EXTRAORDINARY LANDSCAPES. ENDURING STORIES.

Fort Donelson National Battlefield

River defenses & a Civil War campaign
Tennessee · Kentucky
Scenic header: A commanding view of the Cumberland River from the Upper Artillery Battery · NPS · Photo credits
TAKE TIME TO DISCOVER

River defenses & a Civil War campaign

Earthworks and river batteries reveal the setting of an important early Civil War campaign. Interpretation and a driving circuit connect the military story with the landscape.

A related destination: Fort Donelson National Battlefield is included for its scenery or history and is identified here by its current designation. It is not counted as a national monument.

The View from the Upper River Battery
A commanding view of the Cumberland River from the Upper Artillery Battery
NPS · Photo credits
Hallowed ground.
The Fort Donelson National Cemetery, final resting place for Soldiers who fell in battle during the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II.
NPS Photo · Photo credits
BUILD A MEMORABLE VISIT

What to explore

  • 01River batteries
  • 02Visitor interpretation
  • 03Fort Donelson National Cemetery

Before you go

The current designation is national battlefield. Check current museum and road access; the unit also includes the separate Fort Heiman site in Kentucky.

Give the place time

Choose a manageable walk, viewpoint or tour, and allow time for interpretation. Gateway areas help orient the visit; they are not exact entrance directions.

Make the details easy

Confirm the specific facilities, walking surfaces and vehicle access your group needs. Tours, transport and special access may require separate arrangements.

Official visitor information ↗Plan your visit →

Check the official source for current access, hours, fees, reservations, permits and alerts. Photos may show earlier conditions. Suggested highlights are visit ideas, not a guarantee that every area is currently open.