Arkansas Highway 72: Pea Ridge

Let’s hit the road for a quick but meaningful jaunt along Arkansas Highway 72, right through the heart of Pea Ridge in Northwest Arkansas. We begin this five-mile stretch at the junction with Arkansas Highway 94, right at Curtis Street in the small yet growing town of Pea Ridge. This community is deeply rooted in Civil War history and serves as the gateway to one of the best-preserved battlefields in the region. As we roll eastward from town, the route feels like a gentle invitation into a piece of living history and quiet rural charm.

Heading northeast out of Pea Ridge proper, Highway 72 quickly transitions from the modest bustle of neighborhoods and local shops to a more peaceful, tree-lined corridor. Keep an eye out to your right and left—this area is dotted with family farms, tidy homesteads, and the occasional grazing cattle. Even though this highway is short, it offers a glimpse into the daily pace of life in this corner of Benton County. As we continue, subtle roadside signs and markers remind us we’re approaching sacred ground: the Pea Ridge National Military Park.

About halfway through the drive, we officially enter the Pea Ridge National Military Park, an essential stop for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. This park preserves the site of the pivotal 1862 Civil War battle that helped secure Missouri for the Union. The highway meanders southward inside the park boundary for its final mile, flanked by gentle rolling fields, interpretive signs, and occasional walking trails visible from the road. It’s common to see visitors parked at pull-offs, exploring interpretive stops or picnicking under the shade of old oaks. We wrap up our brief but meaningful drive where Arkansas Highway 72 meets U.S. Highway 62, right at the southeastern edge of the park—an easy point to continue your journey toward Garfield or Eureka Springs.

Whether you’re a Civil War buff tracing troop movements, a local looking for a pretty backroad, or a road tripper piecing together a scenic loop through the Ozarks, this short stretch of Arkansas 72 is a lovely piece of the route puzzle. It’s proof that sometimes the best drives aren’t the longest, but the ones layered with stories.