Columbus-Belmont State Park Guide

Have you ever been to Columbus-Belmont State Park in Kentucky?

If not, you sure are missing out on a great state park. This state park is very historical and there is a lot to see. There is a museum, hiking trails, and even a snack shop with some really good ice cream.

In this guide, I’ll show you everything you need to know to visit and enjoy Columbus-Belmont State Park in Kentucky.

Information and History About Columbus-Belmont State Park

Columbus-Belmont State Park, as I stated above, is really historical. It was a very famous Civil War site where the Confederate Army stretched a giant chain and anchor across the Mississippi River in an attempt to block Union Forces from coming through. The Battle of Belmont occurred here on November 7, 1861.

Today, the state park offers many different features to its visitors. You can enjoy a museum, interpretive artifacts throughout the park, and a few hiking trails. There is also camping available, ramp access to the Mississippi River, and a snack shop with some of the best ice cream around.

The Columbus-Belmont State Park in Kentucky is fun for people of all ages.

How to Reach Columbus-Belmont State Park

Use this Google Maps Link to get to the main parking area, where you can access most of the state park. Just enter the location you will be driving from.

All of the roads leading to this state park are paved. The park roads and parking lots are also paved. Anyone in a motor vehicle or bicycle should be able to easily reach this state park.

Keep in mind that when there is wintry precipitation or flash flooding, the roads to this state park could be hazardous and impassable. Please plan your visit accordingly and prepare for the weather.

What You Will See at Columbus-Belmont State Park

There is a lot of history at this state park. You can enjoy a museum, gift shop, interpretive signs, and artifacts throughout the park, the anchor-and-chain display, and fortifications built to protect the area during the Civil War.

There is also a beautiful scenic overlook of the Mississippi River. There are some nice CCC-built shelters that add to the park’s history.

There are 2.5 miles of hiking trails in the state park. Some trails are in the main park area, while others are in the woods. These trails are self-guided.

There is also a campground, a miniature golf course, river access, and a store. The store has really good ice cream and other snacks. The campground can accommodate campers and tents.

Special Guidelines and Safety Information

1. Pets are allowed but must be on a leash.
2. Metal detecting is prohibited.
3. Drones are allowed with a permit, license, and insurance.
4. There are no equestrian, bicycle, or OHV trails at this state park.
5. The park and campground are open year-round. Park closes at dusk.

Lodging, Dining, Shopping, and Sightseeing Nearby

Camping is available at Columbus-Belmont State Park. There are 38 sites with utility hookups and grills. There are restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. Water isn’t always available during the winter months.

There is a General Store and a restaurant in the nearby community of Columbus. The State Park also has a snack and ice cream stand.

The museum has a nice gift shop that I recommend checking out.

Nearby hiking and outdoor activities include the Fort Jefferson Hill Scenic Overlook and Wickliffe Mounds in Wickliffe, Kentucky.

Final Advice About Columbus-Belmont State Park

I definitely recommend checking out Columbus-Belmont State Park in Kentucky.

This state park is great for folks who enjoy sightseeing and history. The ice cream is also worth trying if you’ve never had it, and there are a few miles of trail to enjoy, too.

If you’ve enjoyed this free visitor guide and you want to support me for writing it, consider becoming a Patreon Member for just a few dollars a month to get more and show your support.

Be sure to subscribe to my free monthly newsletter for more hiking tips, gear reviews, area guides, and upcoming local events in the area.

And until next time, I’ll see you on the trail.

Watch the videos for this trail!

Below is a recent video that we filmed while enjoying this area.

Check out the trail gallery!

Enjoy these photos taken around this area!

Please Support Hiking with Shawn

Alrighty folks, I hope you have enjoyed this content. I provide it for free and it takes a while to create. If you would be so kind enough to support my efforts, you can do so by sharing this post with others, especially on social media. Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube Channel to see my latest videos, shorts and live streams. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for unique content that you will only find on those pages. You might also join my Southern Illinois Hiking & Outdoor Resources Group on Facebook, too!

You can also support me by becoming a Patreon Supporter for as little as $3/month and you can cancel anytime (no contracts or catches). Patreons get access to extra features, exclusive articles, sticker packs, gifts and more. Consider buying official Hiking with Shawn Merchandise as another way to support me. I spend a lot of money on Hiking with Shawn and because of extremely high public land permit fees, I make very little money in return so everything helps.

Thanks again for checking out another one of my articles and until next time, I’ll see you on the trail!