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A group of visitors stand around a large wooden apparatus in a plaza courtyard.
Destinations › North America › United States › Colorado

Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site

Since: 1833 Open: 9 AM to 5 PM, daily Price: ~$6
campaign Danger: Beat the Heat! · +5 expand_more

Beat the Heat! — Make sure to take weather into consideration when visiting. Carry water and use sunscreen to reduce the risk of heat injuries during your visit. Details ↗

Do Not Handle Wildlife — If you see a dead bat or a bat acting strangely at the fort, please do not touch or move it. Report the location of the animal to park staff.

Capacity Restrictions at the Reconstructed Fort — The design of the reconstructed fort fails to meet accessibility, fire, and life-safety requirements of 1976. A lack of code compliant components such as emergency lighting, illuminated exit signage, panic hardware on doors, and outwardly swinging exit doors results in a limitati Details ↗

Plaza Access to Reconstructed Fort — Entry into the reconstructed fort is limited to the central plaza on scheduled days. For your safety respect all closures and restrictions. Guided tours provide access into additional areas. Details ↗

Guided Tours at the Reconstructed Fort — Regularly scheduled guided tours provide access into furnished rooms and explore the fort’s role in Westward Expansion and the reconstruction of the fort in 1976. Details ↗

A Short Walk is Required to Reach the Fort — A 1/4 mile (1,275 feet) walk on a paved trail from the parking area is required to reach the gate of the fort. At the end of your visit, you'll return to your vehicle along the same path. Details ↗

park Source: US National Park Service, refreshed several times a day.

Introduction

Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site is a reconstructed adobe fort located along the Arkansas River in southeastern Colorado. It served as a trading post and a cultural crossroads for various Native American tribes and European settlers in the 19th century.

Visitors come to explore the fort's historical significance and its role in the westward expansion of the United States. The site offers guided tours and reenactments that provide insight into the daily life of those who lived and worked there.

In pictures

Bent's Old Fort with shortgrass prairie in foreground and blue sky and clouds above
Bent's Old Fort with shortgrass prairie in foreground and blue sky and clouds above

Things to know

Expect limited parking during peak season.
Tickets are available at the entrance, cash preferred.
Guided tours run on a set schedule, check in advance.
Dress for variable weather, as conditions can change quickly.

Good to know

Accessibility: partially accessible
Opening hours: 9 AM to 5 PM, daily
Price: ~$6

Photo: NPS/D. Ocheltree