Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site

Bent's Old Fort
Visit a reconstructed 1840s adobe fur trading post located along the Arkansas River. Bent's Fort was a trading post on the Santa Fe Trail, where traders, trappers, travelers, and the Cheyenne and Arapaho peoples came together in trade. Today, the site welcomes visitors to experience and explore the sights and sounds of the front line of Westward Expansion.

35110 State Highway 194
La Junta, CO 81050
United States

Get directions
719-383-5010

More about this park

Shop online store

Bent's Old Fort
Bent's Old Fort
People sitting in a circle near a tipi on a sunny day in a grassy field.
People petting a brown alpaca in a sunny outdoor setting.
Two people converse outside an adobe building under clear blue sky.
Historic reenactment with people crafting on a fur rug, one person holding a patterned drum.
1 of

Discover Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site

Bent's Old Fort photo

During the summer of 2025, take a tour with a park ranger to learn more about Bent's Old Fort. Guided tours of the fort will occur at 9 AM and 11 AM on Saturdays. On Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays, guided tours will be available at 11:00 AM only. Each tour will last approximately seventy-five minutes and begin at the visitor parking orientation shelter. Tours are limited to 25 participants and will explore the historic use of the site and the reconstruction of the fort in the 1970s. Tours are conducted on a first-come, first-served basis. Learn more at NPS.gov.

Bring the parks home

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

Shop online

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 Historic 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.

Explore

Visit smart

Take a guided tour

Immerse yourself in history and culture with a fascinating guided tour with a ranger.

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.

Explore the Santa Fe Trail

This historic site was a significant post along the Santa Fe Trail. Learn more about the trail during your visit and take some time for a stroll or hike.

1 of

Upcoming events

See all events

Fort Open to Plaza Access

Aug 22 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

The public is invited inside the reconstruction of Bent’s Old Fort, entering through the zaguan gate and into the plaza. Park Rangers will be present to explain the features of the fort and its 20 th century reconstruction. Entry into the...

Guided Tour of the Reconstructed Fort

Aug 22 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

Aug 22 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

Aug 22 11:00 am – 11:45 am

Take a tour with a Park Ranger to learn more about Bent's Old Fort. Each tour lasts approximately forty-five minutes and begins in the plaza. Tours are limited to fifteen participants and will explore the historic use of the site and the...

Visit Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
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.

See how we help

Why stop at just one?

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

Partner Park

Santa Fe National Historic Trail

Colorado , Kansas , New Mexico , Oklahoma
Partner Park

Fort Union National Monument

New Mexico
Partner Park

El Malpais National Monument

New Mexico
1 of
Over 70 parks to explore

Find your park

Legend

  • Partner Park
  • Gateway City