April

Pedal through the past

By The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Posted: October 6, 2009 at 11:41 a.m.

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Go back in time this spring by pedaling through history at Pea Ridge National Military Park.

The 4,300-acre national park offers a window into Northwest Arkansas' role in the Civil War and life in the Ozarks in the 1860s.

Inside the visitor center on U.S. 62 east of Rogers, park officials provide maps and interpretive self-guided tour information.

A 28-minute film describes the battle through the experiences of soldiers who fought and died on the grassy, rolling fields and in the forests. A museum includes artifacts from the battlefield and uniforms and describes the battle that was fought March 7-8, 1862, to decide which side would control Missouri.

The start of the seven-mile battlefield tour meanders through a tree-shaded canopy. Park your bike along the way and pause to read the interpretive signs. The signs provide a brief summary of the historic significance of old hand-stacked rock foundations, the locations of former pioneer settlements and military encampments.

The tour route includes hills that will test less-experienced riders, but the walk up the steep inclines provides a better glimpse of the battlefield and terrain. Once you catch your breath at the top the hill, you'll agree that the climb was worth the effort.

Elk Horn Tavern is a favorite spot on the tour, where visitors often encounter re-enactors ready to demonstrate the skill of a Civil War surgeon treating wounded soldiers within yards of the battlefield.

The park includes nine miles of horse trails and seven miles of hiking trails.

Leaving Elk Horn Tavern, cyclists will savor the downhill ride back to the visitor center.

Next, mount the bikes on the car rack and head into Bentonville to tour the Museum of Native American Artifacts. The museum, at 202 S.W. O St., offers an audiovisual tour through 14,000 years of American Indian history. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

A short drive to the Bentonville square provides a good place to offload the bikes and take in the Walton 5-10 museum. Explore the downtown trail system that includes an overlook of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art construction site. A city biking trail map is available online at www.bentonvillear.com/parks_main.html.

For the saddle-sore and hungry, there's the Station Cafe and Stacy's on the Square.

Insider Tips

1. Before leaving home, check bicycle tire pressure, brakes and chain.
2. Carry water bottles and snacks for the seven-mile ride and downtown Bentonville trails.
3. Stow bike locks to secure your ride while you tour shops and other attractions.
4. Dress in layers and be sure to include a lightweight rain jacket. Spring weather in Northwest Arkansas can be unpredictable.
5. Take a camera. You'll want to remember your ride through history.

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