Manassas National Battlefield Park

Step back in time to the start of the U.S. Civil War at Manassas, Virginia, near Bull Run (a creek on the property). The rolling plains here mark not one, but two, battles that changed America forever. The visitor's center offers a personal perspective on the bloodiest conflict in American history.

Summertime represents the best season to see the battlefield as Rangers give guided tours. You can also BYOH, (bring your own horse) to explore the grounds just like the cavalryman did 150 years ago. A paved road allows for car tours, and hiking trails let you explore the grounds on foot.

The visitor's center is replete with artifacts, some of which were found on the battlefield itself. Cannons, historic buildings, and picket fences dot the landscape. It looks pretty much the same as it did back in the 1860s.

During the first battle, civilians spread out picnics with tea as they watched the armies advance towards each other. When the bullets started to fly, they fled with their horse-drawn carriages in a panic. People realized the war was serious at that point. You can have a picnic lunch (thankfully without the musket fire) on the grounds of this 5,000-acre park.

Both battles were Confederate victories. If the southern troops had marched another 30 miles to Washington DC, the war might have had a very different outcome.

Manassas Battlefield is large enough to make a day of it, especially if you love history and nature walks.