Fort Donelson National Battlefield

Fort Donelson National Battlefield is a captivating historic site located in Dover, Tennessee, near the Kentucky border. It commemorates the significant events that unfolded during the American Civil War and serves as a stark reminder of the brutal conflict that divided the nation.

The battlefield is situated on approximately 550 acres of land, preserving the site where the Union forces, under the leadership of General Ulysses S. Grant, triumphed over the Confederate troops in February 1862. This victory yielded immense strategic importance for the Union, as it secured control over the Cumberland River and facilitated the subsequent Union advances deep into the Confederacy.

The park offers visitors an opportunity to step back in time and explore the remnants of the fortifications, trenches, and artillery placements that played a critical role in the engagement. Additionally, the beautifully preserved Civil War era Dover Hotel, which served as headquarters for both the Union and Confederate commanders during the battle, offers a glimpse into the life and experiences of those involved in the conflict.

Beyond the historical significance, Fort Donelson National Battlefield provides a tranquil refuge for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy hiking the various trails that wind through the park, allowing them to appreciate the serene beauty of the landscape. Birdwatching, wildlife spotting, and picnicking are also popular activities within the park.

For those looking to delve further into the history of the Civil War, nearby attractions include the National Quilt Museum and the Lloyd Tilghman House & Civil War Museum. Both offer insight into various aspects of the war and showcase unique artifacts and exhibits.

Overall, Fort Donelson National Battlefield provides an exceptional educational experience, allowing visitors to commemorate the sacrifices made by those involved in the Civil War and gain a deeper understanding of this pivotal period in American history.

Fort Donelson National Battlefield is located in western Tennessee, specifically in Dover, Stewart County. Situated on the banks of the Cumberland River, this historical site lies about 90 miles northwest of Nashville. The battlefield itself covers an area of approximately 550 acres and is characterized by rolling hills, dense forests, and the winding river. With its strategic location as a Confederate stronghold during the Civil War, the park preserves significant historical landmarks such as the earthworks, trenches, and the restored Fort Donelson itself. In addition to its historical importance, the battlefield's picturesque setting within the beautiful Tennessee landscape makes it a captivating destination for visitors interested in history and natural beauty alike.

Address & Contact

174 National Cemetery Drive
PO Box 434
Dover, TN 37058
Driving Directions
Phone: 931-232-5706
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Fort Donelson National Battlefield would be in June or September. These months offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities, with average maximum temperatures of 86°F and 82°F respectively. They also have relatively low precipitation levels compared to other months, with average monthly rainfall of 3.5 inches in June and 3.6 inches in September. These months strike a good balance between favorable weather conditions and avoiding large crowds, ensuring an enjoyable visit to the battlefield.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Fort Donelson National Battlefield are: Guided Tours Junior Ranger Program Park Film Museum Exhibits Hiking Auto and ATV Scenic Driving Self-Guided Tours - Auto

Topics

Learn about these topics at Fort Donelson National Battlefield: Military Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite Forts Battlefields Monuments and Memorials Wars and Conflicts Civil War National Cemetery

Visitor Centers

Fort Donelson Visitor Center

The Visitor Center is at the main park entrance, just off Highway 79. Museum exhibits, a gift shop, handicapped accessible restroom, and information are available for visitors. The park audiovisual films are available at our website under the link: https://www.nps.gov/fodo/planyourvisit/things2do.htm We encourage you to begin your visit at this location. GPS: 120 Fort Donelson Park Road, Dover, TN 37058

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Fort Donelson Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Fort Donelson National Battlefield

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near Fort Donelson National Battlefield

Holiday Inn Express Fort Campbell-Oak Grove, an IHG Hotel

Located in Oak Grove, Holiday Inn Express Fort Campbell-Oak Grove, an IHG Hotel is in a rural location, a 2-minute drive from War Memorial Park and 5 minutes from Fort Campbell. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Planning an event in Oak Grove? This hotel has facilities measuring 1488 square feet (134 square meters), including a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 12759 Fort Campbell Blvd, Oak Grove, Kentucky 42262
Web: Link

Days Inn by Wyndham Oak Grove/Ft. Campbell

Located in Oak Grove, Days Inn by Wyndham Oak Grove/Ft. Campbell is a 2-minute drive from War Memorial Park and 6 minutes from Fort Campbell. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 212 Auburn Street, Oak Grove, Kentucky 42262
Web: Link

Sleep Inn & Suites Fort Campbell

Located in Oak Grove, Sleep Inn & Suites Fort Campbell is a 3-minute drive from War Memorial Park and 6 minutes from Fort Campbell. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in Oak Grove? This hotel has 200 square feet (19 square meters) of space consisting of conference space and a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 220 Auburn St, Oak Grove, Kentucky 42262
Web: Link

Hampton Inn Oak Grove Fort Campbell

A stay at Hampton Inn Oak Grove Fort Campbell places you in the heart of Oak Grove, a 2-minute drive from War Memorial Park and 6 minutes from Fort Campbell. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 164 Naomi Ln, Oak Grove, Kentucky 42262
Web: Link

Candlewood Suites Oak Grove - Fort Campbell, an IHG Hotel

Located in Oak Grove, Candlewood Suites Oak Grove - Fort Campbell, an IHG Hotel is a 2-minute drive from War Memorial Park and 5 minutes from Fort Campbell. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and a 24-hour front desk. A roundtrip airport shuttle is provided for a surcharge during limited hours, and free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 12885 Fort Campbell Blvd., Oak Grove, Kentucky 42262
Web: Link

Americas Paradise Resort

With a stay at Americas Paradise Resort in Murray, you'll be on the beach, just a 1-minute walk from Kentucky Lake and 8 minutes by foot from Tennessee River. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1024 Paradise Dr, Murray, Kentucky 42071
Web: Link

Early American Motel

Located in Hardin, Early American Motel is within a 10-minute drive of Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area and Elk & Bison Prairie. Featured amenities include express check-in, a 24-hour front desk, and a vending machine. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 16749 US Highway 68 East, Hardin, Kentucky 42048
Web: Link

Aurora's Kentucky Lake Cottages

Located in Hardin, Aurora's Kentucky Lake Cottages is a 1-minute drive from Kentucky Lake and 6 minutes from Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 16918 US Highway 68 East, Aurora, Hardin, Kentucky 42048
Web: Link

Kenlake State Resort Park

With a stay at Kenlake State Resort Park in Hardin, you'll be steps from Kenlake State Park and a 3-minute drive from Kentucky Lake. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, an elevator, and a vending machine. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 542 Kenlake Road, Hardin, Kentucky 42048
Web: Link

Lynnhurst Family Resort

Located in Murray, Lynnhurst Family Resort is on a lake, within a 5-minute drive of Kentucky Lake and Tennessee River. Featured amenities include express check-out, dry cleaning/laundry services, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 270 Lynnhurst Dr, Murray, Kentucky 42071
Web: Link