The US won a significant victory early in the Civil War at the Battle of Mill Springs. Explore the rolling fields of Kentucky where the battle took place and learn about that state's strategic importance to both sides of the fight.
Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument Visitor Center is a tall, fort-like structure, placed on top of a hill beside the Mill Springs National Cemetery. A historic wall separates the two locations.
A historic stone wall with a wrought iron gate leads into Zollicoffer Park. You first enter the park in lightly wooded area with a small cement walkway that leads to the stone obelisk monument to Confederate General Felix K. Zollicoffer to the front and to the right, to the marker for the Confederate mass grave. To the right are the symbolic Confederate headstones and to the left is an open field with a rail fence laid diagonal on the hillside. Down the hill that the main area of the park sits on is a heavily wooded area, through which winds the moderately difficult Ravine Trail which guides visitors through the ravine from which Confederate troops fought during the battle.
A gravel driveway goes up a small hill to a small gravel parking lot. In front of the lot is a small open field with a few foundational stones visible in the ground. There is an informational sign placed in front of the foundation stones.
This stop is a small gravel pull off to the side of KY 235. There is an informational sign talking about the significance of Timmy's Branch next to the pull off.
Small gravel parking lot in front of a fence with a trail to the right that leads past an information sign to a cannon overlooking the Confederate earthworks. A trail to the left takes visitors further into the park and to multiple other informational signs.
A gravel roadbed with a brown sign that reads "Tour Stop #8: Ferry Crossing" and a wayside panel describing the evacuation of the Confederate army from Beech Grove. The roadbed is flanked on both sides by trees that lead down to Lake Cumberland.
Mill Springs Battlefield Visitor Center and Museum
The National Park Service operates the Visitor Center and Museum in Nancy, KY. A free 20-minute film about the Battle of Mill Springs is available for viewing in the Visitor Center. There are restrooms and a research library. The museum features the Combat on the Cumberland exhibit with Civil War artifacts and replicas.
Become a Junior Ranger at Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument
Learn how you can earn your Junior Ranger badge at Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument!
Become a B.A.R.K. Ranger at Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument
Bring your canine companion with you to explore Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument, and they can earn their very own B.A.R.K. Ranger badge!
Tours
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Self-Guided Audio Battlefield Tour
A self-guided audio tour discussing eight important sites of the Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument. This comprehensive audio tour will share images of the sites as well as linked videos with personal stories of the soldiers and civilians who experienced this crucial battle.
