Manassas National Battlefield Park
Manassas National Battlefield Park
Manassas National Battlefield Park
4.5
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A 5,000-acre park that was the scene of two major Civil War battles.
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- dsears3Midway, Utah494 contributionsSuperb displays & Ranger talkWe’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. )Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten November 7, 2023
- montanapescadoAlbuquerque, New Mexico1,471 contributionsMust visit Civil War stopThese are very nice grounds with plenty of interpretative information to give visitors good insight into the first major engagement of the Civil War. This is a definite must stop for history buffs and a great place to spend an afternoon learning or just soaking it all in. Park staff are knowledgeable and enthusiastic, further enhancing the experience.Visited November 2023Travelled with friendsWritten November 23, 2023
- Bernard WDallas, Texas1,914 contributionsSite of Two Important Civil War BattlesWithin 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.Visited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten December 25, 2023
- 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 2024Travelled with familyWritten April 6, 2024
- Steve around townCleveland, Ohio123 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 2024Travelled soloWritten June 23, 2024
- Cheryl HillHodgenville, Kentucky9 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 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten September 30, 2024
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 waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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kelly
Arcadia, CA17 contributions
Nov 2019
I visited midweek at the beginning of November. There were almost no people there that day which made it better. The weather was gorgeous which also made it great. We went there in the late afternoon and stayed until dark. It was so quiet and peaceful there, hard to believe that at one time it was the scene of such tradgedy. It was fascinating to see the canons stretched out at each end of the field and humbling to realize how many men died on the very ground we were walking on. As the sun was setting we saw herds and herds of deer coming out of the forest to feed. it was amazing to see so many deer in a natural setting like that
Written March 1, 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.
Hatzlacha
Virginia937 contributions
Jun 2020
Civil War history buffs will of course love the place, but I think the best part of the visit was walking along the extensive trails. We parked down by the stone bridge and headed towards the visitor center from there. Lots of expansive areas with great views (particularly on the tops of the hills). I was most impressed that they were able to preserve so many original items & buildings. It really brings history to life!
Written June 6, 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.
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.
Ward D
Satellite Beach, FL3,384 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.
jxx9595
Washington, DC1,392 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.
dsears3
Midway, UT494 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.
ITRT
Virginia44,656 contributions
Jul 2020
While looking for a place that would allow us to maintain the CDC suggestions for distancing from other people during the Covid-19 Pandemic, we decided to visit the nearby Manassas Battlefield marking the first win for the Confederacy. Our day began at the Visitors Center. In front of the Visitor Center, park rangers had a table set up with brochures and maps of the area and answered questions. Inside the Visitor Center, is a small museum. Every employee had a mask on which was a plus. Guided tours by park rangers are offered each day. The park offers four, well-marked trails as well as a driving route. We chose to do the Henry Hill Loop Trail (1.2 miles). This trail focused on the First Battle of Manassas (Bull Run). It is here where General Thomas Jackson earned the nickname “Stonewall”. On this trail are the rebuilt Henry House, cannons, a cemetery, monuments, and a statue of Jackson on his horse. The Henry House was homed to Judith Carter Henry, who was the only civilian killed during the first battle because she refused to leave her home Interpretive signs are strategically placed along the trail.
We also visited a few of the places on the Second Manassas Battlefield driving tour including Brawner Farm, Battery Heights and Dogan House. The Brawner Farmstead played a role in the Second Battle of Manassas. It was here that General Jackson hid his troops. The conflict continued on this property for two days. Park in the designated area and walk the paved path to the house. Our next stop was Battery Heights. There is a small parking lot on Route 29. What to see of interest? There are two cannons marking the location of the Confederate Artillery. Two informational signs provide details of what happened here. Our last stop for the day was the Dogan House. This house is the only surviving building of what was once the village of Groveton. During the Civil War, Groveton was once a farm village at the crossroads. Next time a visit to the other places of the Second Manassas Battlefield.
This battlefield is a must see for history buffs and anyone who wants to learn about the Civil War. If you go in the summer, be sure to wear good walking shoes and bring water.
The driving tour may not be what you expect. Yes, you can park relatively close but there is a fair amount of walking to the actual site such as the Brawner Farm but all are doable.
We also visited a few of the places on the Second Manassas Battlefield driving tour including Brawner Farm, Battery Heights and Dogan House. The Brawner Farmstead played a role in the Second Battle of Manassas. It was here that General Jackson hid his troops. The conflict continued on this property for two days. Park in the designated area and walk the paved path to the house. Our next stop was Battery Heights. There is a small parking lot on Route 29. What to see of interest? There are two cannons marking the location of the Confederate Artillery. Two informational signs provide details of what happened here. Our last stop for the day was the Dogan House. This house is the only surviving building of what was once the village of Groveton. During the Civil War, Groveton was once a farm village at the crossroads. Next time a visit to the other places of the Second Manassas Battlefield.
This battlefield is a must see for history buffs and anyone who wants to learn about the Civil War. If you go in the summer, be sure to wear good walking shoes and bring water.
The driving tour may not be what you expect. Yes, you can park relatively close but there is a fair amount of walking to the actual site such as the Brawner Farm but all are doable.
Written July 11, 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.
kkaarrll
Pennsylvania37 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Small museum with informative movie that starts on the hour. Open 8:30 to 5 daily, has rest rooms. Free admission and parking. Guided tours available but easy to do on your own. Small parking lot fills up fast so arrive early or expect to park on the grass. Great hiking/jogging trail that covers the battlefield. We did the First Manassas trail (5.5 miles), easy level trail with many interpretive signs and good views. Expect crowds in good weather and weekends.
Written March 10, 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.
June
1 contribution
Mar 2020 • Couples
Our stay was very nice! The staff was wonderful from check in to check out. Jamal made sure we were satisfied with our room. The hotel was very well maintained and the staff is awesome. Upon checking out Michael made us feel we were special and thanked us for staying, Jamal again asked if everything was to our liking. You have a great management at this hotel.
Written March 1, 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.
kduda118
Ridgefield Park, NJ44 contributions
Dec 2020 • Couples
My husband and I drove to the battlefield when we were staying in Leesburg. We decided to take the driving tour because it was so cold and were not dressed appropriately. There is a free driving tour app in the PlayStore for Android users called Bull Run Battle App. This app gives you a driving tour with about 1.5 miles of additional walking. We just sat in the car during the walking part. We drove the tour in about an hour. The park also has convenient red stars to indicate in the driving tour stops. We decided we are going to return when the weather is warmer and we have appropriate footwear. A must stop for history buffs. A fun fact also is the Battle of Bull run is the precursor to the Battle of Gettysburg. Go to the Manassas Battlefield and then take the hour and a half drive to Gettysburg to take in the full effect of the Civil War on American History.
Written December 6, 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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