Fort Donelson National Battlefield

Category: National park

Address: 120 Lock D Rd, Dover, TN 37058, USA

Phone: +19312325706

Opening hours

Sunday: 8AM–4:30PM

Monday: 8AM–4:30PM

Tuesday: 8AM–4:30PM

Wednesday: 8AM–4:30PM

Thursday: 8AM–4:30PM

Friday: 8AM–4:30PM

Saturday: 8AM–4:30PM

Reviews

Garry Thompson

Jul 9, 2022

Fort Donelson was an important early battle of the Civil War. It was here that General Ulysses S. Grant got the nickname "Unconditional Surrender Grant." Fort Donelson was an earthen Fort located on the banks of the Cumberland River. Union Troops under the command of General Grant defeated the Confederates which allowed them to move deep into to the south at Shiloh and eventually Vicksburg. There are several cannon placements overlooking the river from behind the earth works. There are also a number of markers, monuments and plaques that provide details of important events that occurred during the battle. The main visitors center is closed for renovations and rangers are working out of a temporary building which also features a small gift shop. The driving tour is the best way to see the battlefield. Just follow the map that you can pickup from one of the rangers at the visitors center. I am a reader so it took me a little more than an hour to tour the battlefield before moving on to the nearby National Cemetery and the Dover Hotel. Fort Donelson is a very well managed and maintained battlefield and the rangers are very helpful and knowledgeable, It a little out of the way but well worth the effort to visit.

TheRed BridgeFarm

May 3, 2022

Very well displayed. Some signs show aging but are still readable. Lots of visuals to walk around and see. Deffinetly worth visiting. The lady at tge information center was great. She gave me lots of information and answered lots of questions.

Missouri Born

Mar 22, 2022

Beautiful and perfectly re-creation of the fortifications. The view is spectacular. After visiting numerous other battlefields, this may be my favorite of them all. You can feel the battle going on as the ships come up the river and the Rebels hold them off with their cannons. This fortress makes you want to be a kid again.

Lindsey Loo

Jan 2, 2022

I love this spot. The history lesson is a Must & the hiking is beautiful. Lots of wildlife to be seen also, for example Eagles 🦅 😆. My fave! This a great, free spot to get some fresh air & sightsee.

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Questions & Answers

Are the original guns on display at fort Donaldson

Philip Bailey | Jul 23, 2019
Deanna Trussell | Jul 24, 2019

Yes

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We are camping with our dog, can we take her with us here?

Deneen Hymer | Jul 23, 2019
Lara Schrimpshire | Jul 24, 2019

Yes you can on leash and clean up after

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How many people died in the .

Pretty_ Derika | Jul 23, 2018
James Sullivan | Jul 24, 2018

Total Casualties Federal: 507 killed; 1,976 wounded; 200 captured/missing Confederate: 327 killed; 1,127 wounded, 12,392 captured/missing

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If you have an above average interest in the Civil War, about how much time should be allowed to drive the tour, do some walking and enjoy the park?

Bradley Owen | Jul 23, 2019
MATT PEARSON | Jul 24, 2019

I'd say depending on interest level and how much walking you want to do, you can spend anywhere from 30 minutes to 2, maybe 3 hours

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What is your guys culture?

Celester Alailefue | Jul 23, 2019
Marlon Smotherman | Jul 24, 2019

Fort Donelson is a civil war military battlefield where many American lives were sacrificed on both sides of the battlefield. There are remnants of this historical battle still present today especially the many graves that mark the resting place of many brave young men who endured harsh conditions to fight.

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How long is the visitors center going to be closed ? We absolutely loved the park and hope to visit again

Lorri Goode | Jul 23, 2019
Deb Tyson | Jul 24, 2019

When I was there the visitors center was open. It's not at the entrance of the park it's on the opposite side of the road a little farther down

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Are dogs allowed

Shirlee Carter | Jul 23, 2018
Justin Webb | Jul 24, 2018

I'm not sure, it is a park and I know people not throughout it. Definitely would have to be on a leash if they do.

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Are pets allowed in the park?

t h o t s l a y e r | Jul 23, 2018
Ellen Micheletti | Jul 24, 2018

Yes, on leash.

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is the park open today jan 1?

Andrew M. Young | Jul 23, 2018
CamPing | Jul 24, 2018

the buildings are closed for construction. the park is open every day.

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