Park Hours (Today)
8:00AM - 4:30PM
Fort Donelson Visitor Center: 8:30AM - 4:00PM
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About the Park
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.
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What to See & Do
Pets
Pets in the Park
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.
Stop by the Fort Donelson NB Visitor Center
Visitor Center
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Junior Rangers
Fort Donelson NB Autotour Route
An excellent way to understand the historic site include the self-guided auto tour.
Fort Donelson: Then and Now
Fort Donelson: Then and Now
Self-Guided Tours
Quilt Tour
This self-guided auto tour features hand-painted quilt blocks, created by a group of volunteers from Stewart County, Tennessee. There are four different auto tours and one walking tour, the Mourner's Walk. Pick up your maps at the park Visitor Center.
Fort Donelson NB Auto Tour
The self-guided auto tour consists of 11 stops along six miles of park roads, including the city of Dover, Tennessee. https://www.facebook.com/fortdonelsonnps
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
Getting Here & Transit
How to Get Here
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.
Park Amenities
Operating Hours
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
- Monday8:00AM - 4:30PM
- Tuesday8:00AM - 4:30PM
- Wednesday8:00AM - 4:30PM
- Thursday8:00AM - 4:30PM
- Friday8:00AM - 4:30PM
- Saturday8:00AM - 4:30PM
- Sunday8:00AM - 4:30PM
Photos
Hallowed ground.
cannon overlooking river
Historic hotel
cemetery gate
When to Go
Crowd CalendarPlan your trip around peak seasons to avoid crowds or embrace the energy of the busy months. Our crowd predictions are based on historical NPS Visitor Use Statistics.
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Best Time
May-September
Trip Length
1 day
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Planning Fort Donelson National Battlefield
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