Commerce, Culture, and Cooperation at a Crossroads

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. Read More

A nighttime view of the adobe fort with lanterns visible

Current Conditions

Alerts, operations updates, and other information about what facilities and services will be available during your visit.

A section of an adobe brick wall has collapsed forward, exposing an inner wall.

Status of the Reconstructed Fort

The park is open; the reconstructed fort is temporarily closed. Learn more about the current condition and status of the reconstructed fort.

The interior of an adobe for showing a rectangular plaz on the ground floor with blankets displayed.

Places to Go

Explore the interior of the fort and the grounds of the park.

Indian Trade Room with trade goods that would have been available in the 1840's

Things to Do

Take a self-guided tour, hike a trail, attend a ranger program, or explore on your own.

The Business of Bison

Bent’s Fort was built first and foremost for the growing bison robe trade. This trade would transform the southern plains.

Men unload a wagon pulled by oxen in front of an adobe fort

Trade Starts With A Secure Adobe Fort

Learn more about this multi-cultural and multilingual trading post on the western borderlands.

Last updated: March 10, 2025

Opportunities To Engage The Past

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

35110 State Highway 194
La Junta, CO 81050

Phone:

719 383-5010
The park's phone system is currently unreliable and may not work if you attempt to call; we strongly suggest use of email for all non-emergency inquiries. Staff are available Monday through Friday to take your call from 9:00 a. m. - 3:30 p. m. Mountain Time. If no one is available to take your call, please leave a message, and someone will return your call as soon as possible.