Shiloh National Military Park

Shiloh National Military Park

Shiloh National Military Park is administered by the National Park Service in Tennessee and Mississippi as a battlefield park, protecting both the terrain and the interpretive framework around it. Visit the sites of the most epic struggle in the Western Theater of the Civil War. Nearly 110,000 American troops clashed in a bloody contest that resulted in 23,746 casualties; more casualties than in all of America's previous wars combined.

Explore both the Shiloh and Corinth battlefields to discover the impact of this struggle on the soldiers and on the nation.

Visitors to Shiloh National Military Park should treat the terrain itself as a primary source. That is the reason the battlefield designation exists, and the reason the land is preserved at all.

Key Highlights

• African American Heritage
• Archeology
• Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite
• National Cemetery
• Self-Guided Tours - Auto
• Wildlife Watching
• Park Film

Getting There

Reaching Shiloh National Military Park is straightforward once you know the route. The park is 110 miles from the Memphis airport and 150 miles from the Nashville airport. From the west (Memphis, Tennessee, area): Take Highway 72 East to Corinth, Mississippi. From the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center, take Highway 22 North to the Shiloh Battlefield. From the northeast (Nashville, Tennessee, area): Take Interstate 40 West to the Parker's Crossroads Exit. Then take Highway 22 South to Shiloh Battlefield. Continue on Highway 22 South to the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center.

By Car

Most visitors arrive by private vehicle or rental car. Road conditions vary with weather and construction, so check the park's alerts page the day before you travel. Pay attention to GPS directions in rural stretches—some apps route drivers onto unmaintained service roads rather than the signed park entrance.

Nearest Airports

Regional airports provide the most convenient access for long-distance travelers. For the most current airline service and driving distances, cross-reference flight options with the park's contact page. Budget extra drive time from any airport, especially if you arrive after dark or during winter weather.

Public Transit and Tours

Direct public transit is limited at most National Park Service sites, but guided day tours and shuttles sometimes operate from nearby cities during peak season. Rideshare options are often reliable in gateway towns but may drop off outside the park boundary rather than at specific trailheads or visitor centers.

For turn-by-turn directions and current road status, consult the park's official directions page: http://www.nps.gov/shil/planyourvisit/directions.htm.

Best Time to Visit

Weather shapes every visit. Shiloh National Military Park traditionally experiences mild winters and hot summers with an average high of 90 degrees in the summer and 50 in winter; average lows in the winter are 34 degrees but single digits are not unusual. Rainfall in the area averages 57 inches a year with an additional 2-3 inches of ice/snow and violent thunderstorms can take place at any time of year.

Spring (March – May)

Spring brings leafing trees, wildflowers across the fields, and comfortable walking temperatures ideal for covering long stretches of battlefield terrain on foot.

Summer (June – August)

Summer can be hot and humid, especially on open fields with limited shade. Plan longer walking tours for early morning, and save indoor museum and visitor center time for the afternoon heat.

Fall (September – November)

Fall is arguably the best season—crisp mornings, clear light for photography, fewer crowds than summer, and foliage that frames the historic landscape beautifully.

Winter (December – February)

Winter brings stark quiet and unobstructed views of earthworks and terrain features that are hidden by foliage in summer. Dress warmly, and expect shorter visitor center hours.

Activities and Adventures

Activities at Shiloh National Military Park reflect the character of the site. The options below are drawn from the park's current published list—confirm availability and any required reservations before planning around a specific activity.

• Arts and Culture — ask at the visitor center for current conditions, reservations, and any required permits.
• Cultural Demonstrations — ask at the visitor center for current conditions, reservations, and any required permits.
• Auto and ATV — ask at the visitor center for current conditions, reservations, and any required permits.
• Scenic Driving — ask at the visitor center for current conditions, reservations, and any required permits.
• Biking — confirm which roads and paths allow bikes and whether rentals are available in the gateway community.
• Road Biking — confirm which roads and paths allow bikes and whether rentals are available in the gateway community.
• Food — ask at the visitor center for current conditions, reservations, and any required permits.
• Picnicking — ask at the visitor center for current conditions, reservations, and any required permits.
• Guided Tours — schedules rotate seasonally; check the visitor center board on arrival for the current lineup.
• Self-Guided Tours - Walking — schedules rotate seasonally; check the visitor center board on arrival for the current lineup.
• Self-Guided Tours - Auto — schedules rotate seasonally; check the visitor center board on arrival for the current lineup.
• Living History — ask at the visitor center for current conditions, reservations, and any required permits.
• Historic Weapons Demonstration — ask at the visitor center for current conditions, reservations, and any required permits.
• Junior Ranger Program — schedules rotate seasonally; check the visitor center board on arrival for the current lineup.
• Wildlife Watching — dawn and dusk are the most productive viewing windows; bring binoculars and maintain a respectful distance.
• Birdwatching — dawn and dusk are the most productive viewing windows; bring binoculars and maintain a respectful distance.
• Park Film — ask at the visitor center for current conditions, reservations, and any required permits.
• Museum Exhibits — the visitor center is the best first stop for context, maps, and current program information.
• Shopping — ask at the visitor center for current conditions, reservations, and any required permits.
• Bookstore and Park Store — ask at the visitor center for current conditions, reservations, and any required permits.

Ranger-led programs are often the highest-value activity for first-time visitors, combining interpretation with access you might miss on your own. Check program schedules at the visitor center on arrival.

History and What to See

Shiloh National Military Park is primarily a site of historical and cultural significance. Beyond the headline landmarks, the park preserves smaller details—inscriptions, outbuildings, period plantings, wayside exhibits—that repay an unhurried visit.

Featured interpretive themes include African American Heritage, Archeology, Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite, National Cemetery, Enslavement, Medicine.

Interpretation and Programs

Ranger talks, living-history demonstrations, and self-guided audio tours bring the story to life. If your schedule allows, time your visit to catch at least one ranger-led program; the added context transforms what you see on the grounds.

Preserved Structures and Landscape

The National Park Service preserves the physical setting as faithfully as possible. Walking the grounds gives you a sense of scale—distances, sightlines, elevation—that is hard to appreciate from photos alone.

Research and Archives

Many historic sites maintain libraries, archives, or partnered research centers. If you have a specific interest, contact the park in advance; staff can often point you toward documents, oral histories, or special collections.

Lodging and Camping

Lodging strategy depends on how long you plan to stay at Shiloh National Military Park and what you want to do when you are not at the park.

On-Site Stays

Overnight accommodations inside the park's boundary are limited or not offered here. Most visitors stay in nearby towns and commute in each day.

Gateway Towns and Nearby Lodging

Communities close to the park offer a mix of chain hotels, independent inns, vacation rentals, and—depending on location—bed-and-breakfasts. Several Tennessee and Mississippi towns serve as convenient bases, with restaurants, fuel, and grocery resupply. Book well ahead for summer weekends and major holidays.

Operating Hours and Seasons

Shiloh National Military Park: The park grounds remain open daily from sunrise to sunset. The Shiloh Battlefield visitor center is open from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm daily. The park film, "Shiloh: Fiery Trial" shows on the hour beginning at 9:00 am with the last showing at 4:00 pm.

The Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center is open from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm daily.

The America's National Parks Store at Shiloh is open from 8:30 am - 5:00 pm daily during the summer season.

Essential Information

Fees and Passes

No standard entrance fee is charged. Some special programs or partner-run facilities within the park may carry their own fees, so confirm before booking anything ticketed.

Contact

• Phone: 7316895696
• Email: shil_interpretation@nps.gov
• Official site: https://www.nps.gov/shil/index.htm

Safety

Carry water, sun protection, and layered clothing appropriate for the season. Cell coverage can be spotty in parts of the park—download offline maps before you leave your lodging. In an emergency, dial 911 or contact the nearest ranger station.

Services and Accessibility

Main visitor centers typically offer accessible restrooms, interpretive exhibits, bookstore sales, and ranger assistance. Accessibility varies by building and trail; contact the park ahead of time to discuss specific needs. Pets are often allowed on leash in designated areas only—check current rules before bringing animals.

Regulations to Know

Drones are prohibited in nearly all National Park Service units without a special permit. Metal detecting, collection of natural or cultural objects, and off-trail travel in sensitive areas are also commonly restricted. Read the signs at each trailhead and ask a ranger if you are unsure.

Treat Shiloh National Military Park as a classroom without walls. The ground is the teacher, and the best visitors are the ones willing to listen.