What is there to do at Fort Campbell for my Dad?

2016-08-23T20:33:00-04:00

I will be taking a trip to Nashville with my dad later this year. While there I want to take him up to Fort Campbell, because after his stint in Vietnam he was stationed there before getting out. He was with the 9th infantry division. Is there any museums or other sites we could hit while there? I have a current DoD ID so getting on the base is not an issue.

Any thoughts or advice would be helpful.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2016 8:41 PM

2016-08-23T20:41:14-04:00

There are plenty of museums in Nashville to hit up. Johnny Cash musuem, country music musuem, etc. If you like hiking and waterfalls, go to Cummins State Park. It's about 2 hours from Campbell. Hope this helps SSgt.

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Aug 23 at 2016 9:37 PM

2016-08-23T21:37:03-04:00

101st museum and a land nav course. JK on the land nav.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Aug 23 at 2016 11:54 PM

2016-08-23T23:54:29-04:00

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member If you can access Ft Campbell's DZ area. Explain the difference in the 30 second DZ at Campbell as opposed to Ft. Bragg's DZ w/ 1 minute, 30 seconds. . (I am not a qualified jump master!) ' DZ' is a 'Drop Zone" to 'legs' or support Soldiers.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Aug 24 at 2016 9:29 AM

2016-08-24T09:29:00-04:00

The 101st museum is there. If he likes fishing, there is Land Between the Lakes nearby that has some great fishing (or did when I was there anyway).

Response by 1SG Jeremiah Pant made Aug 24 at 2016 9:34 AM

2016-08-24T09:34:06-04:00

The Don F. Pratt Museum is small, but has some very interesting and historical displays, information, and a live film of the history. They also have aircraft on display across the street. Not much else to do besides go to the PX, Bowling Alley or Gyms. You can also take him down to watch the Air Assault students while they are training, however, you will probably have to watch from the parking lot as they don't allow visitors during training. If you are lucky, the Blackhawks will be out doing sling load or repel training. That is pretty cool to watch if you are new to it. Air Assault!

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Aug 24 at 2016 12:30 PM

2016-08-24T12:30:51-04:00

1SG Jeremiah Pant pointed out a few good things but forgot to mention the area wide fishing opportunities!!!!

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Aug 26 at 2016 2:55 AM

2016-08-26T02:55:20-04:00

Well first check in with the 101st Airborne Division Association on post or google the website and write the President on areas to stop at and they might hook him up with a local chapter. 101st has a new HQ since Vietnam, they moved from the former White House building so you want to check that out at least. Also there are numerous things around Ft. Campbell to do. You might want to take him to Mammoth Cave, National Corvette Museum, a little further North they have the Burbon Trial, My old Kentucky home, etc. If he is a Country music fan all sorts of Country Music Stars that live around Ft. Campbell that have visitor centers near their homes. Loretta Lynn, just to the Southwest, Johnny Cash Family, Hank Williams Jr has a ranch near there..........most spreads are open to the public with visiting areas and a Museum. Loretta Lynn was married to an Army man. Kentucky Dam Rec area is nice for boating or relaxing near a lake. Of course though most of these places are 2 hours driving distance in one direction or another. What you should do is time his visit back to Ft. Campbell with the annual WEEK OF EAGLES Celebration. Which is usually held in August and probably over already. If you attend WEEK OF EAGLES in the future, it's a week long and the first weekend Saturday is where they have most of the entertainment and static displays on the Airfield. Good Luck on whatever you decide.

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Aug 24 at 2019 10:05 AM

2019-08-24T10:05:44-04:00

Put him in a nice room. Have him to to the club. Have a beer or two. And let him talk trash

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Aug 24 at 2019 10:08 AM

2019-08-24T10:08:05-04:00

My former battalion commander commanded the Division at the 101st. LTG Dennis Benchoff (ret)