A line of cannons stand behind a rail fence, looking out over a battlefield. [Order this photo]

Where can you find cheerful and helpful federal employees, ready to help provide you with a wonderful day? 

That sounds impossible, but stop in at Pea Ridge National Military Park, and that's just what you'll find.

This park, operated by the National Parks Service, preserves the history of a Civil War battle. On March 7-8, 1862, some 26,000 soldiers fought here to decide the fate of Missouri. The 4,300-acre park honors their memory.

This battlefield does not compare with some of the more famous sites like Gettysburg or Vicksburg. But it is virtually intact, which is very rare, and park rangers say their goal is to remain as faithful as possible to the way things looked in 1862.

Even if you're not a history buff, you can enjoy the tour of the park, with markers along the way explaining the events from almost 150 years ago. The visitor center has a movie and a small museum section, complete with weapons and other artifacts.

But we're writing about the park as an outdoor opportunity, and one of the best bargains you'll find. The three-dollar admission price will also give you access to a bicycle, and the seven-mile circuit will give you a wonderful break from being cooped up in the car.

Even with a couple of stops for photographs, the circuit took just about 45 minutes. There was one hill which required walking the bicycle, but most of the circuit is flat, and any school-age children should be able to handle the ride.

The "Healthy Parks--Healthy Living" program, sponsored by the National Parks Foundation and Lipton Tea, provides the bicycles. I picked one with a wide seat, which adjusted for height with a simple lever-lock. The gear shift was a twist-style seven-speed indexed shifter, which is much simpler than it sounds. (Rotate up to shift up, or down to downshift!) The bike had wide tires, too, making for a comfortable ride.

The park also has trails set aside for hiking and horseback riding, but you have to bring your own horse.

Pea Ridge National Military Park is located on U.S. Highway 62, about a half-hour west of Eureka Springs. It is open daily from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., and more information is available at www.nps.gov/peri.