Fort Donelson National Battlefield
| Address: | 120 Lock D Rd, Dover, TN 37058, USA |
| Phone: | +1 931-232-5706 |
| Site: | nps.gov |
| Rating: | 4.6 |
| Working: | 8AM–6PM 8AM–6PM 8AM–6PM 8AM–6PM 8AM–6PM 8AM–6PM 8AM–6PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 33
K
K Aug
One of the many battlefields in the south. This one is not very big or well known but may have been one of the most important battles. This is where Ulysses S Grant was made famous. He accepted surrender from one of his classmates from West Point. I took my niece here, who is 10. She loves doing the junior ranger activities. This park has a very involved junior ranger activity book. We had to travel throughout the park to log several activities in order for her to get her pin and badge. There are a few sites that are part of the park but are a few miles away. Such as the hotel where the surrender was signed and the cemetery. There are some hiking trails, which I did not check out. Walking through the main fort area would not be strenuous as it is mostly level. The gift shop was undergoing a renovation at the time and was being temporarily housed but it was still done up very nicely. There was a shot 15 minute film you could watch and the ladies there were very helpful and full of knowledge.
TO
Topher Kersting
Fort Donelson National Battlefield Park tells the story of one of the critical battles of the Civil War, where General Grant defeated his friend, General Simon Bolivar Buckner, to open the route for Union troops to enter the Confederacy. When we went, the Visitor Center was closed for renovation, but the temporary facility was pretty good. The rangers and volunteers were friendly and helpful, and my daughter enjoyed earning three Junior Ranger badges (Fort Donelson, Underground Railroad, and Eco Ranger). It is definitely well worth a detour on a drive from Nashville to St. Louis.
JE
Jeff Moran
Originally, I planned on staying only two hours, but my visit actually turned into 4 hours because the "small" battlefield was larger than I anticipated. The visitor centers ranger was helpful in answering my question why the Union Gun Boats suffered so much damage in attacking the fort. Fort Donelson also had a phone number that you could call at each stop to hear an explanation what you were seeing. Do make sure you stop at the hotel surrender house to see additional displays.
TH
TheKyPerson
I am a huge Civil War buff and I try to go to Fort Donelson every year. I love the museum - its small but it has a lot of interesting artifacts and I enjoy walking the trail to the Cumberland River where the cannon emplacements were. I can only imagine the chaos and noise of the battle. On another note, I always look forward to seeing the bald eagles. They were on the verge of extinction when I was a child, and now they are almost a common sight.
RI
Rita Dunlap
Wonderful Civil War site to visit. Helpful staff. You know your family member that fought there...they can tell you exactly their Battle History and send you to grassy trench they fought in. Site of Bald Eagle nesting. Some 24 Eaglets in about 22 years. "THE EAGLE LADY VOLUNTEER" drives throughout the park near the huge eagle nest. Has great pictures of past hatchlings to show you. Super knowledgeable. Cabins for rent. Outdoor pavilion and playground.
JO
Joshua Godwin
An awesome Civil War battlefield. A very nice self-guided tour to take. They were renovating the visitor center when I went with my family and a friends family, so all the information was in a temporary spot at the county community building. A great spot for a day trip to drive and see the spots, or if the weather is nice you can walk/hike most of it. Lovely views and lots of wildlife as well.
MA
matt jackson
Great little fort (earthworks really) that are decently preserved considering they are over 150 years old. Nice hiking area, free-flying bald eagles and an informative short driving tour that covers the area of the battle. A visit is quick, maybe two hours if you visit the museum and are interested in the site. Well preserved and friendly staff.
MO
Morgan W
We did the driving tour. All of the stops are very well marked and the sites very well taken care of. Also has a nice restroom facility. The visitor center was under conduction, and we did not go to the temporary one, to I cannot comment on the quality of that, but I am sure it is well put together.
JO
Joe Barnosky
Great battlefield with some spectacular views. There is a large eagle nesting ground here, but unfortunately only got to see one. Apparently went when the nesting season was practically over. The staff are very friendly and there is a tremendous amount of history here. Well worth the visit.
RO
Robert Damon
Very good battle field. You must understand that this is NOT a classic fort, but an area. Nevertheless this is well worth seeing but u must stop at the visitors center and get the map, free, as it explains all of the numbered tour stops as u drive.
MI
Michael Rucker
Fort Donelson where Grant got his nickname - Unconditional Surrender Nathan Bedford Forrest did not like the idea of Surrender here and was able to escape to hound the Yankees for the rest of the war. Surrender Hotel - Dover Hotel
RI
Richard Keith Sr
Great place to go for the civil war history but nowadays we go in hopes of catching a glimpse of the resident bald eagles in the park. Also a nice place to go for a picnic or just to look at the river.
DO
Douglas Mlecko
Very cool place. Lots of fortifications too wander in. Good guide info. Make sure to use the phone friendly guide, it plays tour guide for you at different sites.
SW
Swafford Cummings
Interesting historical community based on Cival War. Great water sports area as well Land Between the Lakes Area. Friendly Small town atmosphere
NE
Newt Rayburn
Fort Donelson is a national treasure and a well maintained Civil War battlefield. I look forward to the day when I can return again!
EV
Evey Eloisa
Amazing trails and I saw a cute baby fox ! Wanted to drink it home with me so bad ! Ha I love the hiking and history lesson too.
JE
Jennifer Embry
My family and I stopped by during the winter and were pleased to see nesting bald eagles and nice driving tour. We enjoyed it.
JA
Jachin Bateman
Another one of Tennessees prize state parks. Well laid out and clean. Great views! Come during eagle nesting and bird watch.
KE
Kenneth J Kiwicz
Cool place to explore. There are some Bald Eagle nesting areas close to the site where you can get close to the birds.
GR
Greg Mitchell
Nice experience. The updated museum is well worth the visit. The ranger was very friendly and helpful.
BI
Bill Holden
Only had time to get my cancellation stamp and talk with a father and son that were on Harleys from Ohio.
RI
Richard Edwards
This is the place where General Ulysses S. Grant got the nickname Unconditional Surrender Grant.
DE
Devin Ferrell
Pretty cool glad we have something to protect our river there is a little cage thing there to
RO
Robert Wagner
Easy to drive around and see the sites without walking. Great views of the battlefield.
GR
Greg Parkes
Awesome American Civil War battlefield. NPS has done a good job interpreting the site!
KA
Kathryn Baggett
Great place to walk, play pokémon, and spend time with the family and learn history!
RI
Rich Tennant
Love looking in on the Bald Eagles, we stop back frequently to watch the eaglets.
JE
Jesse Campbell
Excellent small National Military Park with scenic views of the Cumberland River.
LA
Laura Grammer
Great place if you like civil war facts and a beautiful drive to the water!
BR
Brian Wilson
Take the tour, great site with an incredible view of the Cumberland River.
SH
Shaun Southworth
Love this area, great place for just relaxing and amazing the history.
WI
windjackal42
Sites are not very visible. Those that are are intresting
JO
Jose Perez
Part of our American History that should be keep alive .
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