It was a slightly rainy day, and I debated about making the trip to Nancy, KY. However, I knew any day at a “National Park” was still going to be a great day and just the break I needed. So Jax and I got in the car, set the tunes, placed our Cirkul water bottles in the cup holders, and this time I actually remembered to pack a snack! Are you ready to hit the road?

The Visitor Center

As we approached the visitor center we could see the cannon outside. When we entered the visitor center, we were instantly greeted by Park Ranger William and an intern, I believe his name was Jared. They do offer a video to watch about the battlefield however, Jax wanted to skip it so we headed right to the museum. As you take a walk through history you see items from the past and learn about people from those times like Nancy Logan, Dortha Hudson, and Felix Zollicoffer. I found the replica setups very interesting as they truly painted a picture of what life was like in the 1800s. Another thing I found interesting was the Zollie Tree and seeing how big the truck was. Dortha Burton would place a wreath around the tree every year since she was 10 years old. Once we exited the museum we made sure to stop in the little gift shop, I always try to buy something to support the park so I grabbed a rifle ink pen for me and Jax plus I got a sticker for my new National Park Passport Journal! We made sure to get our park stamps and if you want to start collecting stamps too grab a passport from the gift store and start stamping! Also, make sure you get the Junior Ranger Book when you get to the visitor center, this is always Jax’s favorite activity as he gets a badge when his book is complete! Most answers can be found in the museum or as Park Ranger William stated they can be found in the video as well.

Tour Stop #1 The Cemetary

Now I highly recommend downloading the National Park app and listening to the audio tour as you set out on the scenic drive. Our first stop was the cemetery which was established in 1867 and originally known as Logan’s Crossroad National Cemetery. It was last recorded to have 722 graves and it is still an active cemetery.

Tour Stop #2 Zollicoffer Park

Zollicoffer Park was one of our favorite stops as we got to not only see where the Zollie Tree originally stood but also got to hike around the ravine taking in the beauty of nature. Listening to the sounds of birds chirping, bees flying, watching squirrels playing and ants hard a work. Yes, Jax made sure we stopped at every anthill! The hike was a 3/4 of a mile trail and was slightly unbalanced at times, but was easy to do with my level of POTS. There is a smaller cemetery here with headstones for the soldiers who died on Jan 19, 1862.

Tour Stop #3 Last Stand Hill

We decided as we pulled into Last Stand Hill that it was time for a snack so we took a little break then got out and saw the cannons on top of the hill overlooking the ravine.

Tour Stop #4 Confederate Field Hospital

This location use to be where Confederate surgeons and other medical personnel set up a temporary hospital to treat the wounded during the battle. a few of the foundation stones of the cabin can still be seen today.

Tour Stop #5 Timmy’s Branch

We did not stop at Timmy’s Branch as there were no signs showing where it was located so we missed it on the drive down. We did see a sign on the way back however, it was later in the day and starting to rain again so we skipped it. They said this is where the first shots were fired during the battlefield.

Tour Stop #6 Moulden’s Hill

Moulden’s Hill offered a pretty sight of nature, we didn’t get out here as it was raining again. The audio tour said this was where the Federal forces stopped while pursuing the Confederate forces after the Jan 19, 1862 battle.

Tour Stop #7 Confederate Fortified Camp at Beech Grove

This was another pretty stop that offered a little bit of walking space. This was the location of the Confederate winter encampment.

Tour Stop #8 Ferry Landing Site

This was by far our favorite stop! As we pulled onto the gravel pull-off and exited the car we were hit with the smell of fresh pine! I love the scent of pine! It was a little walk down to the Cumberland River however, the views are worth it! I showed Jax how to skip rocks and he cooled his feet off in the water. We saw some type of fish jump out of the water and just relaxed by the river bed. We also found an eastern fence lizard that blended in so well, that you could hardly see him on the rock. Jax had so much fun and he didn’t want to leave!

The End

Thank you for traveling down the Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument scenic trail with us! If you want to learn more about the park you can check out their website here. I hope you enjoyed the trip and will join us on our next adventure! Where shall we go next? What will we do? I don’t know but I do know it will be cheap or free! Ready? Set? Let’s go!