty-seven Union cannons fired from this line ending the Battle of Stones River by killing or wounding more than 1,800 Confederates in less than an hour.
A ray of sunlight shines on the ground at Stones River National Cemetery.
More than 6,100 Union soldiers lie in Stones River National Cemetery.
Two cannons sit in an icy field.
The men of the Chicago Board of Trade Battery got their first taste of combat at the Battle of Stones River and helped stem the Confederate tide from this position during the afternoon of December 31, 1862.
Union soldiers fire muskets.
Living history programs help visitors visualize the trials of soldiers during the Battle of Stones River.
Bicyclists ride down a road bracketed by trees.
Thousands of visitors enjoy biking and hiking through the park.
Photos: National Park Service

About Stones River National Battlefield

The Battle of Stones River began on the last day of 1862 and became one of the bloodiest conflicts of the Civil War. The battle produced important military and political gains for the Union, and it changed forever the people who lived and fought here.

Quick Facts

State Tennessee
Designation National Battlefield
State Code TN
Weather Summer is hot and humid with highs in the 90s. Spring and fall are pleasant. Winter temperatures are variable, but temperatures may drop below freezing with occasional snow.

Location & Map

Stones River National Battlefield is located in Tennessee.

Operating Hours

From March 1st through October 31st,the park tour road is open to vehicles from 8 AM to 5 PM daily. Gates to the parking areas at Stones River National Cemetery, McFadden Farm (Tour Stop 6) and Redoubt Brannan are also open from 8 AM to 5 PM. WINTER HOURS - From November 1st through the end of February, the gates listed above close at 4:30 PM. Visitor Center parking open from 7 AM to 30-45 minutes before sunset daily. Pedestrians and bicyclists may use park roads and trails from sunrise to sunset.

Wednesday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Monday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Thursday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Sunday 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Tuesday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Friday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Saturday 9:00AM - 5:00PM

Activities

Arts and Culture Cultural Demonstrations Theater Biking Road Biking Fishing Food Picnicking Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Self-Guided Tours - Auto Hands-On Arts and Crafts Hiking Living History Historic Weapons Demonstration Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store

Getting There

From Interstate 24 - Take Exit 76 and turn left (eastbound) or right (westbound) onto Medical Center Parkway. Turn left onto Thompson Lane. Turn left at the park entrance at 1563 N. Thompson Lane. Follow the tour road to the visitor center. From Interstate 40 - Take Exit 235 onto TN 840. Take Exit 55 onto US 41/TN 70 and follow the signs for Murfreesboro. Turn right onto Thompson Lane at the first traffic light. Turn right at the park entrance at 1563 N. Thompson Lane.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

Address 1563 North Thompson Lane, Murfreesboro, TN, 37129
Phone 615-893-9501
Email stri_administration@nps.gov

Topics & Themes

African American Heritage Arts Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite National Cemetery Enslavement Forts Military Battlefields Monuments and Memorials Reconstruction Transportation Trains and Railroads Wars and Conflicts Civil War Animals Birds Fish Tortoises and Turtles Fire Geology Grasslands Scenic Views

Things To Do

Stones River NB Junior Ranger Program

Stones River NB Junior Ranger Program

Become a Stones River National Battlefield Junior Ranger!

We invite children of all ages to experience the history and nature on the battlefield by completing the fun filled…

Stones River National Battlefield Orientation Film

Stones River National Battlefield Orientation Film

Stones River NB Orientation Film

The 9-minute movie describes the terrible events of December 31, 1862 through January 2, 1863 and helps visitors understand how…

Visitor Centers

Visitor Center

The park visitor center and restrooms are open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm in Spring and Summer and 9am to 4:00 pm from…

Hours: The park visitor center and restrooms are open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm in Spring and Summer and 9am to 4:00 pm from November 1 through February 29 in fall and winter.

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