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Parks and Recreation

About Your Visit to Fort Negley

Visit Fort Negley and explore the largest inland stone fortification built during the Civil War.

Fort Negley Visitors Center at Sunset

Fort Negley Visitors Center and Park is located at 1100 Fort Negley Blvd.

Contact us at 615-862-8470 or by email.

Park Hours

The Park is open year-round from dawn to dusk for self-guided walking tours. Site maps are available in the mailbox posted behind the stone gates. Restrooms are available during visitors center hours of operation.

Visitors Center Hours of Operation

Winter Hours (September-May)

Tuesday-Friday, Noon-4:00pm
Saturday, 9:00am-4:00pm
And by Appointment

Summer Hours (June-August)

Tuesday-Thursday, Noon-4:00pm
Friday and Saturday, 9:00am-4:00pm
And by Appointment

Bastion and Inner Works

Things to Know Before You Arrive

  • Allow 1.5 to 2.0 hours for your visit.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes.
  • The black top path encircling the fort is about one-half mile long and the boardwalks within the fort are about a quarter-mile long.
  • Fort Negley covers four acres featuring 20 interpretative panels.
  • Fort Negley Visitors Center offers interactive touch screen exhibits and access to the Civil War Soldiers and Sailors Database, which is maintained by the National Park Service.
  • The Visitors Center offers two 20-minute videos. The Fall of Nashville discusses the period between the surrender of Fort Donelson and the arrival of Federal troops in Nashville in mid-February 1862. Defending Nashville: The Story Fort Negley discusses the history of the fort.
  • Restrooms available when the visitors center is open, only.
  • Dogs on leashes are welcome.

Visitor Responsibilities

Fort Negley is a sensitive and fragile historic site owned and operated by Metro Nashville Board of Parks and Recreation. Abide by these requirements to help ensure that the fort is protected for future generations.

  • The park is open during daylight hours, only.
  • DO NOT CLIMB on or otherwise disturb stonework. Some walls are unstable; disturbing them puts your safety and the integrity of the site at risk.
  • Metal detectors, relic hunting, and digging are strictly prohibited. Violators will be prosecuted. (Metro Ordinance BL2011-834)
  • Stay on designated paths and boardwalks.
  • Drugs, alcohol, and firearms are prohibited.
  • Camping is not permitted.
  • Organized events require a permit from the Board of Parks and Recreation.

Located Near Downtown Nashville

From the North: Take I-65 South to exit 81 Wedgewood. Turn right onto Wedgewood Ave. At the first stoplight, turn right onto 8th Avenue S. Turn right onto Chestnut St. Turn left onto Fort Negley Blvd. Fort Negley is on the right.

From the South: Take I-65 North to exit 81 Wedgewood. Turn left onto Wedgewood Ave. At the second stoplight, turn right onto 8th Avenue S. Turn right onto Chestnut St. Turn left onto Fort Negley Blvd. Fort Negley is on the right.

From the East or the West: Take I-24 or I-40 East to I-65 then follow the directions from the North.

From Downtown: Take 8th Avenue South until it intersects Chestnut Street. Turn left onto Chestnut Street. Turn left onto Fort Negley Blvd.

Fort Negley and Metro Parks Logos

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