Visitor Access to Fort Donelson NB Park Lands: Pedestrian access is from dawn to dusk. Automobile access to Fort Donelson NB Park Roads is from 8:00 am - 8:00 pm.
Fort Donelson National Battlefield
Kentucky · Tennessee
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.
About Fort Donelson National Battlefield
Fort Donelson National Battlefield is a national battlefield located in Kentucky and Tennessee. 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 and violent thunderstorms can take place at any time of year.
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.
💰 Entrance Fees & Passes
Entry to Fort Donelson is completely free. There are no general entrance fees or vehicle passes required to access this park unit.
🥾 Things to Do
Fort Donelson National Battlefield offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Auto and ATV, Scenic Driving, Guided Tours, Self-Guided Tours - Auto, and 4 other recreational activities, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.
📦 Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist
Custom items selected for activities at Fort Donelson
📋 Visitor Planning Tips for Fort Donelson
- →Beat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of Fort Donelson before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
- →Monitor Active Alerts: There are currently 1 active alerts for Fort Donelson. Keep an eye on the alert notifications at the top of this guide for crucial information regarding closures or safety issues.
- →Leave No Trace: Help protect the delicate ecosystems of Fort Donelson. Stay on marked trails, pack out all of your waste, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fort Donelson
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.
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