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C. Bedford Crenshaw CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument

Park

Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument marks a Civil War engagement in south-central Kentucky; history visitors explore interpretive markers, monuments and nearby museum displays about the 1862 battle.

Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument Louisville, KentuckyFrankfort, KentuckyLexingtonMeads, KentuckyMill Springs Battlefield National Monument
In this guide

Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument essentials

Country: United States
Driest months: Aug-Oct
Pay in: Dollar ($)
Language: English

Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument at a Glance

About Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument

Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument is the preserved site of the Battle of Mill Springs in Pulaski County, Kentucky, the scene of a significant early Civil War engagement.

The battlefield area contains marked positions and interpretive features that identify troop lines and notable locations from the engagement, and it is maintained for public visitation and interpretation.

The battle took place on January 19, 1862, and ended in a Union victory; Confederate Brigadier General Felix K. Zollicoffer was killed during the fighting. Over time the site has been preserved to commemorate the engagement and its role in the Civil War.

The monument and preserved grounds are located near the community of Nancy in rural Pulaski County, Kentucky, amid agricultural land and woodland typical of the region.

  • Battle date: Occurred on January 19, 1862, and is noted as an important early Union victory in the western theater of the American Civil War.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument

Spring and autumn provide the most comfortable weather for walking and reflection.

Spring and autumn
March-May, Sept-Nov · 8-22°C (46-72°F)
Mild weather for walking the battlefield and reading interpretive signs.
Winter
December-February · -5-10°C (23-50°F)
Crisp air and clear light for photography; some sites may have fewer visitors.

Weather & Climate near Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument

Climate

Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1281 mm/year), wettest in May, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Air Quality: AQI 29 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
31°
Warmest Month
-4°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - -4° - 7° -1° 98 mm - - 2.8 m/s - -
February - -2° - 10° 1° 100 mm - - 2.8 m/s - -
March - 2° - 15° 7° 120 mm - - 3.0 m/s - -
April - 6° - 20° 13° 108 mm - - 2.9 m/s - -
May - 11° - 25° 18° 122 mm - - 2.3 m/s - -
June - 16° - 29° 23° 108 mm - - 2.1 m/s - -
July - 18° - 31° 25° 120 mm - - 1.9 m/s - -
August - 18° - 30° 24° 100 mm - - 1.8 m/s - -
September - 14° - 27° 21° 103 mm - - 1.8 m/s - -
October - 7° - 22° 15° 77 mm - - 1.9 m/s - -
November - 3° - 15° 8° 107 mm - - 2.4 m/s - -
December - -1° - 10° 2° 118 mm - - 2.5 m/s - -
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument

Located near Nancy, Kentucky. From US‑27 or KY‑90, follow local roads to the Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument signage and parking areas; check National Park Service resources for exact directions.

Tips for Visiting Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument

  • Start at the Mill Springs Battlefield Visitor Center for maps and interpretive panels about the January 19, 1862 battle.
  • Respect memorials and private property; some key areas are accessed via short county roads and not all ground is public.
  • Visit on a weekday for quieter contemplation - weekends are popular with local reenactor groups.