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River Raisin National Battlefield Park Visitor Center
1403 E Elm Ave, Monroe, MI 48162, United States
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Ri
Review №1

Love stopping here on way home from long trips to stretch our legs and let the puppy run. Usually quiet but well maintained.

Vi
Review №2

Neat place that has a lot of potential. Visit the Visitors Center to learn more about this historical site. Could be something amazing someday if they can get more funds. Glad I went with my husband who is a history buff. Loved the pavilion!

Ch
Review №3

Nice quiet setting. Closed on Mondays, but you can still walk the grounds. Nice tribute to the war of 1812.

ab
Review №4

Very cool place! War of 1812 is more important than people think. Nicely done

Ry
Review №5

Clean, and well maintained and markers explain historic significance well. Plenty of government staff on site but appeared to be mostly maintaining the site not doing tours. No cost. Definitely a socially distanced experience.

Cy
Review №6

The trails are well made. I didnt like this hike as much because after you get away from the informative signs, it just felt and looked like a field you were walking next to.

Ne
Review №7

Nice little park, 1 mile walk if you want or a quarter mile to read the historical signs. Gift store is closed due to covid but there is a table outside to get stamps and brochures. Super super friendly ranger met us outside and gave us all kinds of info, ranger led tours available in the afternoon. Living historian is set up on the lawn, how neat, interactive, and informative!

Fr
Review №8

Interesting history. Most exhibits are closed due to covid.

Me
Review №9

I love local history and particularly the battlefield sites in the northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan area. I had wanted to visit this site for a couple years. They were still partially closed due to COVID but we spoke with a guide and they have exciplans for future exhibits. I’ll be back

Je
Review №10

They are very educated about the history and current status of that national park. Very friendly and outgoing.

La
Review №11

An emotional memorial to soldiers that fought, died, and won back the territory we now call home. One of many military battle sites that brings home the ultimate sacrifice of which war is, but most people dont understand.

Kr
Review №12

Most people dont realize how important the Battle of the River Raisin was to the War of 1812. The visitor center is well maintained and informative, stocked well with displays and a small gift area. Plenty of walking trails with markers displaying the days of the battle. Well worth a visit for a few hours and a local treasure!

As
Review №13

This is a small and clean park. The rangers we very helpful and nice. Did you know they do scout events and birthday parties even... Very nice quite area shelters to have a picnic pretty water view across the street ... Great education base

Sa
Review №14

Would love to come visit in the summer. The history is great!

H.
Review №15

Really impressive place! The staff here introduced the historical battle happened around here.

Su
Review №16

Nice wayside plaques along the river by the Winchester street bridge.

Su
Review №17

Would like to see the Park Service do more to this property. The whole area needs to be tied together.

Jo
Review №18

Nice place with very knowledgeable staff, but theres not much to it. Im sure its much better when theres a reenactment or other special program.

SL
Review №19

Though small, this site reveals a battle during the War of 1812 in which we (Americans) lost to the British and Indians. The ranger was very knowledgeable and the short film excellently reveals the events of the battle. There are short trails which makes you more aware of the logistics of the battle especially after viewing the film.

Ap
Review №20

Cant wait for them to build out the structures that used to appear on that land.

el
Review №21

Nothing special, there are just a couple of historical informations (quite interesting) but nothing special to see.

K.
Review №22

We went for The NPS hundred year celebration. They had a lot of little tent set up with different things going on demonstrations, gun firing Canon blowing, a day well spent. There is a lot of history there you must check out the inside and see all the things they have, even if you think you know the story behind the park you will still learn a lot! The outside has many signs that tell you about the history and some very nice park benches by the signs.

Ch
Review №23

The park rangers were super knowledgeable and passionate about the history of the area. I couldnt stay long, but I cannot wait to revisit this local treasure!!

Me
Review №24

Very cool... Small reenactment going on today

At
Review №25

Have been here twice. Once with just my family and kids had a great time. Also went on field trip and they did a lot for the kids

Fr
Review №26

Absolutely beautiful place, awesome rail road tracks and bridge

Le
Review №27

One of the lamest National Parks Ive ever been to! The video was dull and boring (looked at blue and red stars moving on a stationary map). The informational charts and pictures had zero hands on or visual interest. Supposedly there were demonstrations outside but it was just a bunch of fellas dressed in era garb chatting in the picnic area. Heard this place was going to be expanded? Ack! Why? Maybe a 30 minute stop. After being there, I would say keep driving.

Be
Review №28

Im not really into historical stuffs but it seems to be good place to shop by for around 1 hour to study and feel the battlefield grounds.

Ta
Review №29

Always a great time on the trail watching the wildlife and relaxing!

ad
Review №30

Fantastic that this gem became a national park. Take the time to check it out

Ya
Review №31

Nice place to learn about history

Mi
Review №32

As battlefields go, this one allows you to get up close and personal. Several plaques along the short route explain what happened, when and where. The small museum explains the local events in moderate detail with paintings, maps and drawings depicting the battles. Display also includes era uniforms, equipment and weapons. I learned some things. Its FREE and its interesting.

Co
Review №33

These helpful rangers made my visit so pleasurable.

Je
Review №34

I love it I love how they reinact the war and shoot the stuff its so much fun and so much learning for everyone even kids.

Ja
Review №35

You can have your car close to the water drop off. The bait shop is right close to. You can have a BBQ or a pit fire right there. Its family friendly and it is a great place to have a day trip to. There is a marina there with several boat launches and with a small fee you can store your boat for summer water fun.

Re
Review №36

Tonight my husband and did the Twilight Walk: Relics of the River. Our guide, Ranger Kat, did an amazing job. Who knew a walk through the past and learning about the War of 1812 could be so interesting. I look forward to many other activities at the park.

Jo
Review №37

Stuff you never knew before

Jo
Review №38

National Parks Forever! Stopped by for a quick NPS Passport Stamp on our way up to Detroit. Check out their Facebook page. Beyond the Visitors Center and immediate surroundings, it looks like this unit offers a lot of cool activities like kayaking excursions and fishing programs. Hopefully we can check it out again next time were in the area

Ja
Review №39

Went there for a fishing experience for children. It was very informative for the kids. They taught the kids how to fish, tie knots, identify fish etc. Afterwards, the children received a Junior Angler Badge. All n all, it was a fun time for the family. Will be attending next year too

Br
Review №40

Nice little park that does a great job showing some of Michigan’s role in the war of 1812. One of my favorite places to go for a bike ride as well. There is a lot of wildlife, marshes, ponds, etc. to observe between the battlefield and sterling state park on the trail. Nice beach on Lake Erie as well, but check the water quality, I’ve seen it closed once or twice.

N.
Review №41

I had a great time here with my kids during YMCA summer camp!!

Ea
Review №42

Ive been to a few events here and really liked it. Definitely a cool place for a walk or an event.

Pe
Review №43

It has a nice walking path. It has friendly workers there and great information. There is a public restroom and picnic area

Ry
Review №44

Clean park to enjoy the fresh air

He
Review №45

We did this as a field trip with 5th and 6th graders, and it was so engaging and interesting! Bring a good insect repellent.

Et
Review №46

Interesting to read the plaques at this site. It was clean and well kept.

Di
Review №47

I lime to go here and watch the water and recharge. I also like that its set back from the road.

Ch
Review №48

This a good park we are trying to rebuild French town in a few years to how it was in that time in 1813 in the war of 1812 and dont be harsh or mean about the park we are trying are hardest and we arnt recognized vary much so help us to become a better place and a better national park

Da
Review №49

Very interesting historical jewel. The interpretive ranger made the visit. Great personality and very informative.

Sa
Review №50

River Raisin Battlefield is a beautiful and historic place the only drawback I see is lack of enforcement for pollution on Detroit Avenue is absolutely horrid. Theres plenty of wildlife in the morning and in the afternoon deer or regular site & the trails are well-groomed short but Pleasant plenty of activities throughout the season.

Li
Review №51

Wonderful 3 days of activities to celebrate Native American Days. Games, crafts, seminars, all to educate school children about the history they never hear in school.

Am
Review №52

Nice walk and scenery. Lots to learn

la
Review №53

Quaint little National history location. Amazing history. Free admission.

Ti
Review №54

A very under-estimated part of Downriver, Monroe Michigan. If you want to learn a little bit about the war of 1812 and especially the attack on French town in in 1813; this is the place to be.

Da
Review №55

Visit this interesting little museum usually once a year while camping at sterling state park. interesting history about the war of 1812. rangers are always super patient and informative. summer of 2018 will be our last visit to the old museum and we look forward to seeing the new visitor center.

Je
Review №56

Really cool historical park, good Pokestops too

B
Review №57

Small but very nice. We were able to park with a camper trailer along the curb.Family of 6, including 4 kids, happened to visit on Memorial Day 2018. Great history to learn and for your kids to get, that they wont get in school.Staff was very friendly and inside there is a small museum where you can see a few displays and read the historical information

pa
Review №58

Short trail of history. They our currently building on historical battle field the forts along the gravel trail. 2019 Long trailMuseum was ok but some interesting historical original kid games in the 1700s an 1800s.

Ph
Review №59

Totally worth the visit u have to watch the videos I enjoyed it lots of stuff I didnt know and I was born and raised here (enjoy)

Ba
Review №60

I love to take my dog here! It’s always pretty low key and not a lot of people. The walking trails are groomed although there is not a lot of them but you can meander behind the park in this big field which is really fun if you have a dog!

Cl
Review №61

Very informational and fun. I loved walking through this place that Ive learned so much about and finally getting to see it.

Go
Review №62

While full of history...the center itself doesnt have a lot to offer, except souvenirs. I gave four stars because I am a descentent of one of the families that lived there and holds it holds a special place in my heart.

Ke
Review №63

This place is pretty underwhelming. It is very small, almost no parking, but dont expect a crowd anyway. I would recommend this is if they have an event. In that case I think there would be nowhere to park.When we went they had what looked like brand new tents set up for an upcoming event so that could be interesting. They have a large field, so if there is a reenactment that could also be good. If you want to stretch your legs for 30 minutes and read a few plaques by all means, stop by.

Gr
Review №64

If you like history this a very nice visit.

MR
Review №65

Was ok

An
Review №66

Great place to learn about the past events.

St
Review №67

This little know battlefield was an extra credit trip for my daughters college course. I barely remember learning about it in Michigan history class over 30 years ago. Turns out, this battle was important to us Michiganders! We might be part of Canada if it hadnt been for the outcome of this battle! Anyway, the facility was staffed by a very knowledgeable former history teacher who was very pleasant to talk to and gave a nice talk about the history of the area and the battle. The artifacts in the building were fairly impressive however the outside area where the battle actually took place is pretty much not marked. I am told that there are great plans for rebuilding things as they were. I would recommend a visit to anyone interested in War of 1812 and/or Michigan history.

el
Review №68

Didnt know about the battle of the Raisin. Park Ranger was great and had lots of Information. Good place to visit with family.

Br
Review №69

This park is clean and off the beaten path. It is an important site in our nations history that is often overlooked. The staff are exceptionally knowledgeable about the historical impact and relevance of this site.

Re
Review №70

Great experience for the kids. To get full experience go with a group or when they have field trips so that you can be included.

Ri
Review №71

An important piece of history being preserved . looking forward to returning

Ci
Review №72

Nice trail to do a family bike ride .I love the wild life.Very peaceful place.

js
Review №73

Really cool place with alot of history

Wi
Review №74

Im not the biggest history buff but when I read about this historical location in my local paper I made a note to check it put on my next trip to Michigan. And Im sure glad I did. The center has an abundance of artifacts from the early 1800s. And the historical movie about the area and the war of 1812 was great. If you have a half hour to hour please stop in, its worth seeing.

Di
Review №75

Great place!! History bluffs will love it. I learned much more about a part of Michigans history.

Je
Review №76

Great historical site. Full of interesting facts

Mi
Review №77

Parks automatically get 5!Access to Sterling state park without a recreation pass.

Me
Review №78

Great path/signage around the battlefield for self tour; nice small museum; free parking

Ma
Review №79

A new national park still in development. Video is interesting and there are picnic tables. Oddly there were no trash containers in sight. Had to carry out our lunch debris.

Do
Review №80

The park itself isnt much to look at but the park ranger told the wonderful story of the events that happened. The history about this important battle should be told its an important part of our national history. My hats off to the ranger that shared his time telling us this wonderful story he was a great asset to the park.

Ju
Review №81

Very nice place, very informative. They are planning to rebuild the town as it was during the war

Ch
Review №82

The people there were amazing! Will go again!

Da
Review №83

Staff was very helpful and patient with my sons!

Da
Review №84

This is a great historical park in Southeast Michigan.

Ja
Review №85

This was a great historical place with detailed markers throughout the park and a statue of Custer

Je
Review №86

Awesome little place to visit if youre into history or especially if you know anything about the war of 1812.

Mi
Review №87

Great staff that is more than happy to tell you the story about the battle around Frenchtown in the war of 1812, but theres not much else happening here. However, it sounds like big changes/expansions are planned in the coming years and come the 2020s this will likely be a completely different and revamped experience.

Ca
Review №88

We love all the programs! Also looking forward to the expansion in the future! Definitely recommend!

Co
Review №89

Cant wait till they get the village built

Je
Review №90

The kids enjoyed participating in the junior park ranger program

Pa
Review №91

Very nice park. Not very large but friendly and informative.

Sh
Review №92

Didnt know there were any battles during the War of 1812 in Michigan. Very informative

Ju
Review №93

Nice place to take a walk.

La
Review №94

Neat things are happening there. Lots of demonstrations and great information. What out for poison ivy along the foot trail. Its everywhere.

Sa
Review №95

AMAZING staff and GREAT service ! My daughter lost her water bottle there and they took all the trouble to send it back! My girl was thrilled as this bottle was a prize gift, and it now became even more precious;) THANK YOU SOOOOOO MUCH !!!

Ar
Review №96

Lots of often overlooked or forgotten history here. Maybe people dont like to remember a battle which we not only lost but were literally massacred. Remember those early veterans who gave all.

Me
Review №97

One of the best places for pokestops.. not too bad of a view for parking and just taking a minute either

Sh
Review №98

Nice overview of the River Raisen Battle. Artifacts on display. Grounds have many herbs and plants grown by both Indians and settlers. Many events are held here. I would suggest coordinating your visit with historical battle reenactments, or visits by native Indian tribes in costume. There are holiday events and Major Muskrat appears. Family friendly.

B
Review №99

A lot of history there. Should be really great once they open up the side where the river is. And make it like it was

Je
Review №100

Little-known War of 1812 Battlefield--check it out!

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.5 Rating
  • Address:1403 E Elm Ave, Monroe, MI 48162, United States
  • Site:https://nps.gov/rira/index.htm
  • Phone:+1 734-243-7136
Categories
  • National park
  • Tourist attraction
Working hours
  • Monday:9am–5pm
  • Tuesday:9am–5pm
  • Wednesday:9am–5pm
  • Thursday:9am–5pm
  • Friday:9am–5pm
  • Saturday:9am–5pm
  • Sunday:9am–5pm
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible car park:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
Amenities
  • Good for kids:Yes
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