Columbus-Belmont State Park

Near Columbus, Kentucky, on the banks of the Mississippi River, Columbus-Belmont State Park has 156 acres of historical interest and outdoor recreation area for visitors to enjoy. The area was once the site of a Confederate fortification built during the Civil War.

Columbus-Belmont State Park is a National Trail of Tears site, one spot on the Civil War Heritage Trail, and is a National Scenic Byway. The park features a museum with information about the U.S. Civil War, as well as a snack bar, gift shop, playground, picnic area, and picnic shelters available for rental.

One of the park’s significant features is Polk’s giant chain, which used to be a mile long before it was partially destroyed. The anchor weighed somewhere between four and six tons. The Civilian Conservation Corps built a stone monument to hold the chain during the Great Depression.

For a little exercise, there are biking and hiking trails you can walk or ride. One is a service road that leads to the museum, and the other is a short trail just over half a mile long. For an overnight visit at Columbus-Belmont State Park, visitors can enjoy the relaxing river cliff campground with 38 sites with hookups and grills. There is a central comfort station with showers and laundry. 

Camping is open year-round, but some sites may not have running water during winter months. Alternatively, there is a log cabin that sleeps two. Columbus-Belmont State Park is open all year-round. The museum, snack bar, gift shop, and mini golf are open seasonally, between May 1 through Labor Day and weekends only during the month of September.

Leashed pets are welcome at Columbus-Belmont State Park. Keep pets under control and on best behavior. Always remove pet waste and be respectful of park rules and other visitors. On the Western edge of Kentucky, Columbus-Belmont State Park offers historical sites and plenty of recreation to keep you and your furry friends busy.