Physical / Mobility

Mechanical chairlift intended to assist visitors to the museum room and to the restrooms in the basement.

NPS

Our temporary Visitor Center is located 120 Fort Donelson Park Road, Dover, TN 37058. We encourage you to check out this accessible facility!

The Mission 66-era Park Visitor Center architecture was common at the time in many national parks. After many attempts with renovation, the National Park Service finally secured funding to make the structure both accessible and sustainable for future generations. In fiscal year 2015, the park began undertaking a project to modify the Visitor Center to make all spaces and rooms accessible. The progress continues in 2021!

The museum and exhibit room were renovated by December 2013. However, it was still located down a fight of stairs, just off the lobby and main entrance. Visitors had to access this area, and the restrooms in the basement, by a mechanical chairlift. Visitors needing or desiring the chairlift had to be assisted by park staff.

Things To Do - Fort Donelson National Battlefield (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

 

Accessible platform at the Lower River Battery

The view from the Water Batteries, Tour Stop #4, is remarkable. Not only is it beautiful any time of the year, you also have a commanding view of the Cumberland River, much like the Confederate gunners did in February, 1862. And, as a bonus, you might get to see migratory waterfowl including bald eagles.

There is presently an accessible boardwalk above the Lower River Battery with exhibits.

 

The historic Dover Hotel is accessible for park visitors

NPS

Many of the sites on the park tour provide accessible exhibits and multimedia programs. The Dover Hotel (Tour Stop #10) provides accessible walkways and wheelchair ramps to one Exhibit Room.