A visit to this park perched high above the Mississippi River brings to mind the Battle of Belmont, fought on November 7, 1861. Today, visitors can still view the massive chain and anchor once used by the Confederacy to block the passage of Union gunboats.
Things to do
Top Five Things to Do
- Rest and Relax: Unwind at the scenic campground overlooking the Mississippi River, offering breathtaking views.
- Snack Bar Treats: Indulge in the park’s Snack Bar, famous for its delicious soft serve ice cream and Quickie Dogs.
- Hike Through History: Explore the trails winding through the historic Civil War earthworks.
- Civil War Relics: Marvel at the massive anchor and chain that once spanned the Mississippi River, a strategic defense during the Civil War.
- Civil War Museum: Discover the park’s rich history at the Civil War Museum, housed in a building that once served as a hospital during the conflict.
Birding During spring and fall, the park becomes a haven for birdwatchers, with a multitude of migratory songbirds passing through from mid-April to mid-May and early September to mid-October. At least two dozen species of warblers can be spotted, along with flycatchers, vireos, thrushes, tanagers, eagles, and orioles. A highlight is the Mississippi Kite, present from early May to late August. The best birding spots are the woodland edges and overlooks along the bluff with stunning views of the Mississippi River.
Boating Launch your boat onto the Mississippi River using the available ramps.
Gift Shop Browse a selection of Civil War and Kentucky-themed items at the park’s gift shop, open from May to Labor Day and on weekends through September. Appointments are available for visits from October to April.
Hiking Take a 2.5-mile self-guided hike through the park. As you walk along the bluffs and through the massive earthworks that once formed Confederate trenches, the drama of the Civil War comes vividly to life.
Miniature Golf Enjoy a fun round of miniature golf with the whole family on the park’s course, open daily from May to Labor Day and on weekends through September.
Picnicking The park offers picnic tables, grills, and a playground, along with four picnic shelters available for rental up to a year in advance.
Camping & RV
Columbus-Belmont is part of the Kentucky Great River Road, offering exciting events and activities across the four Kentucky counties that border the Mississippi River. Enjoy a relaxing stay at the river cliff campground, featuring 38 sites equipped with utility hookups and grills. The campground also has a central service area with restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. Pets are welcome, provided they are restrained. The campground is open year-round, though water is only available at select sites during the winter months.
For those seeking a bit more comfort, the park offers two rental camping trailers and a cozy log cabin. The trailers each have a kitchen, bathroom, and can sleep up to six people. The log cabin, perfect for two, utilizes the campground’s shared facilities. To reserve these accommodations, please call the park directly.
Operations
Hours of Operation
- Park Grounds: Open from April 1 to October 15, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Camping and Park: Open year-round.
Meetings/Groups
Groups looking to escape the urban rush will find a peaceful setting at this scenic park above the Mississippi River. The park’s modern meeting facility is nestled in the surrounding forest and features two meeting rooms. The largest room spans 2,400 square feet and can accommodate up to 180 people in a classroom-style setup. The smaller room is 520 square feet and seats up to 32 people in a banquet-style arrangement.
Columbus-Belmont welcomes meetings, retreats, training sessions, holiday parties, weddings, and special events. For catering options, consult our staff for a list of local providers. Please refer to the Meeting Space Matrix for detailed information on room capacities, dimensions, and square footage.
Shelters are available for rental from April 1 to October 31.
Museum
Columbus-Belmont State Park is a designated National Scenic Byway, National Trail of Tears Site, and part of the Civil War Heritage Trail. The park’s museum offers educational exhibits about the area and the Civil War for visitors of all ages. Additional amenities include a snack bar, gift shop, miniature golf, picnic area, and playground. Shelters can be rented up to one year in advance.
The museum, gift shop, snack bar, and mini golf are open daily from May 1 to Labor Day and on weekends through September. They are closed from October 1 to April 30 but can be visited by appointment. Admission is $4.00 for adults (16 and over) and $3.00 for seniors and children.
Trails
Civil War Trail
Explore a 2.5-mile self-guided hiking trail that winds over bluffs and through the massive earthenworks that once formed the Confederate defenses.