Manassas National Battlefield Park

Great place to learn about the Battles of Bull Run (Manassas). The guides we spoke to were all knowledgeable and happy to answer all the questions we had. Be sure to wear bug spray or check for ticks — we pulled one off our son in the parking lot!

Great trails for hiking, and not too busy during the week. Now, I believe, free to enter (there was a $ 3 fee previously?). I’ve done all of the Manassas I trail several times and found it diverse enough to stay interesting and great for scenery, including forested areas, open spaces, old cemeteries, and many markers telling the story of the battle if you’re interested in history. Cool cannons as well.
I just started working on Second Manassas last week but didn’t get too far in. Similar areas as one would expect, since it’s just across the street, but probably new stories to learn.

This was a real surprise on our family vacation. This battlefields place in our nations history is significant and they have done an excellent job. The ranger staff was able to hold everyone’s attention from young kids to seniors.

On April 12, 2016 I went to Manassas National Battlefield Park in Manassas. Luckily we did not paid any fee unlike any other parks that we went to. They have excellent visitors center, where you can see lighted display of the battlefield. From there, you can walk to the actual battlefield, with plenty of historical sites. The battlefield had many stations that were considered significant battle areas and the artifacts, like the cannons appeared old, but looked very cool. In addition, the staff were very friendly and helpful throughout the tour, they also gave interesting trivia about certain areas of the battlegrounds. Furthermore, the most vital, significant part of my experience was the vast, colorful, and beautiful scenery the site had to offer

Spent the day there with family lots to see lots of walking so be ready. Good hours well informed staff. Part of
History

Nice scenery and well kept park for people and dogs. As long as dogs are leashed, the trails are suitable for the pets.
We saw horses and lots of four legged friends.
However, gravel paths are hard on your feet :)

Always an great experience! Good for work outs, romantic walks, alone time to think, site seeing, and who doesn’t enjoy the thought of knowing you’re walking on history?! The options are endless and even the people you pass, are always friendly and excitable!

Visitor Center was very small but packed with a ton of historical information about the Battle of Bull Run I. The Non ranger staff at the center where professional. The aviator Gift store was very expensive. I enjoyed the walking tour with the Park Ranger. Sites are spread around, be prepared to hike each site.

Manassas National Battlefield Park
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Site’s Mission: «The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world»
Site’s interpretation of History: The site’s interpretation of History was very educational because it was based on Historical perspectives that accounted for what had taken place on the Manassas battlefield during July 1861. Moreover, the information was very specific on dates of battles and where they took place exactly. For instance, they described both the Confederates and the Federals fighting in attempt to force the other off of Henry Hill. Through these depictions of war interpreted by the site they were able to illustrate how intense and epic the battles had been.
How my visit went: My experience of visiting a national historical battlefield was spectacular. The battlefield had many stations that were considered significant battle areas and the artifacts, like the cannons appeared old, but looked very cool. In addition, the staff were very friendly and helpful throughout the tour, they also gave interesting trivia about certain areas of the battlegrounds. Furthermore, the most vital, significant part of my experience was the vast, colorful, and beautiful scenery the site had to offer, it took my breath away and I didn’t want to leave, so I highly recommend visiting before leaving the area if you’re close by.
1. The site is located at 6511 Sudley Road Manassas, VA 20 109
2. There is a $ 3 fee for adults age 16 and older, which is valid for three days and children age 15 and under are free.
3.The site is for anyone wishing to explore and learn more about the battles that took place during the Civil War.
4. The site is made up of historical battle fields.
5. I went to visit on November 13^th, 2015
6. I gave the Museum 5 out of 5 stars because of its mind-​blowing scenery.
The site definitely succeeded in its mission because it inspired me to go out and help clean up parks in my local community.

We went here to get outside for Veterans Day with our dog and explore more of Virginia.
This place is mostly open and you can walk on the trails or across the rolling hills to see whatever you desire.
The walk is quite easy and leisurely; however, if you’re up for a workout this would be a beautiful setting for a cross country run!

Maybe I just wasn’t well informed, but I found this battlefield to be disappointing. I went to the visitor’s center and asked about the site. I was given some very terse information. I just wandered the 1 mile trail (which wasn’t marked very well) and was disappointed that the one house on the trail around the visitor’s center was not the original.
After leaving the park, I learned that there is an exhibit and a movie at a cost in the the visitor’s center. The guide never mentioned this to me.

Definitely worth of 5 stars.
First, they have an excellent visitors center, where you can see a lighted display of the battlefield. From there, you can walk to the actual battlefield, with plenty of historical sites.
Second, this battlefield is incredibly convenient from DC. Just head down I-​66 and in half an hour, there you are.
Third, there are plenty of hiking trails, which should appeal to history buffs and people who are just looking for a place to exercise. Bonus points for ‘random’ signs which signify the fighting positions for units from either side, both for the 1^st Battle of Manassas /​Bull Run and the 2^nd Battle of Mannasas.
All in all, an easy, enjoyable history tour.

Really neat place and story from our history. Beautiful land and peaceful. A lot to walk around so wear good shoes.

Please take a day and enjoy a walk of this battlefield. We just stopped by the visitor’s center and a brief walk of the displays nearby and were very impressed. We’ll be back for a full day soon.

Gorgeous rolling hills, trails, and history around this expansive area. I always discover something new. I love the interactive GPS enabled app put out by the Civil War Trust that ties in with my visits here. Helpful pop-​up information with photos and details of what actions took place in any given area that you are walking or driving through. A perfect marriage of history and technology.

Manassas Battlefield Park encompasses the areas of the First and Second Battles of Manassas (or Bull Run) in the US Civil War. It’s a great park for the self-​directed tourist. It has several miles of walking and hiking trails of varying length over several thousand acres, including ADA-​accessible options. The visitor’s center, Henry House, is where you’ll pay the fee for your visit ($ 3.00 for the day, $ 20.00 for an annual pass). There are sign posts and historical markers around the most heavily used trails, and several trails are centered on memorials placed by veterans of both battles. The National Park Service’s markers offer succinct and clear descriptions of events, and provide maps of troop movements to make visualizing the battles easier.
The walking trails are good for people of all fitness levels, though experienced hikers may find the trails relatively flat. When there are special events, parking at the visitor’s center and Stone House lots can be difficult. There are several parking areas throughout the park that provide access to a variety of trails. Dogs are allowed, and there are dedicated bridle paths. The majority of the trails are away from the visitor’s center at Henry House, so you will want a map for future reference. Many trails take you away from the roadways and the sound disappears quickly. It’s beautiful in all seasons and serves as a green space for Manassas area residents.
On my most recent visit in mid-​June, I walked the Stone Bridge trail. It was a hot day, and had rained the day before. The trail was muddy in places, but not impassable. There are two stretches of boardwalk on this particular trail that take you over swampier terrain. There is a short and steep climb, but there are a few benches along the trail if you need a rest. This trail follows the bank of Bull Run. At this time of year, the leaves and branches of the trees surround the trial, making it seem as though you are walking in a private, living, green tunnel.
There are ticks in the high grass and wooded areas, and there are several stretches of trail without adequate shade, so you will need to wear sunscreen and a hat, use deep woods bug spray, and bring water.

Yes it is worth stopping here…

I love this park, and am so glad that I finally was able to spend a day here. For anyone who likes U.S. history, you will want to visit this national park. Be prepared to spend hours because it’s large enough to drive to the different entrances/​sights. Even if you just go to the main visitor’s entrance, you will spend awhile here.
If you can go on the 45-​minute walking tour, then do it because you will see the main sights like the Stonewall Jackson statue and the Stone House. But if you go to the main sights alone — read through everything. It’s totally worth it.

Excellent location to enjoy a little history, walking the grounds where the Civil War began. Definitely worth stopping here!

This round I only had time for a walk and visit to the visitor center. The property is well maintained, bordered by the split rail fencing. The park ranger was very courteous and friendly. The weather was great for a vigorous trail walk. And the rich history makes it well worth a visit. Manassas is on the list for a return visit with the family this summer break!

Any chance I get I run at this great park, growing up in a different country, I always dream of visiting this let alone to live near by,
It is amazing as to how you can walk at this park and walk through the history, I am very grateful to live near by this great park.

I love this park! You can bring your dogs. There is a huge deep creek where your dogs can take a dip in. Careful though. I saw a snake swimming in it. There a so many different trails you can choose. You will see deer, wild turkey and sometimes vultures. Plenty of parking too. There‘s a nice winery next door when you are done hiking.

Eek! Don’t take your dogs here. Brought our pup to go for a walk near the stone house at ²⁹⁄₂₃₄ … We stayed on the pre marked trail and out of the woods. By the time we got back to our car our dog was covered in ticks! Must have pulled off nearly 15. Don’t appear to be the kind that transmit lyme, but still unpleasant to think about being in our house now. The area is beautiful but leave your furry loved ones at home!

Whether you are into History, the Civil War, or hiking in general, this is such a great place. Peaceful place in the middle of what is a traffic nightmare Monday through Friday. Wildlife all around you including snakes, deer, squirrels, people on horse, ETC. Check your body parts for ticks! Areas of high grass though mostly the trail is well maintained. Historical markers posted. Trail backtracks through the woods and alongside the river. Really nice place.

A great place to walk around and catch a piece of history. If you park by the stone house there is free parking.

The visitors center has nice small display area. They offer a six minute diarama of the first battle and a forty five minute movie of both battles. The movie is pretty good and doesn’t seen that long. There is small, really small gift shop.
The park map has driving tour. In a cool rainy day it’ll take about an hour. If it’s nice and you get out of car plan for a couple hours at least. Nice grounds, a handful of cannons, graves and monuments are spread out here.
As hollowed historical ground goes, it’s nice visit and you can kind of still see how the ridges and streams worked fit both sides. No matter which side you come from, it plays it’s history well here.

Manassas Battle field Park was an emotional experience for me. This was the first Civil War battlefield I’ve visited. From the time I set foot on the grounds, I felt the way I’d felt when visiting the U.S.S. Arizona at Honolulu. This is a national cemetery. Many thousands of young men died here. Without that fact, this park would now be condominiums and shopping malls.
The grounds are beautiful. 5,000 acres, I think? Large enough that you don’t see suburban sprawl. All you see are the green rolling hills and a few buildings that date to the time of the Civil War. On the pleasant weekday afternoon in August when we were there, few other visitors were present. We saw some high school girls wearing tutus clowning around near the visitor center, and several people, singly and coupled, walking the trails, but my friend and I really had the place to ourselves.
There are miles and miles of trails. If you’re looking for a pleasant place to walk, Manassas Battlefield qualifies. I only wish we’d had more time to explore. At one point, we walked into a wooded area and saw a sign for a loop trail, 5.5 miles long. If it were earlier in the day and we had water with us, I definitely would have gone. The trails we saw didn’t look challenging at all; there are some elevation changes, but nothing extreme. Anyone with a basic level of fitness should be able to enjoy them.
Over the last several years, I’ve become more and more sensitive to energy. (If you don’t understand this concept, you can skip this paragraph.) I can feel and see things that other people can’t. I felt the presence of those who had died here. There were all around us. In the woods, where Confederate soldiers waited before their advance, I saw their shadows among the trees. They weren’t mean or scary; they said, «remember us.» I said, that’s why we’re here. We remember you. My friend didn’t pick up on this at all, but she did tell me about a time when she was driving through the park one evening and saw a Union soldier standing by the road. There’s more to the story than I’m telling you here, but I’ll only say, no, she did not see a re-​enactor. It was a Union soldier.
So, this park was full of meaning for me. It was a powerful experience. Maybe my experience there would have been more ordinary had there been a lot of visitors. As it was, my friend and I had peace and quiet and privacy. It’s easier to see and hear Spirit when there isn’t a lot of extraneous noise.
You can have different experiences here. You can go for trail running, or a hike. You can wander on a beautiful sunny day as we did. You can be ignorant of the entire reason for the park’s creation and preservation, and still enjoy the place. But if you’re a student of the Civil War, this is a place with deep meaning. It deserves some reverence.
I would definitely visit again, but I’d bring water and plan to spend several hours exploring the trails.