Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site

About Bent's Old Fort

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.

Hours

Getting there

The park is accessed via U.S. Highway 50 and Highway 194. From La Junta, Colorado on U.S. Highway 50, take Colorado Highway 109 north 1 mile to Colorado Highway 194, then east on Colorado Highway 194 six miles to the fort. From Las Animas, Colorado, on U.S. Highway 50, take Colorado Highway 194 west 13 miles. Set your GPS to 35110 State Highway 194 E., La Junta, CO.

Weather

Summer temperatures are often in the high 90s and low 100s. Weather is generally fair in the fall and spring. Winter temperatures can be below freezing. Most of the replica fort is unheated and does not have modern cooling systems, so dress accordingly.

Things to do

Arts and Culture, Biking, Birdwatching, Bookstore and Park Store, Craft Demonstrations, Cultural Demonstrations, Gift Shop and Souvenirs, Guided Tours, Hiking, Junior Ranger Program, Living History, Museum Exhibits, Park Film, Road Biking, Self-Guided Tours - Walking, Shopping, Wildlife Watching.