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Fort Donelson National Battlefield

Dover, TN

Historical
4 (5 reviews)

Where are we going?

Address: 120 Lock D Rd, Dover, TN 37058, USA How do we get there? Number: 931 232-5706
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Attractions Family Days Out
Attractions in Dover
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About this activity

The Civil War is certainly something everyone learns in school. As you should - it's such an important part of American history! What better way to learn about certain battles within the war, than to visit the actual locations that they occurred!

The Fort Donelson National Battlefield is a place in Tennessee that had an amazing and history changing impact on the direction the Civil War was taking. In 1862, February in fact (the 16th if you want to know!) Fort Donelson surrendered, meaning the victory was to the Union. 

This created a pathway to victory for the Union, and it is now a place that the whole family can visit on your family day out!

The visitor center is the best place for you to start your historic adventure. It is filled with exhibits that fascinating artifacts and information all about the war and what happened at the Fort Donelson National Battlefield. 

Explore the exhibit all about the Underground Railroad in the USA, as well as an orientation film that tells you the story of the two generals in the battle!

Make your way round the battlefield with the self-guided tour. That means you can just take your time! There are 6 miles that you can enjoy, and there are park rangers there to answer any questions that you may have! 

Nearby, there are three forts that the confederates actually built themselves, Fort Donelson being one of them. It's an earthen fort that became a refuge site for slaves seeking freedom, just like Fort Heiman and Fort Henry.

A fascinating look into the past!

Activity location

Directions

Map
Park Staff
Map of North Middle Tennessee


Getting Here
Plane
The area is served by airports in Nashville and Jackson, TN or Paducah, KY. Car rental services are available.

Car
The park is located in Dover, Tennessee, northwest of Nashville. From Nashville, take I-24W to Clarksville (Exit 4). Take a left on Wilma Rudolph Blvd. Stay on this highway until you reach 101st Airborne Division Pkwy. Take a right at this intersection. This highway will change into Hwy. 374. From Hwy 374, turn right on Hwy. 79 South. Follow signs to Dover (approximately 30 miles). The visitor center is one mile west of the town.

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How much does it cost?

Hilton

Adults

Free!

Hilton

Children

Free!

Hilton

Last Updates

2022

Fort Donelson National Battlefield FAQ’s

The park services have really taken the care to preserve this amazing historic site. Help them out by following regulations and not leaving any rubbish!

There are picnic areas so why not bring your own lunch and enjoy your favourite treats surrounded by history!

Get the kids taking part in the Junior Ranger Program! There is also a Junior Civil War historian program too!

There is a bookstore that you can pick up some great items that can continue your education into the Civil War history!

Kids can enjoy the battlefield instead of the classroom, but a Park Ranger can also visit the classroom! Give them a call for details!

All of the visitor center facilities are handicapped accessible.

There is limited staff, so guided tours aren't available on a daily basis.

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