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Get InspiredNorth AmericaUnited StatesColoradoLa JuntaBent's Old Fort National Historic Site

Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site

US
Historical Site·Educational, Quiet, Atmospheric, Historic
Horse and Mule in the Plaza
Photo by from Nps
For much of its 16-year history, the fort was the only major permanent white settlement on the Santa Fe Trail between Missouri and the Mexican settlements.
Photo by from Nps
Boxes and Furs in the Plaza.
Photo by from Nps
For much of its 16-year history, the fort was the only major permanent white settlement on the Santa Fe Trail between Missouri and the Mexican settlements.
Photo by from Nps
Trade Room beads
Photo by from Nps
Horse and Mule in the Plaza
Photo by from Nps
For much of its 16-year history, the fort was the only major permanent white settlement on the Santa Fe Trail between Missouri and the Mexican settlements.
Photo by from Nps
Boxes and Furs in the Plaza.
Photo by from Nps
For much of its 16-year history, the fort was the only major permanent white settlement on the Santa Fe Trail between Missouri and the Mexican settlements.
Photo by from Nps
Trade Room beads
Photo by from Nps
Bent's Old Fort at night
Photo by from Nps
For much of its 16-year history, the fort was the only major permanent white settlement on the Santa Fe Trail between Missouri and the Mexican settlements.
Photo by from Nps
The Past and Future at Bent's Old Fort
Photo by from Nps
Pack saddles are at the ready.
Photo by from Nps
The trade room catered to trappers, traders, the fort's labor force, and travelers from the ranks of soldiers, explorers, and adventurers.
Photo by from Nps

Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site is a faithful reconstruction of the massive adobe structure that served as a vital trade hub in the Arkansas River valley during the 1840s. Located near La Junta, Colorado, the fort was a unique neutral ground for traders, trappers, and the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes. Today, visitors can walk through the fort's various rooms to experience the daily realities of life on the American frontier. The site provides a profound perspective on the social and economic interactions that defined the era of Westward Expansion. Through its authentic architecture and educational programming, the fort offers a compelling look at the rugged history of the American West.

Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site is a faithful reconstruction of the massive adobe structure that served as a vital trade hub in the Arkansas River valley during the 1840s. Located near La Junta, Colorado, the fort was a unique neutral ground for traders, trappers, and the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes. Today, visitors can walk through the fort's various rooms to experience the daily realities of life on the American frontier. The site provides a profound perspective on the social and economic interactions that defined the era of Westward Expansion. Through its authentic architecture and educational programming, the fort offers a compelling look at the rugged history of the American West.

You might want to ask

Address
35110 State Highway 194
Websitenps.gov
Phone719 383-5010

Highlights

  • Faithful reconstruction of an 1840s adobe trading post.

  • Immersive glimpse into the social dynamics of the Santa Fe Trail.

  • Educational programming detailing frontier trade and culture.

  • Authentic architecture reflecting the era of Westward Expansion.

Best For

History buffs and families seeking an immersive look at 19th-century frontier life.

Currency

USD $

Average Cost

$50-$100 p/day

Time of Day

Lunch

Languages Spoken

English

Occasion Tags

Educational, Family, History Tours

Add dates for experiences

Location

La Junta, Colorado, United States
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