Manassas National Battlefield Park
Manassas National Battlefield Park
Manassas National Battlefield Park
4.5
About
A 5,000-acre park that was the scene of two major Civil War battles.
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See what travelers are saying
- John BDearborn, Michigan96 contributionsHistorically RichWe stopped here driving from Gettysburg to DC. We decided to see the film and take the tour offered by the park. Our guide was phenomenal. I wish I remembered his name because he deserves credit. The tour was about 45 mins but I learned so much during that time. The film and the museum were excellent. This will be a required stop on future visits to DC.Visited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 6, 2024
- Steve around townCleveland, Ohio128 contributionsPrepare to walk. Worth the trip.This park hosts two battlefield in one. First Manassas is a classic civil war battle that can be easily toured with a stroll around the battlefield near the visitors center. Second Manassas, although a driving tour, will require a great deal of walking to experience. This park is huge and its size caught me off guard while touring second Manassas. If you’re willing to jump out of the car at each stop, you’ll have the chance to walk up a lot of hills and ridges, and along fields and trails. Some great views will immerse you in the battle as it looks much the same (unlike so other battlefield that have been built up). Secluded fields will allow you to reflect in what happened. Don’t miss the Brawner farm exhibit center, which again is a walk from the parking lot. This site has a light up map of second Manassas similar to the one about first Manassas at the visitors center. The railroad grade tour stop was a pleasant surprise, and a worthy sight to see. Give yourself time, it took me longer than I expected.Visited June 2024Traveled soloWritten June 23, 2024
- Cheryl HillHodgenville, Kentucky16 contributionsMust stopStaff was extremely knowledgeable! The (free to use) all-terrain wheelchair made the outside trail accessible for mobility issues. (Much easier than a personal wheelchair). Definitely a great place to visitVisited September 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten September 30, 2024
- TOBPleasant Hill, Missouri350 contributionsA great place to visit and learn!I met a young friend (like family) here for a tour and the movie. Very cool place and grounds, despite the freezing winter temp and show. My young friend is a history buff with an eidetic memory. He has spent his teen and adult (32 now) life touring historical sites, monuments, libraries, museums and galleries. Having his added info during the visit gave a wonderful overview of the many things I learned he about the first ever battle of the civil war. The movie is quite enlightening, and paints a pretty accurate picture of the events according to my young friend. Walking the grounds (about a mile) was challenging in cold and snow with a cane, but quite doable. I was pleased to see that the confederate side, which eventually lost the war, was not presented/dismissed as a racist group, as it is in so many areas of modern society. That they have been careful to recognize and honor the fallen from both sides, speaks to the real understanding that owning slaves was just one of many issues that lead to this civil war. It gives a unique perspective and feeling, hard to gain from just reading a book, to walk this land and see what it was like to fight on this topography with the cannons, firearms, and weapons of the time. This National park is really worth a visit. I hope to return when I have more time, and in warmer weather!Visited January 2025Traveled with familyWritten January 22, 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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dsears3
Midway, UT510 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
We’ve been to many battlefield and other historic sites; this was one of the best.
Highlights:
The electric light diorama in the museum showing the progression of troop movements,
The thorough and fascinating movie
But especially:
Ranger ANTHONY Trusso ( capitalized to correct an error in an earlier review)
This Ranger is remarkable in both his knowledge of the battle and his fervent portrayal of it to visitors.
Hint: get to the park in time for his talks at 11am and 2pm
Kudos to Anthony for bringing the two battles to life, with nuance and balance
( I’m still deciding whether there were picnickers from DC watching the battle!…, and really appreciated his alternate perspectives about Stonewall Jackson. )
Highlights:
The electric light diorama in the museum showing the progression of troop movements,
The thorough and fascinating movie
But especially:
Ranger ANTHONY Trusso ( capitalized to correct an error in an earlier review)
This Ranger is remarkable in both his knowledge of the battle and his fervent portrayal of it to visitors.
Hint: get to the park in time for his talks at 11am and 2pm
Kudos to Anthony for bringing the two battles to life, with nuance and balance
( I’m still deciding whether there were picnickers from DC watching the battle!…, and really appreciated his alternate perspectives about Stonewall Jackson. )
Written November 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ward D
Satellite Beach, FL3,567 contributions
Jan 2023
Sudley Road and Lee Highway form an intersection in the middle of this large park. There is a visitors center on the east side of Sudley road and south of Lee Highway. There is a parking lot in front of the center with plenty of parking. The building has displays, park rangers, displays, and a gift shop. The center is very nice with beautiful displays and graphics that allow a better understanding of the battle that took place on this site. Their website state, “ On July 21, 1861, two armies clashed for the first time on the fields overlooking Bull Run.” Many of the houses and field artillery are still standing with displays to explain their significance throughout the park. There are 2 main paths that leave from the center. One was about 5 miles and the other about 7 that make large loops around roughly half of the park for each. We took the shorter path and had a very enjoyable walk through the battlefield and countryside. The paths are not paved and are up and down hills, over roots, across streams, and roads so they may be challenging for some. It was a very nice park and I plan to visit again and highly recommend this for others to come to experience it.
Written February 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tia B
Morgantown, WV317 contributions
Jul 2021
Visited this famous Civil Ware battlefield yesterday . The main visitors center was very nice and we enjoyed the informative film. The men working at the desk were helpful and the gift shop there was also full of many nice books and gifts for all ages. One thing that was disappointing was the fact that unlike Gettysburg and Antietam the sites are not marked as easily to find doing a driving tour at Manassas. Maybe they should be numbered like the others which would be more helpful for someone driving. Also shuttle tours should be considered after COVID is better under control. Park rangers gave tours and lectures but we didn't stay to hear one, Also at the one house that was brown brick / stone in appearance didn't have railing to get in and out of the house and it should for safety. The statue of Stonewall Jackson was very nice We also enjoyed the older male volunteer at the second visitor center who was a VMI ALUMNI. I would recommend visiting this battlefield site if you are a history lover . I would allow 2- 3 hours for visiting this sight, Great area for taking walks but do it on a cooler day than 91.
Written July 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The_Wanderer1992
Columbia, MD2,605 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
My husband and I went here on a beautiful, sunny Saturday in June. We stopped at a few of the spots along the driving tour. My favorite spot was seeing the house that got caught in the crossfire of the battle. Inside the house was an old woman who got killed and was the only civilian death of the battle. Her gravesite is also next to the house. The visitor center has a museum with a few artifacts and a gift shop. The museum also had a nice light-up feature that showed the troops movements.
Written June 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bernard W
Dallas, TX1,946 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Within a small museum at the Henry Hill Visitor Center, there is a very good 10-minute electronic map about the two important (1861 and 1862) civil war battles that took place here. Additionally, though long, watch the worthwhile 45-minute movie with re-enactors portraying the two battles. In December other buildings are closed, but the grounds are open to walk and drive. The Confederate cemetery and Union monuments are interesting and afford wonderful views of the battlefield.
Written December 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LizzyDee44
Fredericksburg, VA28 contributions
Nov 2022 • Solo
If you are looking for a rewarding, professional experience when visiting a Civil War battlefield, Manassas is an excellent location. While the commemorative landscape is very different from battlefields like Gettysburg and Antietam, this battlefield presents a great opportunity to explore the landscape significant to two major battles of that war, including the first one. In the visitor center, volunteer staff were very friendly and helpful as were the rangers on duty. Currently for winter, visitor center hours are from 8:30-4, but grounds are open sunrise to sunset. Great store, film, and driving tour available. We were headed to Dulles and wished we had some more time to explore.
Written November 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
neverinn
Lancaster, OH56 contributions
May 2021
Manassas is like a quiet cemetery. Start at the Visitor's Center, listen to a Ranger talk, see the museum, read the exhibits, walk the ground for the First Battle, drive the fields for the Second Battle. Immerse yourself in the Civil War. That is what you came for, right?
Written June 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WC-Travelers-75
West Chester, PA2,185 contributions
Oct 2019
We spent 4-1/2 hours at the battlefield on a mid-week afternoon and it was not enough.
We arrived to tag onto First Manassas Battlefield short guided tour to the Henry House and Stonewall Jackson Monument areas. Museum at The Henry Hill Visitor Center is small but worth checking out....and as with most National Parks, the video was excellent. Should have seen first but guided tours are limited.
We did part of the Driving Tour visited the Stone House, which was not open at the time of our visit, and hiked to top of Buck Hill. We went to Battery Heights followed by the hiking the Unfinished RR. The parking at the west end of the trail is limited but we were able to squeeze our 23 ft. RV in. In peak season, there may not be room. We did a short hike at the Deep Cut Trail but only to the stream since was getting to be late afternoon. Last stop was the Groveton Confederate Cemetery.
It was a good visit but a full day or a second day would have allowed us to hike the First or Second Manassas Trail to fully appreciate the park.
Highly recommended!!!
We arrived to tag onto First Manassas Battlefield short guided tour to the Henry House and Stonewall Jackson Monument areas. Museum at The Henry Hill Visitor Center is small but worth checking out....and as with most National Parks, the video was excellent. Should have seen first but guided tours are limited.
We did part of the Driving Tour visited the Stone House, which was not open at the time of our visit, and hiked to top of Buck Hill. We went to Battery Heights followed by the hiking the Unfinished RR. The parking at the west end of the trail is limited but we were able to squeeze our 23 ft. RV in. In peak season, there may not be room. We did a short hike at the Deep Cut Trail but only to the stream since was getting to be late afternoon. Last stop was the Groveton Confederate Cemetery.
It was a good visit but a full day or a second day would have allowed us to hike the First or Second Manassas Trail to fully appreciate the park.
Highly recommended!!!
Written April 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jxx9595
Washington, DC1,403 contributions
May 2021
To be fair, we didn't spend any time in the visitor's center, and that might have made a different to our rating. We arrived when a ranger talk was starting so we joined it. The ranger was knowledgeable and an okay speaker. She might have been a bit out of practice as the pandemic had disrupted tours until recently. I've heard many a Civil War battlefield guide, and ours didn't quite manage to tell a compelling or dramatic account of First Manassas. She did give a good historical account of the battle, however.
The field itself is a good spot for a nice walk, with open fields and forests here and there. Reasonably hilly so it helps if you are fit. My biggest complaint is that there are not enough signs on the battlefield. The Park Service can do better.
The field itself is a good spot for a nice walk, with open fields and forests here and there. Reasonably hilly so it helps if you are fit. My biggest complaint is that there are not enough signs on the battlefield. The Park Service can do better.
Written May 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Redhawk74
Ormond Beach, FL581 contributions
Oct 2019 • Solo
The place were Stonewall Jackson earned his name, visit the sites of the first large battle (Bull Run/Manassas) between the eastern armies of the Union and Confederacy, overlaid with a second larger battle that allowed the Confederacy to invade Maryland (Antietam/Sharpsburg). Start at the main NPS building to see a 45 minute movie on the battle, tour the small museum, buy a few souvenirs, get information on any Ranger led tours, and the all important map of the two battles. You can now decide on whether you want to take the driving tour to the 14+ sites, or take a number of walking/hiking self tours and trails. The relatively short tour near the NPS building will give you a quick overview of the final stages of the battle.
Written February 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How can we get there from Washington without a car? No one in our travel group knows how to drive.
Written April 25, 2023
Has anyone done the rail journey from Washington to Manassas?
Do you have to prebook any tours at the park or can you turn up and join on the day?
How far is the train station in Manassas to the battlefield?
Written October 30, 2019
The train station is six miles from the battlefield. It's serviced by Amtrak and Virginia Express. Unfortunately the first train from Washington to Manassas doesn't arrive until late afternoon, making a day trip to the battlefield impossible.
You would have to stay overnight in Manassas and return in the morning by commuter train.
Written December 12, 2019
Is there a trip from Washington to Manassas Battlefield?
Written October 27, 2019
Hi, You will need to rent a car or take an Uber, depending on where you stay. Your hotel may have something, but the battlefield is not near the subway. Enjoy! I love this battlefield
Written October 28, 2019
My husband Is a bigger history buff than myself but we are planning to visit Manassas as part of a long trip to the area. How many days would allow us to see all the highlights?
Written August 18, 2019
One to 1 1/2 days of exploring trails, going to the museum, don't miss a tour led by one of the very well informed rangers
Written October 1, 2019
Do you need to book anything in advance or can you just show up at the place
Written July 5, 2018
No advance reservations are needed. The park service website has maps available for downloading.
Written July 6, 2018
No entry fee. I walked the grounds by myself with the free NPS handout (you'll have to ask for one from the VC desk)
Written December 12, 2017
How do we get there from Washinton DC without a car.
Written February 9, 2017
Take Amtrak's Cardinal train that runs only on sundays, Wednesdays & Fridays. Should allow for a day trip to Manassas, providing outbound train isn't too delayed out of D.C. Battlefield is six miles from station so a taxi is necessary. suggest going to the Henry Hill Visitor Center where a fair percentage of the action took place.
Written December 16, 2019
How long does it take to do the driving tour on a weekend day?
Written June 17, 2016
For Second Manassas (doesn't include First Manassas), there are 10-11 tour stops with a self-guided audio tour. It really depends on how long you spend at each stop, and whether you hike the trails or not. If you zip through the stops and not going on trail hikes or anything, it probably won't take that long but you will miss out a lot. There is a small interpretive center at the first stop (Brawner Farm). When we were there on Sunday, they had a half an hour presentation, which I thought was very informative. Also there are many trails throughout the battlefield and if you choose to hike some of them, it will probably take all day, or even longer.
Written June 18, 2016
I will be staying downtown Washington DC, to get public transport to and from the park looks like a nightmare. Am I worrying about nothing?
Written April 19, 2016
Not necessarily a nightmare, but definitely complex. The Metro rail doesn't come anywhere close to the park, and I've never seen a Metro bus stop near the park's visitor center (I live here, and drive everywhere, so there may be buses that do - I just don't know of any). So, unless you're willing to take a taxi - really expensive - or Uber out - more reasonable, you're looking at a fairly long, complicated trek by public transportation.
Check the Manassas page on the National Park website, nps.gov, for more detailed info on getting there.
Written April 20, 2016
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