Civil War Heritage Trail

On successive days of July 19-24, six important Civil War sites in central Kentucky will offer guided tours, hands-on activities, concerts, living-history programs, and more. Some offer special lodging and meal prices. Call (888) 332-1862, go online to www.kycivilwar.org.

July 19—Frankfort
From noon to 8 p.m., living-history visits, tours of Fort Hill Park, Old State Capitol, Kentucky Military History Museum, and an evening concert. Call (502) 696-0607 or e-mail nickyh@mis.net.

July 20—Camp Nelson
From 10 a.m.-5 p.m., enjoy guided tours, hands-on archaeology at the prison site, and artillery demos by the 12th U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery. The park includes five miles of interpretive trails, interpretive center, and a house museum. Call (859) 881-9126.

July 21—Richmond
Presentation on Battle of Richmond at noon, living-history interaction with Union and Confederate soldiers, visit to an 1860s wayside tavern, guided tours, 19th-century music, and self-guided driving tours. Call (800) 866-3705.

July 22—Camp Wildcat
From 10 a.m.-5 p.m., see the Confederate campsite, traces of the Wilderness Road, original trenches, and hospital rock. Enjoy a hayride tour, historical speaker, and living-history camp with a chaplain, ladies’ tea, and cannon demonstration. Call (800) 348-0095 or e-mail tourism@lltc.net.

July 23—Mill Springs
Battlefield tours begin at 10 a.m. and continue all day. A self-guided driving tour (allow 2-3 hours) includes Mill Springs. A guided immersion tour (moderate to strenuous walking), “The Confederate Perspective,” starts at 10 a.m. and lasts 5-6 hours, covering 12 miles, includes lunch and a visit to the Mill, $35. Call (606) 679-1859 before July 16 for reservations or e-mail administrator@millsprings.net.

July 24—Perryville
Experience Perryville from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Enjoy guided battlefield tours, an interactive experience at Merchants’ Row, a five-mile interpretive trail, museum, and period doctor’s office and shops. Call (888) 332-1862 or e-mail swsanders@bellsouth.net.