The Hornet's Nest
A sunken road where Union troops held out for hours and saved Grant's army.
Shiloh National Military Park
The two-day battle in April 1862 that showed America how terrible the war would be.
Nearly 24,000 men were killed, wounded or missing here on April 6 and 7, 1862, more American casualties than in all the country's previous wars together. It's a remote, beautiful place of woods and peach orchards above the Tennessee River.
The park also protects a large group of ancient Native American mounds, about 800 years old.
- Best Time
- April–June and September–October
- Time Needed
- Half a day
- Cost Level
- $$$$
- Open
- Grounds open every day; check nps.gov/shil
- Getting There
- About two hours by car east of Memphis.
What to See
4 of 4 are freeBloody Pond
Where the wounded of both sides crawled to drink, said to have turned the water red.
Shiloh Indian Mounds
Mississippian mounds above the river, on a short boardwalk trail.
Shiloh National Cemetery
On the bluff above Pittsburg Landing.
Know Before You Go
- It's far from any city, so bring food and fill your tank.
Where to Stay
Stay in Savannah, Tennessee, 10 miles away.
Where to Eat
Our picks are on the way.
Editor's picks. Nobody paid to be on this list.
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Go Next
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Tennessee
Elvis's Graceland, the blues on Beale Street and the National Civil Rights Museum.
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Worth a Detour
Worth a DetourVicksburg National Military Park
Mississippi
The 47-day siege that gave the Union the Mississippi River, with over a thousand monuments and a salvaged ironclad.
Full Guide
Last checked 2026-11-01. Part of the Southeast list.