National Parks / Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site
Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site
National Historic Site — CO
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.
Current Alerts
- DangerBeat 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.
More info → - CautionDo 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.
- CautionCapacity 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 limitation of 49 occupants for visitor operations within the reconstructed fort.
More info → - CautionPlaza 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.
More info → - InformationGuided 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.
More info → - InformationA 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.
More info →
Source: National Park Service.
Upcoming Events
- Fort Open to Plaza AccessSun Aug 23 2026
- Guided TourSun Aug 23 2026