Photo: Jab1703, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
🌤 Weather at Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 34–77 °F | 63–88 °F | 34–81 °F | 23–48 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Farmington, 17 mi away, elevation 900 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Missouri History — Preserves Fort Davidson and the battlefield of the Battle of Pilot Knob, where about 1,500 Union troops turned back an 8,000-man Confederate assault on September 27, 1864.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 118 E. Maple, Pilot Knob, MO 63663 |
| Entry Fee | No entrance fee is listed |
About the Site
Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site in Iron County preserves Fort Davidson and the battlefield of the 1864 Battle of Pilot Knob, where about 1,500 Union troops held the earthen fort against an 8,000-man Confederate force sent by Maj. Gen. Sterling Price. The Confederates lost about 1,000 men killed or wounded, the Union fewer than 100. The garrison evacuated under cover of darkness, and a small party blew up the powder magazine. The delay gave the Union more time to prepare the defense of St. Louis and Jefferson City.
Things to Do
Walking the grounds of the earthen fort, touring the visitor center and museum with its exhibits, audiovisual presentations and fiber optics diorama, using the playground, picnic area and hiking trail, and learning how the assault on Fort Davidson failed.
Visiting Today
Fort Davidson was a hexagonal earthwork with walls of packed earth, built on an open plain in the valley between Pilot Knob Mountain and Shepherd Mountain. Confederate cannons on Shepherd Mountain fired on the fort just before the assault. The visitor center and museum interprets the conflict with exhibits, audiovisual presentations and a fiber optics diorama. Elephant Rocks State Park is about 3 miles northwest.
Getting There
The site is at 118 E. Maple in Pilot Knob, Iron County, about 75 miles south-southwest of St. Louis in a straight line. Elephant Rocks State Park (about 3 miles) and Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park (about 12 miles) are close enough to combine in one day.
Insider Tips
Pilot Knob battle: The Battle of Pilot Knob (September 1864) saw about 1,500 Union troops defend a small earthen fort against an 8,000-man assault — and escape during the night after inflicting heavy casualties. Pro tip: The Union defenders blew up the fort’s magazine as they retreated. Iron Mountain: The town of Pilot Knob sat at the terminus of the St. Louis and Iron Mountain Railroad in the iron-rich Arcadia Valley.
Best Time to Visit
Visitor center: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., daily April 16 to Oct. 31 and Thursday to Sunday Nov. 1 to April 15. Grounds: Sunrise to sunset, year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did about 1,500 troops hold off 8,000?
About 1,500 Union troops held Fort Davidson against an 8,000-man assault because poorly timed attacks let the garrison concentrate its fire on each brigade in turn. The Confederates lost about 1,000 men killed or wounded, the Union fewer than 100. That night, the garrison quietly evacuated and a small party blew up the magazine. The losses and the delay hurt Price’s Missouri raid.
More parks nearby: Jay Nixon State Park and Taum Sauk Mountain State Park are both a short drive away.
Wildlife & Nature
Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site preserves Fort Davidson and the 1864 Battle of Pilot Knob battlefield, where about 1,500 Union troops held off an 8,000-man Confederate assault. The site publishes a bird checklist for visitors.
Nearby Attractions
Pilot Knob — adjacent. Arcadia Valley — surrounding. Johnson’s Shut-Ins SP — about 12 miles southwest. Elephant Rocks SP — about 3 miles northwest.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Responsible pet owners and their pets are welcome in Missouri state parks and historic sites, with pets leashed and under control.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash not longer than 10 feet required at all times; portable fences and shock collars do not satisfy the requirement.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed in public swimming areas or on beaches.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- The 'Cabins for Canines' program opens about 30% of lodging units to dogs (max two dogs per unit) at roughly 15 participating parks including Lake of the Ozarks, Bennett Spring, Echo Bluff and Roaring River; per-dog per-night fee varies by unit type.
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; Cabins for Canines charges a per-dog, per-night lodging fee (varies by unit).
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Maximum two dogs per campsite; pets not allowed inside any park building.
Are dogs allowed at Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site?
Responsible pet owners and their pets are welcome in Missouri state parks and historic sites, with pets leashed and under control. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via mostateparks.com. More: Missouri state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Map
Plan your gear for Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
