Living History Programs

A cannon firing.
By participating in our Living History Program, you will understand the experiences of soldiers and civilians that witnessed the Battle of Mill Springs.

NPS

 

 

Living History Schedule - 2025 Season

 
A group of infantrymen wearing grey Confederate uniform lined up, holding their muskets.
American Civil War living historians wait to begin their infantry drill at Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument.

NPS

 
A schedule of cannon demonstrations for 2025.
The 2025 Historic Weapons Program Demonstration Schedule.

NPS

The King of Battle:
Artillery Drill and
Firing Demonstrations

Memorial Day - Labor Day
Every 4th Saturday of the month.

Experience the power and awe of Civil War artillery. Listen to the cannons roar and learn from a Park Ranger about the training Civil War artillerists went through, as well as the significance of artillery to the story of the Battle of Mill Springs.

Visitors get a unique experience to see, hear, smell, and feel the booming of Civil War artillery just like Civil War soldiers did! Teamwork made these guns efficient and effective during Civil War combat and today without our trained teams ensuring your safety, we could not do these amazing programs.

These free programs last 20 minutes and safety messaging is given to the public before firing demonstrations.

 
A park ranger leading a talk
A park ranger leading a talk

NPS

Guided Battlefield Walks: Wednesday-Sunday: 10:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM (ET)


Come learn about the fateful battle that played out on these hallowed grounds on the rainy morning of January 19, 1862. Learn about the events that led up to the struggle for Kentucky that played out on William Logan’s farm. This 45 minute ranger walk will take you along the Mill Springs Battlefield to the sites where some of the most fierce fighting and unusual incidents took place, as well as help you understand the circumstances that led to this major Civil War battle being fought right here in Nancy, Kentucky.
 
A black background with yellow text says "conflict at the crossroads" and white text that says "A Living History Event" and the graphic of a cannon.
Conflict at the Crossroads is the park's premiere living history event!

NPS

Conflict at the Crossroads: A Living History Event

Saturday, November 1, 2025 from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Located at Zollicoffer Park

Come experience a living history encampment, historic weapons demonstrations, and a variety of kid-friendly programming at historic Zollicoffer Park on Highway 235. All activities including parking are free and open to the public.

The "Conflict at the Crossroads" living history event will feature cannon and musket firing demonstrations, a Civil War camp setting, Civil War music, blacksmith demonstrations, "Dress Like a Soldier" and Civil War drill programs, childrens games, and battlefield tours.

Last updated: August 8, 2025

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument
9020 West Highway 80

Nancy, KY 42544

Phone:

606-636-4045

Contact Us

Tools