Nature Close at Hand: A Walk Through Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield
Nature does not have to be experienced at the end of a four hour drive and a day of hiking. Rather, natural areas exist all around us and we simply have to open our eyes. This is particularly true in the Ozark region. There are many streams and trails within a few miles of cities and a nature oasis can often be found within more populated urban areas.
Nikki and I took a walk along the Gibson’s Mill Trail at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield this morning. The battlefield is located about four miles southwest of Springfield, MO and only about one mile from our house in Republic. There is a small fee, either $5 per person or $10 per carload, which is good for seven days. Nikki and I opted for the $20 season pass due to our close proximity.
Historic parks are an excellent venue to combine exercise, nature viewing, and history. It took less than five minutes to get to the park and during our walk we saw deer standing in the creek and turkey on the trail. The hiking, or casually walking, trails at Wilson’s Creek often meander through the shady wooded areas and along the creek and periodically have information posted at interesting sites along the way.
- Wilson’s Creek provides short trails through the wooded hills and along the creek with information on the history of the battlefield and the people who lived there.