National Battlefield

Wilson's Creek Dog Policy

Wilson's Creek National Battlefield is Dog Friendly

Trails

Dogs Allowed

with 6' Leash ^[]

Roads

Dogs Allowed

with 6' Leash ^[]

Wilson's Creek was the site of the first major battle west of the Mississippi River in the American Civil War, and was a victory, though costly, for the Confederacy.

Wilson's Creek National Battlefield is dog friendly. Dogs are allowed along the tour road and on the rail system while on a leash. However, dogs are not allowed inside buildings, including The Ray House.

Wilson's Creek National Battlefield also runs the BARK Ranger Program, where you can earn a special dog tag by learning and following responsible practices (see the BARK Ranger section below).

Website: https://www.nps.gov/wicr/index.htm
BARK Ranger: Yes ^[]
Annual Visitors: 287,260

Trail Policy

Dogs are allowed along trails while on a leash. There are miles of trails here, and the National Park Service has a great map of the area.

Road Policy

Dogs are allowed along roads while on a leash, including along the 4.9 mile paved tour road.

BARK Ranger

Bark Ranger is a really great program that some National Park Service destinations run. The Bark Ranger program teaches dog owners responsible behaviors with their dogs, and in return you get a special dog tag that’s different for each park (note: some parks require you to purchase the tag at the end). You start the program by going to a park office and picking up a checklist. When you complete the checklist (see the link below for more details), you can get your special dog tag.

B.A.R.K. is an acronym for:

B: Bag your poop: Help keep the park clean by bagging and picking up your dog poop, and properly disposing of it. Don’t leave your bagged poop on the side of the trail, hanging from branches, or throw it into the woods. Please note dog poop is not a natural fertilizer — it can carry disease that can spread to wildlife or other dogs.
A: Always wear a leash: Dogs must be restrained on a leash no longer than 6'. Retractable leashes that extend beyond 6' are not allowed. Not everyone appreciates a dog running up to them, and many people are scared or allergic to dogs — a leash prevents uncomfortable situations between your dog and others. Leashes also help protect your dog from running off if anything spooks them.
R: Respect wildlife: Dogs can chase or scare wildlife such as birds and turtles. They can also damage nesting areas. Some parks have wildlife, such as bears, coyotes, or wolves, that can threaten your dog. Please be respectful of wildlife with your dog, and if you do encounter wildlife, keep dog at distance to protect both your dog and the wildlife.
K: Know where to go: Know which trails allow dogs, and which don’t. Don’t leave dogs unattended in vehicles while you go off to hike. See the link below for more details.

For more information on the Bark Ranger program, please see: https://www.nps.gov/wicr/learn/news/wilson-s-creek-national-battlefield-launches-b-a-r-k-ranger-program.htm

We also have a list of all parks that run the BARK Ranger program.