Management

A sleek solar car rests next to a covered wagon with an adobe fort in the backgrouns
A participant in the 2021 American Solar Challenge pauses at Bent's Old Fort.

NPS/Stuart West

Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site was authorized by Congress on June 3, 1960, to commemorate the significant role played by the Fort "in the opening of the West." As a National Historic Site and unit of the National Park System, Bent's Old Fort shares the National Park Service mission as well as its historic significance.

Park Purpose

The purpose of Bent’s Old Fort National Historic site is to

  • commemorate the historic role this trading post played in the “opening of the West”
  • develop, maintain, and preserve the national historic site for visitor education and enjoyment
  • interpret the significance of the Santa Fe Trail and the impact it had on the United States, Mexico, and the Southern Plains tribes

Management

Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site is part of the High Plains Group of parks in southeast Colorado and northeast New Mexico, sharing some staff and administrative offices with Amache National Historic Site, Capulin Volcano National Monument, and Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site. The High Plains Group headquarters is located at Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site, near La Junta, Colorado.

Laws & Policies

Learn more about applicable laws and policies used to preserve and protect the park.

Superintendent's Compendium

The Superintendent's Compendium lists the special designations, closures, public use limits, permit requirements, and other restrictions imposed under the discretionary authority of the Superintendent.

Our Staff and Offices

The High Plains Group is headquartered at Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site.

Guidance Documents

In 2013, the park developed a Foundation Document to communicate a shared understanding of the park's purpose, significance, resources and values. This document can serve as a foundation for future planning and management decisions.

2006 Long Range Interpretive Plan
Staffing Plan

Last updated: March 5, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

35110 State Highway 194
La Junta, CO 81050

Phone:

719 383-5010

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