Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park

Ultimate guide to Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park, including its history, how to get there, what to do in the park, and more. 

Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park

Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park manages four major Civil War battlefields and five historic structures including the "Stonewall" Jackson Death Site spread across multiple counties. The park is located approximately 50 miles south of Washington DC.

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About Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park

Also known as “America’s Battlefield,” Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Park encompasses some of the most important battlegrounds of the Civil War.

At over 8,000 acres, this is the second-largest military park in the world. Today, visitors can go back in time and walk the same paths as Union and Confederate troops as they learn all about the bloody battles that took place in the area.

From countryside battlegrounds and looted towns to historic estates and somber cemeteries, there’s no better place to learn more about America’s civil war than Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park. 

The park includes four battlefields (Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, the Wilderness, and Spotsylvania Court House) and historical structures (Chatham Manor, Ellwood Manor, the "Stonewall" Jackson Death Site, and Salem Church). 

The park also has two visitor centers (Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville).

Is Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park worth visiting?

As the second-largest military park in the entire world, the Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park is absolutely worth visiting.

Whether you’re a Civil War buff or simply someone interested in learning more about this historical event, there’s no better place than this Virginian park.

In addition to countless historic sites and monuments, the park also features hiking trails and ranger programs to entertain all types of visitors. 

History of Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park

The Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park preserves the sites of four major Civil War battles.

The park is also home to four historic buildings, two of which functioned as Union headquarters. The Park also houses a cemetery, where over 15 000 known and unknown soldiers are buried.

The state of Virginia was a center for conflict during the Civil War. Partly because the Confederate capital was in Virginia, in Richmond. But also because it was only 90 miles from the Union capital of Washington. Because of this, Virginia is often called America's Battleground.

Thousands of people were displaced by the fighting, with many losing their homes and livelihoods. This was Because of the scorched earth policy adopted by the Union when dealing with the region.

Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park commemorates battles fought to defend Richmond or advance Confederate forces north.

The Battle of Fredericksburg: 11 - 15 December 1862

During the Civil War, the Battle of Fredericksburg was one of the bloodiest encounters. It began on December 11th, 1862, and ended on the 15th of December 1862.

Not only was Fredricksburg one of the deadliest battles, but it was also the first time a battle had raged in an urban setting. This was terrifying for the town's citizens caught in the cross-hairs.

The Battle of Fredericksburg was between the Union Army of the Potomac, newly commanded by Ambrose E. Burnside. And the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, commanded by Robert E. Lee.

Gen. Burnside wanted to take the Confederate capital and devised a plan to reach Richmond before Lee and his army.

Burnside planned to cross the Rappahannock swiftly, but unfortunately, this was not the case. The delay in the Union crossing allowed Lee to gather his forces in and around Fredericksburg.

With Gen. ‘Stonewall,’ Jackson and his division dug into defensive earthworks from Prospect Hill to Hamiltons Crossing and Gen. Longstreet's men above the town on Marye's Heights.

Fredericksburg was the site of fierce fighting for four days that ended with an undisputed Confederate victory. President Lincoln removed Burnside as the head of the Army of the Potomac after his defeat at Fredericksburg.

The Battle of Chancellorsville: 30 April - 06 May 1863

The Battle of Chancellorsville was part of yet another attempt by the Union to secure the Confederate capital. Despite being outnumbered by the Union and the loss of 'Stonewall' Jackson, this battle is often regarded as Lee’s 'perfect battle’ and was a Confederate victory.

Hooker, who replaced Burnside as the head of the Army of the Potomac, crossed the Rappahannock River on April 27th and set up his headquarters at the Chancellor's family home.

He planned to encircle Lee's forces while the rest of his division cut off Lee's supply lines. Hooker would attack Lee's position from the front and rear. His stealthy plan proved ineffective.

Outnumbered, Lee made the bold decision to split his forces in two. On the 2nd of May, ‘Stonewall’ Jackson's men marched towards the Orange Turnpike to flank Hooker's men who had been driven back to the Chancellorsville House.

This move left Lee with 15 000 men at the Chancellorsville Crossroads to engage the Union there.

The Battle of Chancellorsville was vicious. Chancellorsville Crossroads, the Wilderness, Hazel Grove, Salem Church, and Marye's Heights were the settings for the action.

The battle lasted until May 6th, when Hooker retreated. Hooker has been described as being too timid in his tactics at Chancellorsville and could have continued the fight.

The Battle of the Wilderness: 05 - 07 May 1864

The Battle of the Wilderness was the first battle in Ulysses S. Grant's Overland Campaign. The aim of which was to take the Confederate capital. The battle was between the Army of the Potomac under Grant and the Army of Northern Virginia under Lee.

The Union crossed the Rapidian River Fords and entered the Wilderness. Grant wanted to move quickly through the woods. But Lee sent his forces along the Orange Turnpike to stop the Union forces from further advancing.

The Confederates, under Gen. Ewell, set up defenses around the Wilderness in Saunders Field, essentially trapping the Union army in the woods. Any time the Union forces tried to break out of the thicket, they were forced back.

After two days of making little headway, Grant realized that fighting in the Wilderness would not accomplish much. He retreated and moved his army to a better position to engage with Lee. The Battle of the Wilderness was inconclusive and achieved little.

The Battle of Spotsylvania: 08 May - 21 May 1864

Grant pulled his forces from the battlefield at the Wilderness and moved the Army of the Potomac into a better position to face Confederate Gen. Lee. On the 7th of May 1864, the Army of the Potomac started to move towards Spotsylvania Court House. The Confederates arrived first.

The Confederates set up defensive trenches and positioned themselves on Laurel Hill. Their defensive line stretched for four miles and included a bulge or salient (a position that protrudes into enemy territory) called the ‘Mule Shoe’.

The Union had limited success in breaking through the defenses here but were ultimately pushed back.

The Union did not break the Confederate defenses at Spotsylvania. The weather was also absolutely terrible during this battle, with torrential rain making conditions that much harsher for both sides. With casualties rising, and no progress, Grant pulled his forces back and decided to move on.

The Battle of Spotsylvania was a series of unsuccessful attempts by General Grant to break through the Confederate defenses.

Although the battle was inconclusive, both sides claimed victory. Grant managed to inflict losses on Lee’s army and furthered his goals for the Overland Campaign.

Things to know before your visit to Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park

Entrance fee 

$0.00, there is no entrance fee to visit the park

Planning a National Park vacation? America the Beautiful/National Park Pass covers entrance fees for an entire year to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites.

The park pass covers everyone in the car for per vehicle sites and for up to 4 adults for per-person sites.

Buy on REI.com and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.

Free Entrance Days  -Find the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually. 

Time Zone 

Eastern Time Zone

Pets 

Pets are allowed within the park except for the Fredericksburg National Cemetery, Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center, the Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center, or in any of the park's historic structures.

Pets must be on a leash at all times. 

Cell Service

Cell service is available at the visitor center but may be hard to get while on the trails. 

It is suggested to download all trail maps, guided tour programs, and other park information prior to your visit.

Park Hours

The park is open from sunrise to sunset.

Visitor services hours including the visitor center vary depending on the time of year. 

Wi-Fi

There is no Free wifi within the park. 

Insect Repellent

Insect repellent is always a great idea when outdoors, especially if you are around any body of water. 

We use Permethrin Spray on our clothes before our park trips. 

Water Bottle 

Make sure to bring your own water bottle and plenty of water with you. Plastic water bottles are not sold in the park.

Parking

There are large parking lots located at both visitor centers, in addition to numerous smaller lots near historic sites, trailheads, and other attractions.

Food/Restaurants

There are no restaurants within the park. 

Gas

There are no gas stations within the park. 

Drones

Drones are not permitted within National Park Service Sites. 

National Park Passport Stamps

Make sure to bring your National Park Passport Book with you or we like to pack these circle stickers so we don't have to bring our entire book with us.

Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP is part of the 2002 Passport Stamp Set

Electric Vehicle Charging

Details about Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania NMP

Size - 8,374 acres

Check out how the park compares to other National Parks by Size. 

Date Established 

February 14, 1927

Visitation 

In 2021, Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania NMP had 736,416 park visitors. 

In 2020, Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania NMP had 838,835 park visitors. 

In 2019, Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania NMP had 906,800 park visitors. 

Learn more about the most visited and least visited National Parks in the US

National Park Address

This is the address for the park headquarters and Chatham Manor. 

120 Chatham Ln
Fredericksburg, VA 22405

National Park Map

Where is Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania NMP?

The park is spread throughout Spotsylvania County and Fredericksburg, Virginia 

Estimated distance from major cities nearby

Washington DC - 55 miles

Baltimore, MD - 101 miles

Norfolk, VA - 144 miles

Chesapeake, VA - 156 miles

Virginia Beach, VA - 158 miles

Philadelphia, VA - 203 miles

Durham, NC - 208 miles

Raleigh, NC - 212 miles

Greensboro, NC - 259 miles

Pittsburg, PA - 291 miles

Estimated Distance from nearby National Park

Shenandoah National Park - 62 miles

New River Gorge National Park - 248 miles

Cuyahoga Valley National Park - 396 miles

Mammoth Cave National Park - 619 miles

Indiana Dunes National Park - 702 miles

Where is the National Park Visitor Center?

Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center

1013 Lafayette Boulevard, Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center

9001 Plank Road, Spotsylvania, VA 22553

The Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center contains exhibits about the battles at Chancellorsville, Wilderness, and Spotsylvania Court House and a 22-minute film that plays every 30-minutes. 

Getting to Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania NMP

Closest Airports 

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

Richmond International Airport (RIC)

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

Driving Directions

Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center

1013 Lafayette Boulevard, Fredericksburg, VA 22401

• • Take Exit 130A from I-95, and drive east on VA Route 3 for approximately 2 miles. Turn left at the traffic light at the intersection with Lafayette Boulevard.
  • The visitor center is about ½ mile ahead on the left.

Chatham Manor

120 Chatham Lane, Fredericksburg, VA 22405

• • Take Exit 130A from I-95, and drive east on VA Route 3 for approximately 1 mile. Turn left at the traffic light at William Street, which has two left-turn lanes.
  • Turn from the left turn lane, and proceed through downtown Fredericksburg and across the Rappahannock River.
  • Turn left in the leftmost turn lane at the first stop light across the river.
  • Take the first left on Chatham Lane, and continue until you reach Chatham Manor.

• Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center: 9001 Plank Road, Spotsylvania, VA 22553
  • Take Exit 130B from I-95, and head west on VA Route 3.
  • Proceed approximately 7 miles, and the Visitor Center is on the right (north) side of the road.
• Old Salem Church: 4054 Plank Road, Fredericksburg, VA 22407
  • Old Salem Church is surrounded by shopping centers and heavy traffic, so use caution when navigating.
  • To reach Old Salem Church from Fredericksburg or I-95, take Exit 130B from I-95 and head west on VA Route 3.
  • Proceed 1 mile west to the intersection with Salem Church Road. Turn left and take the next left at the traffic light at General Semmes.
  • Turn left and continue for another block to a "T" intersection. Turn left into the parking lot.
• Wilderness Battlefield Exhibit Shelter: 35347 Constitution Highway, Locust Grove, VA 22508
  • From I-95, take Exit 130B and head west on VA Route 3 for approximately 14 miles, then turn left at the traffic light onto Constitution Highway (VA Route 20).
  • Continue along Constitution Highway for about 1.5 miles, then turn into the Exhibit Shelter parking lot on the right.
• Ellwood Manor: 36380 Constitution Highway, Orange, VA 22960
  • From I-95, take Exit 130B and head west on VA Route 3 for approximately 14 miles, then turn left at the traffic light onto Constitution Highway (VA Route 20).
  • Take the second left from Constitution Highway onto the gravel driveway, about 0.5 miles down the road.
• Spotsylvania Battlefield Exhibit Shelter
  • 9550 Grant Drive West, Spotsylvania, VA 22553 (Is this address not working for you? Try the following GPS coordinates: 38.219245, -77.614099)
  • From Fredericksburg, take Business Route 1 to Courthouse Road (VA Route 208). Follow Courthouse Road for 7 miles to Brock Road (VA Route 613). Turn right on Brock Road; continue for 1.3 miles, then turn right onto Grant Drive. The Exhibit Shelter will be on your left.
  • From Wilderness Battlefield, turn right onto Brock Road (VA Route 613) and head south for 7 miles. Turn left onto Grant Drive, and the Exhibit Shelter will be on your left.

Stonewall Jackson Death Site

• 12019 Stonewall Jackson Road, Woodford, VA 22580
  • Take Rte. 2 south from Fredericksburg for approximately ten miles, then turn right onto Va. Rte. 606, Stonewall Jackson Road for about 3 miles. The "Stonewall" Jackson Death Site will be on the right.
  • Or, take Rte. 1 south from Fredericksburg for approximately six miles, then turn left onto Guinea Station Road for about six miles. Take a left onto Stonewall Jackson Road, and the "Stonewall" Jackson Death Site will be on the left.

Best time to visit Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania NMP

The park is open year-round, and there’s truly no bad time to visit. Summer is the best time to visit if you want to experience all the programs and services, though this is also when the park sees the thickest crowds. 

Weather and Seasons

Spring

As the area begins to thaw, regularly scheduled programs and services return to the park, as do the visitors.

Mid-April is when offerings really start to gear up, though spring visitors shouldn’t expect the full gamut of offerings until after Memorial Day.

If you want to avoid crowds while still enjoying some of Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania’s main attractions, this is a great time to visit.

Summer

Summer is the busiest time of year at Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania NMP.

There are tons of ranger programs and special events happening during this time, especially between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Summers at the park are hot and humid, with highs in the upper 80s.

If you plan on hiking, be prepared with plenty of sun protection and water, as there is little shade on most of the trails. 

Autumn/Fall

As the leaves begin to change, so does the park. After labor day, certain offerings and programs are scaled-down, and after Columbus Day (mid-October), operations are further decreased.

Fall is still a busy time at the park, but visitation decreases significantly as the season progresses. 

Winter

Winter is the least busy time of year at Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania NMP.

Some of the park buildings close for the cold season, though the grounds remain open from sunrise to sunset throughout the year.

Winter weather varies from year to year, but it’s not uncommon for the park to experience snowfall. If you plan on visiting during this time, be sure to dress accordingly. 

Best Things to do in Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania NMP

Junior Ranger Program 

Participating in the Junior Ranger Program is a great way to learn all about the park in a fun, hands-on way.

It’s not just the youngsters that can enjoy this program, either. Visitors of all ages can partake, and once you complete the program, you’ll get a badge to commemorate your time at the park. 

Ranger Programs

In addition to the Junior Ranger Program, the park offers a series of programs throughout the summer season.

These programs range from battlefield overview talks and guides to special events like history hikes and re-enactments.

To see what events are taking place during your time at the park, check out the Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania NMP website. 

Fredericksburg Battlefield

Surrounding the city of Fredericksburg, the Fredericksburg Battlefield saw one of the bloodiest battles in Civil War history.

Today, this area is full of historic homes, churches, and other landmarks. You can learn all about the area’s incredible history at the visitor center and interpretive trails, or by visiting the many points of interest located in this area. 

Chancellorsville Battlefield

The Chancellorsville Battlefield was another site of one of the most critical battles in the Civil War.

This area spans across both sides of modern-day Route 3 and is made up of woods, fields, and roads.

The battlefield features hiking trails with interpretive signs, ruins of ironworks, artillery pits and earthworks, and many other historic sites. 

Wilderness Battlefield

As the name suggests, the Wilderness Battlefield is indeed surrounded by wilderness.

This area was the site of yet another bloody Civil War battle, in which US forces held two intersections against the Confederates.

Today, visitors can wander through the area and follow in the footsteps of soldiers as they learn all about the Battle of the Wilderness. 

Spotsylvania Battlefield

The Spotsylvania Battlefield saw an exhausting series of attacks and counterattacks between the two armies that lasted nearly two weeks.

This area is full of historic sites, including earthworks, fighting fields, hiking trails, and more. 

"Stonewall" Jackson Death Site

The "Stonewall" Jackson Death Site, where the Confederate general spent the last days of his life, is located south of Fredericksburg in the small community of Guinea Station.

Chatham Manor

The Chatham Manor sits proudly on the heights of the Rappahannock River banks overlooking the town of Fredericksburg.

The opulent estate was built by enslaved people in 1771, and when left deserted during the Civil War, it was occupied by the US Army and transformed into the army’s headquarters and a field hospital.

After the war, the home was restored and styled in the 1920s-style architecture. Today, Chatham Manor is a protected historic site and open to the public to visit. 

Ellwood Manor

Built for function rather than show, the Ellwood Manor is a historic slave plantation dating back to 1790.

Perched on a knoll overlooking Wilderness Run, the Ellwood Manor was at the center of the 1864 Wilderness Battle.

The manor served as both a Confederate field hospital and later an outpost for Union troops.

Today, Ellwood Manor is open to the public seasonally, with volunteers available to give tours and answer questions. 

Salem Church

During the battle of Chancellorsville, the Salem Church served as a refuge for civilians.

During the Battle of Fredericksburg, the church was used as a field hospital for both Confederate and Union troops.

Although much of the area surrounding the church has been developed for modern-day use, the historic church remains. Visitors can tour the Salem Church on summer weekends, and the grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset. 

Hiking in Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania NMP

Always carry the 10 essentials for outdoor survival when exploring.

There are hiking trails located around each of the park’s battlefields. Trails range in length and difficulty, and hikers of all skill levels will find something to suit their preferences.

From short jaunts to lengthy, multi-mile treks, check out some of the best hiking trails in Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania NMP below. 

Spotsylvania Court House Battlefield Tails Loop

Distance - 4.9 miles

Trail Difficulty - Easy

Time Required - 2 hours

Trailhead - Spotsylvania Battlefield

This loop is one of the most popular trails in the park. The route loops through the Spotsylvania Court House Battlefield and features interpretive panels about the battle.

You pass through woods and open fields, and part of the trail runs along the road. In the summer, this route can get hot due to the lack of shade, so bring plenty of sun protection and water! 

Chancellorsville Battlefield History Trail

Distance - 4.4 miles

Trail Difficulty - Easy

Time Required - 1.5 hours

Trailhead - Chancellorsville Battlefield

The Chancellorsville Battlefield History Trail is situated in a wooded area that was once a civil war battlefield and the final Union defensive line in the Chancellorsville Battle.

As you walk, you can read the numerous informational signs that depict the history of this bloody battlefield. 

Sunken Road and Marye’s Heights Loop

Distance - .9 miles

Trail Difficulty - Easy

Time Required - 30 minutes

Trailhead - Fredericksburg Battlefield

This solemn trail runs through the historic Willis Hills Cemetery, Fredericksburg National Cemetery, and the Confederate artillery position on Marye’s Heights.

There are historical markers and information all along the trail, so take your time as you stroll through this quiet area. 

Gordon Flank Attack Trail

Distance - 2 miles

Trail Difficulty - Easy

Time Required - 1 hour

Trailhead - Wilderness Battlefield

This slightly hilly trek winds through the Wilderness Battlefield and the outer edge of Lake of the Woods.

Like most of the trails in the park, there is historical information along the trail depicting the battle that took place in this area. 

How to beat the crowds in Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania NMP?

The best way to beat the crowds in Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania NMP is to avoid the summer months.

The park sees the highest visitation between Memorial Day and Labor Day, so avoid these peak months if you want to miss out on the crowds.

Winter sees the lowest numbers of visitors, but park services are also reduced during this time.

Early fall and late spring are great times to visit if you want to experience park services without dealing with all the crowds. 

Where to stay when visiting Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania NMP

There are no National Park Lodges within the park. 

Comfort Suites Fredericksburg South - You can look forward to free full breakfast, a grocery/convenience store, and dry cleaning/laundry services at Comfort Suites Fredericksburg South. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi, and guests can find other amenities such as a gym and a 24-hour business center.

Best Western Fredericksburg - Consider a stay at Best Western Fredericksburg and take advantage of a garden, laundry facilities, and a 24-hour business center. Guests can connect to free Wi-Fi in public areas.

Silver Collection Hotel - Free continental breakfast, a terrace, and a library are just a few of the amenities provided at Silver Collection Hotel. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi, and guests can find other amenities such as laundry facilities and a 24-hour gym.

Hyatt Place Fredericksburg at Mary Washington - Consider a stay at Hyatt Place Fredericksburg at Mary Washington and take advantage of a free breakfast buffet, a terrace, and shopping on site. Be sure to enjoy a meal at Gallery Menu, the onsite café. Free Wi-Fi in public areas is available to all guests, along with a coffee shop/café and dry cleaning/laundry services.

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Woodbridge - Consider a stay at Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Woodbridge, an IHG Hotel and take advantage of a free breakfast buffet, laundry facilities, and a fireplace in the lobby. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi, and guests can find other amenities such as a gym and a 24-hour business center.

Click on the map below to see hotels and vacation rentals near the park.

 

Camping

There are no National Park campground within the park.

For a fun adventure check out Escape Campervans. These campervans have built in beds, kitchen area with refrigerators, and more. You can have them fully set up with kitchen supplies, bedding, and other fun extras. They are painted with epic designs you can't miss! 

Escape Campervans has offices in Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Denver, Chicago, New York, and Orlando

Nearby campgrounds include:

Rappahannock River Campground - Richardsville, VA

This campground offers tent sites, a waterfront, boating, and more.

Yogi Bears JellyStone Camp - Luray, VA

This campground offers lodging, RV and tent sites, a waterpark, pool, hiking, and more.

Spacious Skies Shenandoah Valley Campground - Luray, VA

This campground offers lodging, RV and Tent Sites, a pool, dog park, playground, and more.

Check out additional campgrounds in the area on CampSpot. 

Parks near Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania NMP

George Washington Birthplace National Monument

Thomas Stone National Historic Site

Prince William Forest Park

Richmond National Battlefield Park

Petersburg National Battlefield

Colonial National Historical Park

Check out all of the National Parks in Virginia along with National Parks in Kentucky, National Parks in Maryland, National Parks in North Carolina, Tennessee National Parks, and West Virginia National Parks