Elkhorn Tavern

Elkhorn Tavern is a wooden two-story tavern with a full-width double porch, limestone chimneys at the end walls, and white-painted wood siding with dual entrance doors on each level. The reconstructed building now stands within the park grounds for visitors to examine its period architecture.

The building served as a command post and hospital during the Battle of Pea Ridge in 1862. Confederate irregulars burned it down in January 1863.

Before the Civil War, the Benton County Baptist Society held meetings upstairs and climbed external stairs to avoid the public tavern below. This separate entrance shows how the community adapted the building for worship.

The tavern is open for exploration from fall through spring, with National Park Service rangers on hand to answer questions. Wear comfortable shoes since the floors and stairs can be uneven.

The name comes from elk antlers that Jesse Cox placed on the roof ridge. The original antlers were damaged over time, and replicas are now displayed inside.

GPS coordinates: 36.45360,-94.01580

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:09