Battle of Honey Springs Reenactments
November 7, 8, and 9, 2025
Honey Springs Battlefield offers a biennial multiday event, which begins with an Education Day for school groups on Friday. Events continue on Saturday and Sunday with self-guided tours through the Union, Confederate, and civilian camps, and reenactments at 1 p.m. Visitors can experience military drills, demonstrations, and living history programs, and take a walk through Sutler’s Row, which features a number of vendors selling clothes, books, souvenirs, and reproduction nineteenth-century military equipment. Visitors from around the state come to see special presentations and watch the battle unfold.
The Battle of Honey Springs reenactment shows the largest of approximately 107 documented Civil War military engagements in present-day Oklahoma. The engagement took place on July 17, 1863, just two weeks after the famous Battles of Gettysburg and Vicksburg. Approximately 9,000 Union and Confederate troops, mostly American Indians and African Americans, were involved in the Battle of Honey Springs. Of those, approximately 200 total casualties were suffered. After a decisive Union victory, Confederates lost control of Indian Territory north of the Arkansas River. The Union victory also ensured Federal control of Fort Gibson in Indian Territory and Fort Smith in Arkansas.
Education Day
Friday, November 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
On Friday, November 7, students from schools across the state and the general public will have the opportunity to explore numerous education stations teaching topics related to the Civil War in Indian Territory and the battle itself. Living historians will demonstrate military drills, cooking techniques, everyday activities for soldiers, and civilian life. Numerous sutlers will be selling 19th-century reproduction military equipment, clothing, books, and souvenirs. Food vendors also will be on-site. Education Day is free to the public but we ask you to preregister. Education Day activities are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Registration
Education Day
Reenactors
Vendors and Sutlers
Plan Your Visit
General Rules and Etiquette
Please be courteous to all visitors, artifacts, and wildlife by keeping noise levels appropriate. This historic site is owned by the State of Oklahoma, and tobacco use is prohibited on all state property.
Battlefield Grounds
Visitors should stay on the paths and respect all battlefield grounds and exhibit spaces; the landscaped outdoors are an equally valuable learning tool to all visitors.
Wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for obstacles, including uneven terrain and gravel. Be alert for wet or soggy areas and take your time to avoid tripping; variable terrains make running unsafe.
Weather
Since most of the reenactment event is outdoors, visitors should dress appropriately for the weather.
Parking
Parking will be available in the field across from the reenactment. Once admission has been paid you will be directed to the parking area.
If you have a valid handicapped placard, please park in the designated area first, and then pay admission. If you require assistance, please contact a member of the reenactment staff.
Please make sure vehicles are secure and property is concealed or otherwise protected.
Picnic Area
Vendors and sutlers will have various foods and beverages available; picnic tables will be located throughout the event.
Portable Sanitation Units
There will be chemical-based sanitation units throughout the event area for visitor use.
Assistance During the Event
For questions or concerns, please visit the Friends of Honey Springs Gift Shop (located by the bridge) for assistance or locate a member of the staff.
Questions?
For more information regarding this event or Honey Springs Battlefield, please email honeysprings@history.ok.gov or call 918-617-7125.
