National Battlefield · Kentucky, Tennessee
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
- Auto and ATV
- Scenic Driving
- Guided Tours
- Self-Guided Tours - Auto
- Hiking
- Junior Ranger Program
- Park Film
- Museum Exhibits
Weather & when to go
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.
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
FAQ
- Is Fort Donelson National Battlefield free to visit?
- Fort Donelson National Battlefield does not charge a standard entrance fee. Check the official NPS page for the latest details on any activity or permit fees before you go.
- What are the hours at 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 …
- Do I need a reservation for Fort Donelson National Battlefield?
- No timed-entry reservation is currently required to enter Fort Donelson National Battlefield. Campgrounds and permits may still need to be booked separately on Recreation.gov.