NPS Photo

Topographical Engineers survey the Santa Fe Trail.

June 7 – 8, 2008: Living History Encampment
Visit the 1840s with teachers, students and living history volunteers and staff perfecting their 19^th century skills. The encampment, which begins June 5, trains participants in presenting living history to the public. Event is open for the public to view ongoing demonstrations on Saturday through noon Sunday, June 7 – 8. Pre-registration by application is required for the full encampment (participation is limited). For information, call (719) 383-5023.

NPS

Blacksmith shop fun

July 12: Kid's Quarters - FULL
August 9: Kid's Quarters Extra - Available to those not registered for the one in July
Seven to eleven year-old children are invited to "step back in time" and experience the life of a trapper, trader, laborer, craftsman, Indian, or soldier. The program emphasizes the historic values of Bent's Old Fort, cultural relationships and work performed in frontier western America. Pre-registration by application is required.  

NPS Photo

A trapper tell a story of his escape from a grizzley bear.

October 11 – 12:  Fur Trade Encampment
The park’s main living history event again takes place in the fall, and this year celebrates the traders, trappers and tribes furn trading at Bent's Fort.  Their camps, set up near the fort, will be open for touring. All together over 50 living history volunteers bring the post back to life during this major event! For more information, call (719) 383-5023.

NPS Photo

Visitors are boarding the wagon for a ride over to the river and through the woods.

December 5 – 6:  Holiday Celebration
Witness for yourself the joys, pleasures and pastimes of the 1840s at an isolated trading post. The spirit of the season comes alive with wagon rides, games, toy making and other holiday festivities. The event begins Friday evening December 5 with candlelight tours of the fort and continues all through Saturday, December 6 culminating with another evening of candlelight tours. For reservations for the evening tours, phone (719) 383-5026 after October 16, 2008.