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.
Official NPS page →Current Alerts (6)
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.
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.
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.
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 limitation of 49 occupants for visitor operations within the reconstructed fort.
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.
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.
Entrance Fees
This park is fee-free.
Upcoming Events
Fort Open to Plaza Access
Aug 31, 2026
Guided Tour
Sep 4, 2026
Things to Do
Become a Junior Ranger at Bent's Old Fort
Upon your arrival at the fort, request a Junior Ranger booklet from a park ranger. Tour the fort and grounds while completing the booklet according to your skill level. Take your completed book to a park ranger to receive a Junior Ranger Badge.
Birdwatching at Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site
Birdwatching can be a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy. Seventy-two species of birds are currently documented at Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site. The park has a Bird Check List (hard copies available at the fort) that includes 137 species of birds and lists 15 species that were identified from period diaries as being here during the 1840's. Park Species Lists
Guided Tours of Bent's Old Fort
Take a tour with a Park Ranger to learn more about Bent's Old Fort. Tours are limited to fifteen participants and will explore the historic use of the site and the reconstruction of the fort in the 1970s.
Hiking along the Arkansas River
Visitors can hike a 1.75 mile trail that winds its way through the cottonwood trees alongside the wetlands and the Arkansas River. Interpretive exhibit panels explain the further significance of this important river ecosystem.
Plaza Access in the Fort
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 20th century reconstruction. Entry into the reconstructed fort is limited to the central plaza, except on guided tours. For your safety, respect all closures and restrictions. Guided tours provide access into additional areas.
Trail to History
The entrance to the reconstructed fort is gained from the one-quarter mile paved pathway extending from the shade shelter to the fort doors. The pathway is wheelchair accessible; however, the perimeter and interior flooring of the fort plaza is loose sand.
Western National Parks Store at Bent's Old Fort
The park store is operated by Western National Parks, an official non-profit partner of the National Park Service dedicated to supporting the educational mission of Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site. The park store has a wide range of books, maps, travel guides, media, educational games, posters, and other items available for retail sale.
Visitor Centers
- Information Center
Source: National Park Service.