The Most Underrated Kentucky State Park, Columbus-Belmont State Park Makes For A Perfect Day Trip
By Sarah McCosham|Published June 06, 2022
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
The Bluegrass has a state parks system that’s truly unrivaled. Kentucky is home to 45 state parks that each offer unique scenery, topography, natural features, and amenities; but there are some perennial favorites that tend to steal the show. And you know, if you stick to the same tried-and-true parks again and again, you’d be missing out on some of the finest Kentucky State Parks, like today’s feature destination. Columbus-Belmont State Park is an immensely beautiful park located on a cliff overlooking the Mississippi River in southwestern Kentucky. It’s historic and scenic, and easily the most criminally underrated Kentucky State Park. Here’s why…
The past and present converge at Columbus-Belmont State Park, an underrated gem that's a wonderful and educational day trip in the Bluegrass.
This park is perched on an overlook offering expansive vistas of the iconic Mississippi River, which has long played a crucial part in America's history. The riverfront town of Columbus, Kentucky, was once such an important city, in fact, that many argued it should be the capital of the country, rather than Washington, D.C.!
The history of this land harkens back to the 1670s when it was explored by Frenchmen Marquette and Joliet. But the park's historical sites are mainly tied to its role within the Civil War. When the land was held as a Confederate fort, a chain was extended across the Mississippi to prevent Union forces from passing. A piece of that chain, as well as an anchor and other period pieces, can all be viewed at Columbus-Belmont State Park today.
One of the most unique features of this Kentucky State Park are its well-preserved Civil War earthworks. These large mounds were built by the Confederate army as a means of shelter and protection during battle.
You'll find these earthworks, along with other important sites of interest, along a paved, 2.5-mile hiking trail through the park. It's a literal trip back in time!
While immersing yourself in history at this Kentucky State Park, detour to the nearby Columbus City Cemetery. It is located right outside of the Columbus-Belmont State Park, and was the site of a major Civil War battle.
For those who wish to extend their visit to this underrated Kentucky State Park, there is a beautiful river cliff campground with 38 sites, utility hookups, and grills, that's open year-round.
