At Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, except Wednesdays in January. The Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center is open Friday to Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm, and on holidays that fall on a Monday. Park grounds are open sunrise to sunset daily. Chatham, Ellwood, and the Jackson Death Site are closed during winter months until April or May.
There is no entrance fee to visit Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park. Admission is free for all visitors.
From Washington D.C., take I-95 South to Exit 130A, then drive east on VA Route 3 towards Fredericksburg, immersing yourself in historic battlefields and poignant Civil War landscapes.
Large parking lots at visitor centers and smaller lots near historic sites and trailheads. No fees or overnight parking. Suitable for cars, smaller RVs, and motorcycles.
Accessibility & permits
Emergency
- Cell service availability:Partial
Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, a poignant and historic landscape in Virginia, stands as a testament to the American Civil War’s most pivotal and bloody battles. Spanning 8,405 acres across Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County, this national military park is a mosaic of battle-scarred fields, eerie earthworks, and somber cemeteries.
The park encapsulates four major battlefields: Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, The Wilderness, and Spotsylvania. Each site is a window into the war’s tragic cost, with Fredericksburg’s Marye’s Heights, where Union soldiers fell in droves, and the Mule Shoe salient at Spotsylvania, where hand-to-hand combat raged for 22 hours. The Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center, located at the foot of Marye’s Heights, serves as a compelling starting point, offering a nuanced introduction to the battles through its exhibits and video presentations.
As seasons change, the park’s landscape transforms; spring brings blooming wildflowers across the battlefields, while autumn paints the woods with vibrant hues. The Stonewall Jackson Death Shrine, a small but significant stop, adds a layer of historical depth. Visitors can embark on driving tours along quiet country roads, passing by cannons and earthworks, or opt for a walking tour around the visitor center to immerse themselves in the area’s history.
Nearby, the charming town of Fredericksburg offers a blend of historic charm and modern amenities, with its quaint shops, artisan cafes, and restored 18th-century architecture. For those seeking a more immersive experience, ranger-led tours provide detailed insights into the battles and their impact on the region. Though the park is devoid of the typical allure of lakes or lush forests, its haunting beauty and historical significance make it a unique and indispensable destination for those seeking to understand America’s most tumultuous era.
- Area (mi²)
- 13
- Annual visitors
- 756 000
- Established year
- 1927
Top 3 Facts about Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County Battlefields Memorial National Military Park
The Battle of Fredericksburg featured the first opposed river crossing in American military history, where Union troops used pontoon boats to cross the Rappahannock River, overcoming Confederate sharpshooters to establish a bridgehead.
Explore a tapestry of wildlife and natural beauty, where white-tailed deer and raccoons roam alongside gray foxes and black bears. Woodland trails are alive with the songs of warblers, the drumming of woodpeckers, and the calls of wild turkeys. Mature oak and hickory forests give way to successional pine woodlands and wooded wetlands, home to eastern bluebirds, northern mockingbirds, and over 100 bird species. Amphibians like bright red newts and various frogs and toads inhabit the moist forests, while southern flying squirrels and eastern gray squirrels dart through the canopy. This verdant landscape, intertwined with historical significance, offers a rich and immersive experience for nature enthusiasts.
This verdant landscape, spanning 7,600 acres, features rolling countryside with elevations ranging from near sea level to over 350 feet. Ponds, streams, and wetlands shimmer amidst forests and meadows, supporting a diverse array of wildlife. The fall line divides the terrain, marking a geological transition from the Appalachian Piedmont to the Atlantic Coastal Plain, creating a rich tapestry of eastern North American riparian and woodland habitats. Trails wind through mature oak and hickory forests, successional pine woodlands, and wooded wetlands, offering glimpses of white-tailed deer and bright red newts in the moist forest floors.
Family programs
- Junior Ranger
- Ranger-led Tours
- Self-guided Tours
- Living History & Cultural Demons
- Scavenger Hunts
- Arts & Crafts
Travel Tips
Plan Ahead
Plan for 2-3 days to explore the battlefields, especially during the Fredericksburg Christmas Parade season. Start at the visitor center, navigate paved and rocky trails, and rest often. Pack meals, as on-site options are limited. Download battle apps for guided tours.
Pack Appropriately
Pack layers for changing weather, sturdy hiking boots, and a daypack with water, snacks, and a map. For camping, bring a tent, sleeping bag, and lantern. Check the season for specific gear needs.
Respect Wildlife
Keep a safe distance from wildlife, at least 25 yards, to avoid stressing animals. Never feed them, as it alters their behavior. Stay on trails and properly dispose of trash to preserve the natural habitat. Respect the environment as you would your own backyard.
Stay Informed
Stay on marked trails, avoid ledges and water hazards, and check weather conditions. Follow park rules and signs. For emergencies, call park authorities at 911 or the park’s emergency number. Stay hydrated and informed.
Seasons
Explore historic battlefields in spring, from April to June, with mild temperatures (60s-70s°F) and blooming landscapes. Attend National Park Day on April 26 and the Fredericksburg National Cemetery Luminaria on May 24. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs.
Experience summer’s warm temperatures (80s-90s°F) and humid days amidst historic battlefields. Join the History at Sunset Series in July, exploring soldiers’ stories and wartime realities. Guided tours and living history presentations bring the past alive amidst lush summer landscapes.
Visit in fall for mild temperatures (50s-70s°F) and vibrant foliage. Attend the Fredericksburg National Cemetery Luminaria in May, though it’s a spring event, the park’s autumn calendar includes Civil War historical programs and serene walks through deciduous forests. Ideal for history and nature enthusiasts.
Visit from November to March, when crisp temperatures (30s-50s°F) and serene landscapes offer a peaceful, immersive experience. Though some facilities are closed, the grounds remain open, inviting a contemplative exploration of historic battlefields under winter’s tranquil veil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County Battlefields Memorial National Military Park has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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The closest city to the battlefields is Fredericksburg, Virginia. This city is located in both Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania counties and is near the sites of the Battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, The Wilderness, and Spotsylvania.
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Dogs are allowed in most areas of the park, but they must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. They are not permitted in the Fredericksburg National Cemetery or inside buildings. Owners must pick up after their dogs and ensure they wear a collar with current tags.
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Parking is generally easy around the battlefields, with ample street parking available. For larger vehicles like motorhomes, campers, or trailers, there are sufficient spaces near the visitor centers at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville battlefields. However, it’s a good idea to check for any specific parking restrictions or construction updates before your visit.
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The Battle of Fredericksburg, fought from December 11 to 15, 1862, was a significant Civil War battle where Union forces under Major General Ambrose Burnside were decisively defeated by the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia led by General Robert E. Lee. Another major battle in the area was the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, which took place from May 8 to 21, 1864, involving Union forces under General Ulysses S. Grant and Confederate forces under General Robert E. Lee.