Dover (Tennessee) Shore Excursion Reviews

Fort Donelson: Built in a key location overlooking the Cumberland River, Fort Donelson and its array of cannon, mortar and rifled cannon made it an imposing presence during the Civil War. Held briefly by Confederate forces, it fell to the Union Army in early 1862 and was their first major victory. At the Visitors Center, you can see a film detailing the construction of the fort and the battle there, then walk the ramparts and paths to the lower and upper batteries at the fort where the long river views reveal the importance of this fort's location. (120 Fort Donelson Park Road; 931-232-5706; open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily mid-March to mid-October; 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. mid-October to mid-March)

Fort Donelson National Cemetery: This small cemetery was established as the final resting place for Union soldiers who fell during the Civil War, but today contains graves from the Spanish-American War, World War I and II, as well as Korean War and Vietnam War veterans. (120 Fort Donelson Shores Road; 931-232-5706; open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily)

W.D. Sykes Historical Museum: At the W.D. Sykes Historical Museum, you'll see one of the loveliest homes in Dover. Built in the late 1800s by the Brandon Family, the Showboat-style home is now a museum detailing the history of Dover. Displays include an organ that was originally on a steamship, photos of the town and region, and placards expanding on events important to the history of the town. (174 Church Street)

Dover Hotel/The Surrender House: This onetime hotel was the site of the unconditional surrender of Confederate General Buckner to Union General Ulysses S. Grant in February 1862. The exterior is largely unchanged since the surrender, but the interior features a small room with interpretive exhibits and a film detailing the battle for Fort Donelson and the Union occupation of the town after the battle, as told through letters and diaries of townsfolk. (101 Petty Street; 931-232-5706; open daily 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.)