Columbus‑Belmont State Park – Kentucky’s Civil War Trail & Scenic Riverfront
Location
350 Park Road, Columbus, KY 42032
Top 5 Things to Do
- Relax at the river‑front campground with panoramic views of the Mississippi.
- Indulge in the park’s snack bar—famous for soft‑serve ice cream and quickie dogs.
- Hike the 2.5‑mile trail that traverses Civil War earthworks.
- See the historic anchor and chain once stretched across the river.
- Explore the Civil War Museum, a former battlefield hospital.
Columbus‑Belmont lies along the Kentucky Great River Road, offering events and attractions across four Mississippi‑border counties.
Hours of Operation
Park Grounds: April 1 – Oct 15, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
Winter: 8 a.m.–dark.
Museum: By appointment only.
Camping & park open year round.
Camping
The river‑cliff campground features 38 sites with utility hookups, grills, and shared restroom, shower, and laundry facilities. Pets are welcome on a leash. Water is available to the campground, though not to each site in winter.
Two rental trailers and a log cabin are also available by phone. Each trailer offers a kitchen, bath, and sleeps six; the cabin sleeps two and uses the campground’s shared amenities.
Meeting & Event Spaces
The park’s contemporary meeting facility blends into the forest, offering two rooms: a 2,400‑sq‑ft room seating up to 180 people and a 520‑sq‑ft room seating 32 in banquet style.
Ideal for retreats, training, holiday parties, weddings, and corporate events. Shelter rentals are available from April 1 to Oct 31, and the conference center is open year‑round. Click here for more information on hosting a group or wedding.
Museum & Visitor Center
As a National Scenic Byway, National Trail of Tears Site, and Civil War Heritage Trail location, the museum offers educational exhibits for all ages. It is open daily May 1–Labor Day and weekends through September; closed Oct 1–Apr 30 (by appointment only).
Admission: $4.00 adults (16+), $3.00 seniors & children, $2.00 per person for groups of 10+. Gift shop, snack bar, and mini‑golf also open during the same schedule.
Activities
- Birding: Spring & fall migrations bring warblers, flycatchers, vireos, thrushes, tanagers, eagles, orioles, and the Mississippi Kite.
- Boating: Mississippi River boat ramps available.
- Gift Shop: Civil War & Kentucky memorabilia, open May–Labor Day & weekend September.
- Hiking: 2.5‑mile self‑guided trail showcasing Civil War trenches and bluffs.
- Miniature Golf: Family‑friendly course open daily May–Labor Day & weekends through September.
- Picnicking: Picnic tables, grills, playground, and four shelters available for rental up to one year in advance.
