Things To Do

Self-Guided Tours of the Fort will be Available starting May 22, 2020. Ranger-led programs are not being offered until further notice.

 

Walking the Santa Fe Trail during a special event

NPS Photo

 

Tours and Documentary Film

A 1/4 mile (1,275 feet) 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. Guided tours are not available during special events. Once guided tours start, following guidance from the White House, CDC, and state and local public health authorities, organized group tours can be reserved by calling [phone].

 

Park Interpreters with yoked oxen and wagon

NPS

Ganado en la Mañana: Livestock in the Morning

Date to Be Determined once in Phase 3 following Guidance from the White House, CDC, and State and Local Public Health Authorities

Times: Once in Phase 3, these tours will be offered Daily from 9:30 am-12:00 pm

When you enter the fort in the morning, ask a Ranger where you can see the animals that were so crucial to the success of Bent, St. Vrain, & Company. Watch demonstrators work with our stock and hear them as they describe the animals and their uses. Depending on the day, this could be riding, packing, grooming, or groundwork of horses or mules, or grooming and driving of oxen. You will come away with a better idea of all of the work that went into travel and hauling freight along the Santa Fe Trail, as well as learning about the animals themselves! Groups need reservations by calling 719-383-5026. Guided tours are not available during special events.

 

Park Interpreter with a tour group at Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site

NPS

Guided Tour of Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site

Date to Be Determined once in Phase 3 following Guidance from the White House, CDC, and State and Local Public Health Authorities

Times: Once in Phase 3, these tours will be offered Daily at 1:00 pm from September through May; Daily at 1:00 pm and 2:30 pm from June 12 through August

Take a tour with a Park Interpreter in period clothing to learn more about the people and activities at Bent's Old Fort in the 1840's. Groups need reservations 719-383-5026. Guided tours are not available during special events.

 

2020 Special Events

The fort will come to life during the March 21 Frontier Skills Day, June 5-7 Santa Fe Trail Encampment, July 4 celebration, July 18 Kid's Quarters, October 23-25 Fur Trade Encampment, and the December 4-5 holiday celebrations. Visit the Calendar of Events for more information.

 

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. Contact the park for a bird list.

 

 

The bookstore has a variety of offerings

NPS Photo

Western National Park's Bookstore

The bookstore and trade goods store located at the rear of the fort provides a collection of a number of hard to find items. Adult and children books about western frontier, nature, and local history are available. Trades goods of the period, games, puzzles, videos and music CDs, and children books round out the offerings. Some items are definitely unique and usually hard to find. Call 719-384-2800 for assistance.