Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site
National Historic Site ยท Colorado
NPS Photo
National Historic Site in Otero County, Colorado, United States
Bent's Old Fort is a historical fort located in Otero County in southeastern Colorado, United States. A company owned by Charles Bent and William Bent and Ceran St. Vrain built the fort in 1833 to trade with Southern Cheyenne and Arapaho Plains Indians and trappers for buffalo robes. For much of its 16-year operation as a trading post, the fort was the only major white American permanent settlement on the Santa Fe Trail between Missouri and the Mexican settlements. It was initially abandoned by William Bent in 1849.
About Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site
In the 1840s the Arkansas River was the border between territory claimed by the United States and Mexico. Located along the river, Bent's Fort was an adobe trading post on the Santa Fe Trail, where traders, trappers, travelers, and the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes came together in peaceful terms for trade. Today, a reconstructed fort allows visitors to explore the front line of Westward Expansion.
Park Photos
Activities
Operating Hours
Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site
The park grounds are open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., except on New Year's Day, the Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr, Washington's Birthday, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. During the off-season [October-March annually], the grounds are open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., except for the holidays listed above. Access into the reconstructed fort on a separate scheduleโsee the event calendar for hours of operation on scheduled plaza access days.
| mon | tue | wed | thu | fri | sat | sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00AM - 4:00PM | 9:00AM - 4:00PM | 9:00AM - 4:00PM | 9:00AM - 4:00PM | 9:00AM - 4:00PM | 9:00AM - 4:00PM | 9:00AM - 4:00PM |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site?
Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site is free to enter.
What are the best activities at Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site?
Popular activities at Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site include: Arts and Culture, Craft Demonstrations, Cultural Demonstrations, Biking, Road Biking, Guided Tours, Self-Guided Tours - Walking, Hiking.
What is the weather like at Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site?
Summer temperatures are often in the high 90s and low 100s. Weather is generally fair in the fall and spring. Winter temperatures can be below freezing. Most of the fort is unheated and does not have modern cooling systems, so dress accordingly.
How do I get to Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site?
The park is accessed via U.S. Highway 50 and Highway 194. From La Junta, Colorado on U.S. Highway 50, take Colorado Highway 109 north 1 mile to Colorado Highway 194, then east on Colorado Highway 194 six miles to the fort. From Las Animas, Colorado, on U.S. Highway 50, take Colorado Highway 194 west 13 miles. Set your GPS to 35110 State Highway 194 E., La Junta, CO.
Entrance Fees
Free Admission
Weather
Summer temperatures are often in the high 90s and low 100s. Weather is generally fair in the fall and spring. Winter temperatures can be below freezing. Most of the fort is unheated and does not have modern cooling systems, so dress accordingly.
Directions
The park is accessed via U.S. Highway 50 and Highway 194. From La Junta, Colorado on U.S. Highway 50, take Colorado Highway 109 north 1 mile to Colorado Highway 194, then east on Colorado Highway 194 six miles to the fort. From Las Animas, Colorado, on U.S. Highway 50, take Colorado Highway 194 west 13 miles. Set your GPS to 35110 State Highway 194 E., La Junta, CO.
๐ View on Google Maps โLocation
Official Resources
NPS Official WebsiteMore Parks in Colorado
Other national park sites you might enjoy
