New Bern Battlefield Park

New Bern Battlefield Park, located in New Bern, North Carolina, preserves over 30 acres of the historic site where the Civil War Battle of New Bern took place on March 14, 1862. Owned and maintained by the New Bern Historical Society, the park is well-preserved and features Confederate defensive earthworks, known as “redans,” allowing visitors to walk in the footsteps of both Union and Confederate soldiers.

The park includes 36 interpretive panels along its trails, a large concrete battle map, and a free audio tour app, all of which provide an immersive experience of the battle’s history and its regional impact. It is open daily from dawn to dusk, with no admission fee. The park offers self-guided tours as well as guided tours by reservation, which we highly recommend. Also, for additional information on the battle, the New Bern Academy Museum has a great exhibit.

We hiked all the trails within the park and definitely recommend it, even for those looking to get some exercise; the trails are well-maintained and provide great views of a swampy area ideal for wildlife viewing. We were told that both black bears and alligators have been spotted in the park before, so be sure to bring your camera!