Fort Donelson National Battlefield

In February 1862, Ulysses S. Grant and Flag Officer Andrew Foote captured Fort Donelson on the Cumberland River, the first major Union victory of the Civil War, earning Grant the name 'Unconditional Surrender' and opening two rivers into the South. The park preserves the fort's earthworks, river batteries, and a national cemetery.

Walk the big river gun batteries and visit the national cemetery; young kids can earn a Junior Ranger badge. For a challenge, hike the battlefield's trails from the water batteries up through the ground of the Confederate breakout attempt.