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    Bent's Old Fort

    National Historic Site Colorado

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  • Events and activities subject to change

    The public should be prepared for reduced hours and services provided by Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site employees due to the sequestration that became effective March 1, 2013. Please check back often for further details or changes.

Things To Do

Painting of people in the plaza
The Fort was crowded with traders, trappers, and company employees when fur trade was in its "prime".
NPS Painting
 
Activities
A 1/4 mile walk down the trail will bring you to the gate of the fort. Inside you can view the 20 minute documentary film, "Traders, Tribes and Travelers". Self-guided tours and the film are available throughout the year. Living history interpreters provide guided tours and demonstrations June 1 through September 1. Guided tours are available September through May at 10:30 am and 1:00 pm. Summer tours are at 9:30 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 2:30 pm. Guided tours are not available during special events. Organized group tours can be reserved by calling (719) 383-5026.

 

2013 Special Events
The fort comes to life during the Frontier Skills Day, Living History Encampment, Kid's Quarters, Military Encampment, Fur Trade Encampment, and the Traditional
Holiday Celebration events. Traders, hunters, craftsmen, laborers, soldiers,
and domestice perfrom their work as it was in the 1840s. Click here for the schedule.

 
trail

Hiking trail

NPS

Bent's Old Fort Hiking Trail
Visitors can hike a mile and a half trail that winds its way through the cottonwood trees alongside the Arkansas River. The marsh is home to several species of birds. Interpretive exhibit signs tell the story of the river ecosystem, Santa Fe Trail and Bent's Fort. Click here for a bird list.

Did You Know?

Bent's Fort

Bent's Fort was on the boundary with Mexico in the 1830s and 1840s.  It was 600 miles from the nearest town in Missouri.