Photo: NPS
Weather now87°F Sunny
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.
Visitor Access to Fort Donelson NB Park Lands: Pedestrian Access is from sunrise to sunset. Automobile Access to Fort Donelson NB Park Roads 8:00 am – 6:00 p.m. daily.
7 experiences from the National Park Service. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
An excellent way to understand the historic site include the self-guided auto tour.
Learn more about Fort Donelson NB Autotour Route on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Fort Donelson: Then and Now
Learn more about Fort Donelson: Then and Now on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
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…
Learn more about Hike the Trails at Fort Donelson NB on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Visitor Center
Learn more about Stop by the Fort Donelson NB Visitor Center on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Junior Rangers
Learn more about Want to Become a Junior Ranger? on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)Showing 7 of 7
Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
Find visitor services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Facility
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…
120 Fort Donelson Park Road, Dover, TN (931) 232-5706 Directions
Daily, 8:00AM - 4:30PM · 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
| Monday | 8:00AM - 4:30PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 8:00AM - 4:30PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00AM - 4:30PM |
| Thursday | 8:00AM - 4:30PM |
| Friday | 8:00AM - 4:30PM |
| Saturday | 8:00AM - 4:30PM |
| Sunday | 8:00AM - 4:30PM |
No entrance fees listed.
89° 59°
92° 61°
92° 69°
Updated 2 hr ago
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.
Buglers played an important role in the American Civil War. Child and adult buglers issued daily orders throughout camp, provided orders on the battlefield, and helped rally troops. Join us and hear some of the bugle calls soldiers at Fort Donelson heard over 160 years ago.
Join in discussion about the medical care that took place before and after the surrender on February 16, learning of the logistics, period medical procedures, and individuals who went above and beyond in their care of the wounded.
This program explores the Confederate attacks near Wynn’s Ferry Road and how the strained relationship between Brig. Gens. Gideon Pillow and Simon Buckner affected the Confederate surrender.
The night after the Battle of Fort Donelson, the three ranking Confederate generals decide the fate of their army and themselves. One will accept his fate, one will flee and one will betray the very soldiers who fought for him. How would you react to their decisions? Discuss their actions with a ranger at the Dover Hotel (Tour Stop 10). Headquarters of Confederate Brigadier General Simon Bolivar Buckner.
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.
Mailing address: 174 National Cemetery Drive, Dover, TN 37058
Ask about trails, fees, weather, events, or planning your visit.
AI answers can be wrong. Check official NPS info before you go.
