Manassas National Battlefield Park

NORTHERN VIRGINIA · CIVIL WAR HISTORY

Manassas National Battlefield Park

Walk, drive, and reflect across the landscapes of the First and Second Battles of Manassas, with visitor exhibits, historic landmarks, trails, and ranger programs.

Location
Manassas, Prince William County

Managed by
National Park Service

Park grounds
Generally open sunrise to sunset

Entrance fee
No entrance fee listed by the NPS

Manassas National Battlefield Park preserves the landscape of two major Civil War battles: First Manassas, fought July 21, 1861, and Second Manassas, fought August 28–30, 1862. Start at the Henry Hill Visitor Center to orient yourself with exhibits and the park’s interpretation, then explore the battlefield on foot or by car. The National Park Service lists no entrance fee, but facility hours and seasonal openings can vary; check the official park pages before setting out.

The visit is as much about reading the ground as seeing individual buildings: ridges, fields, roads, and streams shaped the battles and help make their events legible today. The park’s visitor information points travelers toward a self-guided driving route, walking trails, historic sites, and ranger programs. A short stop can focus on Henry Hill; a longer visit can cover places associated with both battles.

Why visit Manassas National Battlefield Park?

The park offers a chance to encounter two turning points of the Civil War in the landscapes where they unfolded. The First Battle of Manassas—also known as First Bull Run—was the war’s first major land battle. The Second Battle of Manassas, fought the following summer, brought another major campaign to this Northern Virginia ground.

Unlike a museum-only visit, exploring the park connects interpretation with place. You can stand on Henry Hill, follow trails across sections of the battlefield, and visit landmarks such as the Stone House. The park also interprets the experiences of the civilians who lived in the area, not only the movements of soldiers.

Start here

Begin at the Henry Hill Visitor Center for orientation and exhibits. The NPS recommends checking current visitor-center hours and the event calendar, since programs and facility openings may vary. The park grounds and trails have separate operating conditions from buildings, so verify what will be open on your visit date.

If time is limited, concentrate on the visitor center and Henry Hill. For a fuller overview, use the NPS self-guided driving tour to reach sites associated with Second Manassas, then choose one or more trails. Distances, route details, and seasonal availability can affect how much you fit into a day; consult the park map and current visitor information before you go.

What to see and do

Henry Hill Visitor Center

Use the visitor center as your orientation point for the First Battle of Manassas. See exhibits and check for current film showings, ranger programs, and visitor services before exploring the grounds.

Henry Hill

Walk the loop trail through the area of intense fighting during First Manassas. Interpretive features help connect the battlefield terrain with the events that took place here.

Second Manassas driving tour

Follow the park’s self-guided route to key locations associated with the Second Battle of Manassas. Pick up current tour information at the visitor center or consult the NPS map before driving.

Stone House

Visit this battlefield landmark, used as a field hospital during both battles. The building’s opening schedule is seasonal, so confirm access before making it a fixed stop.

Brawner Farm

The opening clash of Second Manassas took place on the farm’s grounds. The interpretive center has seasonal openings; check the park calendar for current details.

Battlefield trails

Choose from trails that trace portions of the First and Second Manassas battlefields. Check the park’s current trail information for routes, conditions, and maps.

History and significance

Manassas became the site of two major battles during the Civil War. On July 21, 1861, the First Battle of Manassas—called First Bull Run by many Union accounts—was fought near the community of Manassas. From August 28 to 30, 1862, armies clashed again in the Second Battle of Manassas. The park preserves and interprets sites from both engagements.

The battlefield’s landscape is part of its historical meaning. Open fields, wooded areas, ridges, valleys, and streams shaped movement and combat. The National Park Service established Manassas National Battlefield Park in 1940 to preserve and interpret the sites of both battles; park landscape restoration helps visitors understand how the terrain informed the fighting.

Planning a visit

• **Check what is open:** The Henry Hill Visitor Center, Stone House, and Brawner Farm Interpretive Center may have different schedules. Confirm current hours and seasonal openings with the NPS before visiting.
• **Allow time for the landscape:** The park’s driving tour and trails cover multiple battlefield locations. Choose a route that matches your available time and check current maps and trail details.
• **Confirm ranger programs:** Tours are subject to schedules, staffing, and weather. Review the park calendar or contact the visitor center for the day’s offerings.
• **Plan transportation:** The NPS directions page says there is no public transportation to the park. Check current directions and parking information before traveling.
• **Follow park rules:** Park only in designated areas, keep pets leashed, and stay on established roadways where required. Review the park’s current rules before arrival.

Nearby attractions

Manassas, Virginia
Explore the battlefield’s nearby namesake city and the wider Northern Virginia area.

References

External links

• Official Manassas National Battlefield Park website
• NPS plan-your-visit information
• NPS places to go