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.
Photo: NPS / NPS
About 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.
Pair it with another park
TNdrive time
ALdrive time
KYdrive time
MSdrive time
INdrive time
KYdrive time
Driving times from Fort Donelson National Battlefield, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.
Hours
Fort Donelson National Battlefield
- Mon
- 8:00AM - 4:30PM
- Tue
- 8:00AM - 4:30PM
- Wed
- 8:00AM - 4:30PM
- Thu
- 8:00AM - 4:30PM
- Fri
- 8:00AM - 4:30PM
- Sat
- 8:00AM - 4:30PM
- Sun
- 8:00AM - 4:30PM
Activities
Getting there
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.
Frequently asked questions
- What is there to do at Fort Donelson National Battlefield?
- Popular activities include Auto and ATV, Guided Tours, Hiking, Junior Ranger Program, Museum Exhibits, Park Film.
- Which national parks are within a day's drive of Fort Donelson National Battlefield?
- Within about a day's drive you can reach Stones River National Battlefield (2 h 8 min), Trail Of Tears National Historic Trail (2 h 53 min), Mammoth Cave National Park (2 h 54 min), Shiloh National Military Park (2 h 57 min), Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial (3 h 2 min), Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park (3 h 13 min).