News Release

Fort Scott National Historic Site is beginning to increase recreational access to Historic Buildings

30 Star Flag on Parade Ground

NPS Photo: C. Brenner

News Release Date: August 18, 2020

Contact: Carl Brenner, 620-223-0310

FORT SCOTT, Kan. – Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Fort Scott National Historic Site is increasing recreational access and programming. The National Park Service (NPS) is working servicewide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis.

Beginning Wednesday, August 19, Fort Scott National Historic Site will reopen access to: 

• All public buildings for self-guided visitation.
• Resume park guided tours at 10am and 1pm.

In addition the following spaces continue to be available:   

• All trails, walkways, sidewalks, grounds, and the tallgrass prairie.

With public health in mind, the following facilities remain closed at this time:

• The Western National Parks Association store and information desk.

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. At Fort Scott National Historic Site, our operational approach will be to examine each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance, and will be regularly monitored. We continue to work closely with the NPS Office of Public Health using CDC guidance to ensure public and workspaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers.  

While these areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services may be limited. When recreating, the public should follow local area health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, avoid crowding and avoid high-risk outdoor activities.

The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19, and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.  

We have amazing virtual tours of Fort Scott National Historic Site, all of the time, so for people who are still home schooling or not traveling at this time check out www.nps.gov/fosc/learn/photosmultimedia/virtualtour.htm.  


Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted on our website www.nps.gov/fosc and social media channels. Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.

From April 1-October 31, Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, will be open for its summer hours of operation.  The site exhibit areas are open daily from 8:00 am-5:00 pm. The park grounds are open daily from ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset. To find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or learn more at www.nps.gov/fosc.