Fort Larned National Historic Site

Fort Larned
Discover a complete and authentic US Army post used from the 1860s to 1870s! This well-preserved fort on the Santa Fe Trail preserves and shares the tumultuous history of the Indian Wars era. The sandstone buildings sheltered troops known as the Guardians of the Santa Fe Trail.

1767 KS-156
Larned, KS 67550
United States

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620-285-6911

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Fort Larned
Fort Larned
Fort Larned
Fort Larned
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Discover Fort Larned National Historic Site

Fort Larned photo

Explore the past at Fort Larned National Historic Site, where the stories of soldiers, traders, and Indigenous peoples unfold along the historic Santa Fe Trail. Located in the vast prairies of central Kansas, this remarkably preserved 19th-century military post once protected travelers and mail routes during the Indian Wars. With its original sandstone buildings, living history demonstrations, and expansive landscapes, Fort Larned offers an immersive look at frontier life. Whether you're exploring barracks, watching a blacksmith at work, or walking the historic trail, this site brings the Old West to life in vivid detail.

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

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Fort Larned National Historic Site Patch - Round Logo

$5.99

Fort Larned National Historic Site Book

$1.00

Fort Larned National Historic Site Travel Stamp

$4.99

Historic Cannon Mini Block Set

$10.99

Fort Larned National Historic Site Round Belly Mug

$29.99
Bookstore with travel guides and souvenirs displayed on shelves.

Visit the WNP park store

The park store is located in the Fort Larned Visitor Center, and offers a wide selection of toys, collectibles, apparel, and an extensive collection of books. 

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Explore Fort Larned National Historic Site

Fort Larned, located in central Kansas, was declared a national historic site in 1964. Built in 1860 to protect travelers, traders, and mail wagons along the Santa Fe Trail, it is one of the best-preserved military forts from the Indian Wars period. From 1861 to 1868, Fort Larned served as an agency for the Indian Bureau, where agents worked with Cheyenne, Arapaho, Kiowa, and Comanche tribes to find peaceful solutions to cultural conflicts. The Tenth Cavalry, one of two African American regiments organized after the Civil War, was stationed there from 1867 to 1869. Today, visitors to Fort Larned National Historic Site can experience an important part of our national story, as well as enjoy birding and picking vegetables from the historical garden during special event weekends.

Aerial view of Fort Larned surrounded by green fields.
Santa Fe

4 days on the Santa Fe National Historic Trail

Explore the Santa Fe Trail's historic route in Kansas and learn about local Indigenous communities on this four-day trip.

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Explore the original fort buildings

Unlike many frontier forts, Fort Larned’s structures are largely intact, offering a unique glimpse into history.

Attend a living history event

Rangers and volunteers in period dress bring the fort’s past to life with reenactments and demonstrations.

Walk the Santa Fe Trail ruts

See the still-visible wagon ruts left by traders and settlers who journeyed along this famous trail.

Visit in spring or fall

Kansas summers can be hot, so cooler months provide a more comfortable experience for exploring the fort and trails.

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Upcoming events

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Independence Day weekend at Fort Larned NHS

Jul 4 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

10AM – Strike the Iron: Blacksmithing demonstration 11AM – Steadfast Springfields: Rifle firing demonstration 1PM – From Flint to Brass: Comparing the loading and firing process from Revolutionary War muskets to Fort Larned rifles 2PM – Manmade...

Independence Day weekend at Fort Larned NHS

Jul 5 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

10AM – Strike the Iron: Blacksmithing demonstration 11AM – Steadfast Springfields: Rifle firing demonstration 1PM – TBD 2PM – Manmade Thunder: Artillery firing demonstration 3PM – Vietnam and the Beehive: A Park Ranger and veteran’s perspective 4...

Labor Day Weekend at Fort Larned NHS

Sep 5 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

Program times and topics coming soon!

Reservations open for Candlelight Tour

Sep 28 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

Details on how to register coming soon.

Visit Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Our contribution

Over $176 million

Since our founding in 1938, WNP has provided more than $176 million in aid to our partner parks to fund educational programs, initiatives, and scientific research.

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Why stop at just one?

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