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Shiloh National Military Park adventures

Shiloh National Military Park Adventures

Shiloh National Military Park preserves one of the Civil War’s most significant battlefields, offering visitors outdoor exploration combined with rich historical interpretation.

3,546
Acres Protected
12
Miles of Trails
215,000
Annual Visitors
1894
Year Established

About Shiloh National Military Park

 

Shiloh National Military Park is located in southwestern Tennessee and northern Mississippi, protecting over 3,500 acres of land where the pivotal Battle of Shiloh took place in April 1862. The park features rolling forested terrain, open fields, and river bottomlands along the Tennessee River, offering a distinctive landscape shaped by both natural processes and wartime activity. Ecologically, the park supports a mixed hardwood forest ecosystem including oak, hickory, and tulip poplar, providing habitat for deer, turkey, and numerous bird species. Shiloh’s historical significance stems from the fierce combat between Union and Confederate forces, which resulted in one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War with nearly 24,000 casualties. Today, visitors can explore well-preserved earthworks, monuments, and markers that tell the story of the battle, including the Hornet’s Nest and Shiloh Church areas. The park’s 12 miles of walking and driving trails enable guests to traverse battlefields while experiencing natural beauty and reflective quiet. Recreational opportunities include hiking, guided ranger programs, photography, and scenic driving. The visitor center offers interpretive exhibits, films, and a bookshop to enhance the experience. Shiloh National Military Park is appealing both to history enthusiasts and outdoor lovers who seek an immersive visit in a peaceful forest setting rich with stories from America’s past.

Highlights

Highlight

Hornet’s Nest Battlefield – a key combat zone with preserved earthworks

Highlight

Shiloh Church – historic site with informational markers and monuments

Highlight

Battlefield Driving Tour – self-guided routes with interpretive stops

Highlight

Sunken Road – a dramatic feature of the intense fighting during the battle

Notable Natural Features

Hornet’s Nest

A fierce defensive position during the battle, featuring preserved trenches and interpretive signage.

Shiloh National Cemetery

Final resting place for thousands of soldiers who fought in the battle, marked by solemn monuments.

Tennessee River Overlook

Offers panoramic views of the river valley that played a strategic role in the conflict.