Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site

Bent's Old Fort was the only permanent white settlement on the Santa Fe Trail between Missouri and Santa Fe.
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.
Map showing location of park.
A wall of earthen brick masonry showing damage from moisture, with a pile of debris running along the length of the wall.
Reconstructed fort at Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site temporarily closed for stabilization work
The reconstructed fort at Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site is temporarily closed to the public in response to safety concerns that stem from structural deficiencies that were exacerbated by a recent heavy snow event. Stabilization work is underway so the fort can be reopened. The park's trails and grounds are open seven days a week from 9 a.m. through 4 p.m., except for holiday closures. All entrance fees are waived while the reconstructed fort is temporarily closed.
Snow in a rectangular interior courtyard
2024-2025 Winter Operations at Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site
Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site will begin off-season hours of operation on Monday, October 28, 2024. During the slower off-season the fort will be open weekly Friday through Sunday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. During the winter season, park trails and grounds will still be accessible 7 days a week from 9:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m., excepting holiday closures. This winter schedule will be in effect through March 9, 2025.
Two animals are tied to a wooden frame in the interior of a large adobe structure.
Photo by NPS Photo
Bent's Old Fort with shortgrass prairie in foreground and blue sky and clouds above
Photo by NPS Photo
Wooden boxes and buffalo furs are scattered around a plaza inside an adobe fortification.
Photo by NPS Photo
Bent's Old Fort with shortgrass prairie, tepee and wagon in foreground and blue sky & clouds above
Photo by NPS Photo
bundles of glass trade beads tied together hang from a wooden rafter
Photo by NPS Photo
An adobe fort with lights under a starry sky
Photo by NPS Photo
Bent's Old Fort in background with wagon in front; fall yellow cottonwood leaves in foreground
Photo by NPS Photo
A Conestoga wagon and a solar race car stand on a road with a large adobe fort in the background
Photo by NPS Photo
A row of saddles are arrayed along a wooden beam near an adobe building
Photo by NPS Photo
A wooden counter is in the foreground of a trade room, with sales items on display in the background
Photo by NPS Photo