Kentucky Department of Parks

Columbus-Belmont State Park Columbus-Belmont State Park Columbus, often called the "Gibraltar of the West" by the Confederates, was considered by them the key to their defense of the upper Mississippi River valley.

Columbus-Belmont State Park

Canon at Columbus-Belmont State ParkColumbus-Belmont State Park is a 156-acre site that played a fascinating role in the War Between the States. This is the site of fortifications built by the Confederates and later occupied by Union forces. The 1861 Battle of Belmont, a raid fought to test the strength of this Confederate stronghold, marked the opening of the Union's Western Campaign. It was also Union General Ulysses S. Grant's first active engagement in the Civil War. Some of the artillery, which shelled the Union troops, and the six-ton anchor that held the great chain stretching across the river, are on display in the park.

Trails

There is a 2.5-mile self-guided hiking trail in the Park. Dramatic images of the Civil War come to mind when walking on the bluffs and massive earthen works that formed the Confederate trenches.

Museum

Museum exhibit at Columbus-Belmont State Park Students of all ages can learn about the area and the Civil War in the museum. The park has a snack bar, gift shop, miniature golf, a picnic area and playground with shelters that are available for rental up to one year in advance.

The museum is open daily May through September and weekends in October (or by appointment). Admission is $2.00 for adults and $1.50 for children. Discounted rate for groups of 10 or more is $1.50 adults and $1.00 children.  The gift shop, snack bar, and mini golf are open daily May through Labor Day and weekends in September.

Teachers click here for class tour information. (Adobe PDF)

Camping

RV Campers at Columbus-Belmont State ParkCampers relax amid beautiful settings on the river cliff campground. The campground has 38 sites with utility hookups and grills. A central service building offers rest rooms, showers, and laundry facilities. Pets are allowed if restrained. Campground open year-round with limited facilties during the winter months.

Hours of Operation

  • Grounds: Open November 1 to March 31, gates close daily at 3:00 pm.
  • Museum/Giftshop: Open Monday through Friday by appointment only in April. Open 7 days a week beginning May 1st.
  • Campground: Open year round (no water in winter).
  • Meeting Facility: Available for rental.

Things To Do

Boat ramps onto the Mississippi River available.


View of the Mississippi River

The entire family will enjoy playing a round on the park's miniature golf course. Open daily May - Labor Day and weekends through September.

RATES:

  • $3.00 Ages 17 & older
  • $2.00 Ages 16 & under

The park's facilities include picnic tables, grills and a playground, as well as four picnic shelters. Shelters available for rental up to one year in advance.

Groups appreciate the opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of urban life at this small, scenic park perched above the Mississippi River. The park’s contemporary meeting facility blends into the surrounding forestland with its two meeting rooms.

The largest of the meeting rooms is 2,400 square feet and can seat up to 180 people in a classroom style of seating. The smaller of the two rooms is 520 square feet and will comfortably seat 32 people in banquet style set-up.

Meetings, retreats, training sessions, holiday parties, weddings and special events are welcome at Columbus-Belmont. Ask our staff for a listing of local caterers. Please review the Meeting Space Matrix for exact capacities, dimensions and square footage of the meeting rooms.

Shelters are available for rental from April 1 to October 31. Activities building open year-round for rental.

Download meeting space fact sheet here.

Gift Shop

Browse our wonderful selection of Kentucky handcrafts in the gift shop. Open April 1 to October 31. Open weekends October and April and daily May through September.

Snack Bar

Sandwiches, soft drinks, ice cream, and snacks can be purchased at the park snack bar. Open daily May through Labor Day, weekends through September.

Make A Reservation


Gift Card

Purchase your Unbridled Spirit gift card now!

Maps & Directions

              Interactive GIS Map
Visit our Maps page for facility maps and directions to the park.

Shelter Rental

The four picnic shelters may be reserved for rental up to one year in advance.

Featured Event

CIVIL WAR DAYS AT COLUMBUS
10/8/2010 - 10/10/2010

The weekend will include battle reenactments, living history and encampments. Friday is "education day". Schools, scouts, groups and clubs are encouraged to schedule field trips. Battles will be held at 2:00 p.m. both Sat. and Sun. There will be a Ghost Walk on Friday evening and a Civil War Ball on Saturday night. Sunday morning services and a Memorial Service at Columbus Cemetery. Sutlers and food vendors will be on site to serve the needs of the reenactors and visiting guests. Special entertainment daily. For more information call Park Office (270-677-2327) or email cindy.lynch@ky.gov


More Information


Contact Information

Columbus-Belmont State Park
350 Park Road
Columbus, KY 42032-0009
Telephone: 270-677-2327
Park Manager: Cindy Lynch