Fort Donelson National Battlefield
KY,TN
Park Alerts (1)
About Fort Donelson National Battlefield
Brigadier General Ulysses S. Grant was becoming quite famous as he wrote these words following the surrender of Confederate Fort Donelson on Sunday, February 16, 1862. The Union victory at Fort Donelson elated the North, and stunned the South.
Within days of the surrender, Clarksville and Nashville would fall into Union hands. Grant and his troops had created a pathway to victory for the Union.
Things To Do
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Stop by the Fort Donelson NB Visitor Center
Visitor Center
Hike the Trails at Fort Donelson NB
Immerse yourself in the beauty of the historic site by hiking the park trails. You may see migratory birds, bald eagles, and lovely native wildflowers. Lovely views of the Cumberland River/Barkley Lake may be seen as well.
Want to Become a Junior Ranger?
Junior Rangers
Fort Donelson NB Autotour Route
An excellent way to understand the historic site include the self-guided auto tour.
Pets
Pets in the Park
Fort Donelson: Then and Now
Fort Donelson: Then and Now
Available Activities
Weather
Fort Donelson National Battlefield traditionally experiences mild to moderate winters and hot summers with an average high of 90 degrees in the summer and 40 in winter; average lows in the winter are 30 degrees but single digits are not unusual. Rainfall in the area averages 53 inches a year with an additional 6 inches of ice/snow. Violent thunderstorms and severe weather can take place at any time of year but are most common in December and spring time.
Getting There
The main entrance is at 120 Fort Donelson Park Road, in Dover Tennessee. It is advised to start a visitor experience here. Brochures and information are available at this location.
Physical address for the park's Fort Heiman unit, in Calloway County, Kentucky: 654 Fort Heiman Road, New Concord, Kentucky. This site is not staffed daily, but exhibits and information are available for visitors.
Plan Your Visit
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Fort Donelson National Battlefield
Fort Donelson NB Visitor Center is open daily 8:30 am - 4:00 pm CST. Dover Hotel hours are 8:30 am - 4:00 pm CST daily. The park is closed Thanksgiving, December 25, and January 1. Hours change seasonally. The park tour route is open: Spring time change to Memorial Day: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm CDT Memorial Day to Labor Day: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm CDT Labor Day to fall time change: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm CST Fall time change to spring time change: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm CST
