Historic black and white image of a large boarding school campus

Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument

National Monument · Pennsylvania

US Army/Dickinson College

📍 StatePennsylvania
🏛️ TypeNational Monument
🎟️ EntryFree
Official NPS Website →
Carlisle Indian Industrial School

United States historic place

The United States Indian Industrial School in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, generally known as Carlisle Indian Industrial School, was the flagship Indian boarding school in the United States from its founding in 1879 to 1918. It was based in the historic Carlisle Barracks, which was transferred to the Department of Interior from the War Department for the purpose of establishing the school. Throughout its history, over 7,800 children from 140 Native American tribes were enrolled at the school. After the United States entered World War I, the school was closed, and the property was transferred back for use by the U.S. Department of Defense. The property is now part of the U.S. Army War College.

WikipediaWikidataSource: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)

About Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument

More than 7,800 children from 140 Tribes went to the Carlisle School from 1879 to 1918. The National Park Service will collaborate with families, affiliated Tribal Nations, the US Army, historians, and partners to develop resources and share the story of the children, families, and communities impacted by Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School.

Park Photos

Historic black and white image of a large boarding school campus
Campus with large buildings, trees, and walkways

Operating Hours

Carlisle Barracks Visitor Center

Standard hours and days are subject to change on short notice. The park is not accessible on weekends and federal holidays.

montuewedthufrisatsun
7:00AM - 3:00PM7:00AM - 3:00PM7:00AM - 3:00PM7:00AM - 3:00PM7:00AM - 3:00PMClosedClosed

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to enter Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument?

Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument is free to enter.

What are the best activities at Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument?

Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors of all ages.

What is the weather like at Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument?

Winter: Generally, cooler weather starts in September. The first snowfall often occurs in mid-October and can extend through mid-April. Spring: During the spring months, temperatures typically range from the 50s-70s. Summer: June through August are seasonably warm with high humidity and temperatures in the 80s and 90s. Fall: Generally, cooler weather starts in September. The first snowfall occurs in mid-October and can extend through mid-April.

How do I get to Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument?

From 1-76 take Exit 226 or from I-80 take exit 52 onto US-11 towards Carlisle. Turn left on Harmony Road. Turn right on Claremont Road. Turn left on Jim Thorpe & Claremont roads towards Carlisle Barracks’ security checkpoint. Use the left-most lane to be directed to the Visitor Center to check in.

Entrance Fees

Free Admission

Weather

Winter: Generally, cooler weather starts in September. The first snowfall often occurs in mid-October and can extend through mid-April. Spring: During the spring months, temperatures typically range from the 50s-70s. Summer: June through August are seasonably warm with high humidity and temperatures in the 80s and 90s. Fall: Generally, cooler weather starts in September. The first snowfall occurs in mid-October and can extend through mid-April.

Directions

From 1-76 take Exit 226 or from I-80 take exit 52 onto US-11 towards Carlisle. Turn left on Harmony Road. Turn right on Claremont Road. Turn left on Jim Thorpe & Claremont roads towards Carlisle Barracks’ security checkpoint. Use the left-most lane to be directed to the Visitor Center to check in.

📍 View on Google Maps →

Location

Coordinates40.2094, -77.1797

Official Resources

NPS Official Website