Explore the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park

Spend some time exploring the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park the next time you're in Chattanooga. This was the very first National Military Park to be established in the United States, and it served as the model for the development of other Military Parks such as Gettysburg and Shiloh.

The Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park was established in 1890. A bill to establish the Park was introduced to Congress by Ohio Congressman Charles H. Grosvenor. It quickly passed, and the bill was signed by President Benjamin Harrison August 19, 1890.

Two Civil War battles are commemorated at the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. A fierce two-day battle raged at Chickamauga in September 19-20, 1863. This was an extremely bloody battle, and over 35,000 men out of 120,000 that fought either died, were wounded, or went missing. The battle of Chattanooga was fought over three days, from November 23-25, 1863.

There are four main battle areas to visit within the Park: Chichamauga Battlefield; Missionary Ridge, Lookout Mountain and Point Park; and Moccasin Bend. Each area features historical monuments and attractions.

At the Battlefield Visitor Center at Chickamauga, there is a multimedia presentation that contains detailed information about the battle. The Fuller Gun Collection is also located there and houses over 350 weapons.

Visitors can opt to take a 7-mile or 12 mile self-guiding auto tour of the Park. The tours feature monuments and historical tablets as well as trails. Lookout Mountain Battlefield in Chattanooga also features markers, monuments and trails. The Battlefield Visitor Center here houses the spectacular painting "Battle above the Clouds" by artist James Walker. You can tour the historic Cravens House at Chattanooga, as well.

Living history demonstrations and reenactments are held during most summer weekends in different areas throughout the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. Special events are held seasonally, as well.

Directions to Both Battlefields

Chickamauga Battlefield

From Interstate 75: At Exit 350 take Battlefield Parkway (Georgia 2) west to Fort Oglethorpe. Turn left at the intersection of Battlefield Parkway and Lafayette Road. Go one mile on Lafayette Road to the park entrance and visitor center.

From Interstate 24: At Exit 180 take U.S. Highway 27 south (Rossville Boulevard) to Fort Oglethorpe. At the intersection of Battlefield Parkway, continue straight through the intersection onto Lafayette Road to the park entrance one mile ahead.

Lookout Mountain Battlefield

From Interstate 24: At Exit 178 follow signs to Lookout Mountain. At the top of Lookout Mountain follow signs to Point Park where the Lookout Mountain Battlefield Visitor Center is located.

Operating Hours and Seasons

All units of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park are open between sunrise and sunset.

The Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center and Lookout Mountain Battlefield Visitor Center are open daily from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Both Visitor Centers are closed on Christmas Day.

The historic Cravens House on Lookout Mountain is open for tours during the summer. Contact the Lookout Mountain Battlefield Visitor Center at 423-821-7786 for hours of operation.

The summer season provides a wider variety of ranger led programs for the public throughout the park. A list of these programs will be posted on the Schedule of Events webpage when finalized.

The summer season is from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Fees and Reservations

Entrance Fees

Chickamauga Battlefield:

No Entrance Fee

Craven's House on historic Lookout Mountain:

No Fees Charged

Point Park at Lookout Mountain Battlefield:

Adult: $3.00 Per Person (Age 16 years or older)

Children: Free (Age 15 and under)

Educational Institutions:

School groups may receive a fee waiver if you make reservations at least two weeks prior to your visit. A fee waiver application must be submitted along with a letter of request on institution letterhead requesting and explaining the reasons for the educational visit. Talks or guided tours must be reserved in advance and are subject to availability of staff.

Entrance Fee For Interagency Pass Holders: *

Annual Pass: Free

Senior Pass: Free (U.S. Citizen or permanent residents of the U.S. that are 62 years of age or older)

Access Pass: Free (Qualifying, permanently disabled)

Point Park Pass: Free (Age 16 and over)

* Interagency pass available for purchase at the Visitor Center Information Desk.

Maps

To assist in planning your visit, the following PDF maps produced by the National Park Service Harpers Ferry Center provide information on:

Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park (140kb)
Lookout Mountain Unit Map (154kb)
Chickamauga Unit Map (105kb)

**Note: Much of the information on this page about the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park was obtained directly from the National Park Service, however, to ensure that you are getting the most current information, you may wish to visit their website at www.nps.gov/chch/index.htm

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