Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site

Bent's Old Fort
Visit a reconstructed 1840s adobe fur trading post on the mountain branch of the Santa Fe Trail, where traders, trappers, travelers, and Cheyenne and Arapaho came together in trade. Living historians re-create the sights, sounds, and smells of the past with guided tours, demonstrations, and special events.

35110 State Highway 194
La Junta, CO 81050
United States

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719-383-5010

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Bent's Old Fort
Bent's Old Fort
Bent's Old Fort
Bent's Old Fort
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Discover Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site

Bent's Old Fort photo

At Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site, you’ll find a meticulously reconstructed 19th-century trading post where cultures converged on the Santa Fe Trail. Once a hub for traders, trappers, Indigenous peoples, and settlers, the fort bustles with living history demonstrations, bringing the era of frontier commerce to life. Explore adobe-walled corridors, smell the wood smoke from blacksmithing fires, and hear the echoes of history in this vibrant landmark. For history enthusiasts or anyone who is curious about the American West, Bent’s Old Fort offers an unforgettable journey into an earlier time.

Bring the parks home

From mugs to ornaments, our keepsakes make perfect gifts for all ages. Every purchase supports the parks!

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Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site Cap

$24.99

Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site Mini Block Set

$17.99

Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site T-Shirt - Vintage

$19.99

Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site Magnet - Wagon

$5.99

Bent's Old Fort National Hist. Site Abby Mug

$25.99
Bent's fort under a cloudy sky with grassy foreground.

Exploring Eastern Colorado's history & landscapes

Enjoy Rocky Mountain landscapes and see Colorado's cultural heritage sites on this five day journey through eastern Colorado.

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Store interior at Bent's Old Fort with shelves of books, hats, and various small packaged goods.
WNP

Visit the WNP park store

A visit to the park isn't complete without a visit to WNP's park store, located inside the visitor center. At Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site, you'll find relevant books, cool park t-shirts, tasty snacks, and more. And, as with all WNP park stores, all purchases directly benefit the parks.

Visit smart

Explore the living history programs

Rangers and reenactors in period clothing demonstrate daily life at the fort, making history come alive.

Hike along the Arkansas River

Bird watch and enjoy the peace of the meandering river on this short trail near the fort.

Bring plenty of water and sun protection

The southeastern Colorado sun can be intense, and shade is limited around the fort.

Visit during special events

Seasonal reenactments, encampments, and trade fairs offer immersive experiences with blacksmithing, storytelling, and historic weapon demonstrations.

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Upcoming events

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Guided Tour of the Reconstructed Fort

May 24 9:00 am – 10:15 am

During the summer of 2025, guided tours of the fort will occur at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. on Saturdays. On Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays, guided tours will be available at 11:00 a.m. only. Each tour will last approximately 75 minutes and begi...

Guided Tour of the Reconstructed Fort

May 24 11:00 am – 12:15 pm

During the summer of 2025, guided tours of the fort will occur at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. on Saturdays. On Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays, guided tours will be available at 11:00 a.m. only. Each tour will last approximately 75 minutes and begin...

Guided Tour of the Reconstructed Fort

May 25 11:00 am – 12:15 pm

During the summer of 2025, guided tours of the fort will occur at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. on Saturdays. On Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays, guided tours will be available at 11:00 a.m. only. Each tour will last approximately 75 minutes and begin...

Guided Tour of the Reconstructed Fort

May 26 11:00 am – 12:15 pm

During the summer of 2025, guided tours of the fort will occur at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. on Saturdays. On Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays, guided tours will be available at 11:00 a.m. only. Each tour will last approximately 75 minutes and begin...

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Our contribution

Over $162 million

Since our founding in 1938, WNP has provided more than $162 million in aid to our partner parks to fund educational programs, initiatives, and scientific research.

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Why stop at just one?

If you love Bent's Old Fort, check out these other amazing parks.

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