Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park
Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Wilderness, and Spotsylvania--this is America's battleground, where the Civil War roared to its bloody climax. No place more vividly reflects the War's tragic cost in all its forms. A town bombarded and looted. Farms large and small ruined. Refugees by the thousands forced into the countryside. More than 85,000 men wounded; 15,000 killed--most in graves unknown.
With four major battlefields and five historic structures to preserve and share with the public, our park is the second-largest military park in the world. As such, it takes about two full days to visit the entire park. However, if your time is short, you can still experience significant parts of the park.
We recommend that you begin your visit at one of our park's two visitor centers--either the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center or the Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center. You can pick up a park map and other brochures, and the staff can advise you about park programs, walking trails, and touring opportunities. Each visitor center also offers an orientation film and exhibits about the respective battles. Entrance to the park is free, and the only charge is for our orientation films.
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Nearby Places
At the Site
Activities to do
Facilities/Amenities available
Hours
Hours of operation vary by season and building. Park buildings are closed on New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Park grounds are open every day from sunrise to sunset. Check here.
All programs are staff dependent; we recommend calling in advance to verify hours and tour times. For additional information, call the park at 540-693-3200.
(Note: Many places fill to capacity on busy, nice weather days, especially holiday weekends. Please call ahead or visit the official website to get the most up-to-date information before visiting.)
Fees
Entrance to the park and all buildings are free.
The park does charge a fee for the 22 minute movies offered at Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center and Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center.
Activities
Each battlefield features its own driving tour and multiple walking trails.
The park offers guided walking tours in the warmer months--usually on weekends in the spring and fall and daily in the summer.
History
This park has a history in many famous battles and the fields they were held on. These include:
- The Battle of Fredericksburg
- The Fredericksburg Battlefield
- The Battle of Chancellorsville
- The Chancellorsville Battlefield
- The Battle of Wilderness and Spotsylvania
- The Wilderness Battlefield
- The Spotsylvania Battlefield
Weather
