National Historic Site
Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site is a National Historic Site in Colorado. The NPS currently lists 4 active alerts, 0 campgrounds and 1 visitor center, and no entrance fee.
Colorado National Historic Site No entrance fee
Updated · NPS Data API
“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.”
Active alerts
4
Closures
0
Campgrounds
0
Visitor centers
1
4 active NPS alerts as of Oct 28, 2026: 0 closures, 0 danger, 2 caution and 2 information.
Caution
The design of the reconstructed fort fails to meet accessibility, fire, and life-safety requirements of 1976. A lack of code compliant components such as emergency lighting, illuminated exit signage, panic hardware on doors, and outwardly swinging exit doors results in a limitation of 49 occupants for visitor operations within the reconstructed fort.
Posted or updated Nov 24, 2025 ·Details on nps.gov
Caution
Entry into the reconstructed fort is limited to the central plaza on scheduled days. For your safety respect all closures and restrictions. Guided tours provide access into additional areas.
Posted or updated Nov 24, 2025 ·Details on nps.gov
Information
Regularly scheduled guided tours provide access into furnished rooms and explore the fort’s role in Westward Expansion and the reconstruction of the fort in 1976.
Posted or updated Nov 30, 2025 ·Details on nps.gov
Information
A 1/4 mile (1,275 feet) walk on a paved trail from the parking area is required to reach the gate of the fort. At the end of your visit, you'll return to your vehicle along the same path.
Posted or updated Nov 23, 2025 ·Details on nps.gov
This site has no entrance fee, according to NPS fee data.
This park is cashless — bring a card or buy your pass online. Fee details on nps.gov
Upon your arrival at the fort, request a Junior Ranger booklet from a park ranger. Tour the fort and grounds while completing the booklet according to your skill level. Take your completed book to a park ranger to receive a Junior Ranger Badge.
Year-round Fee applies Pets allowed
Take a tour with a Park Ranger to learn more about Bent's Old Fort. Tours are limited to fifteen participants and will explore the historic use of the site and the reconstruction of the fort in the 1970s.
45-55 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed
Visitors can hike a 1.75 mile trail that winds its way through the cottonwood trees alongside the wetlands and the Arkansas River. Interpretive exhibit panels explain the further significance of this important river ecosystem.
30-90 Minutes Year-round Fee applies Pets allowed
See all 7 things to do in Bent's Old Fort →
Activities the NPS lists for Bent's Old Fort.
Arts and CultureCraft DemonstrationsCultural DemonstrationsBikingRoad BikingGuided ToursSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingHikingLiving HistoryJunior Ranger ProgramWildlife WatchingBirdwatchingPark FilmMuseum ExhibitsShoppingBookstore and Park StoreGift Shop and Souvenirs
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The park grounds are open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., except on New Year's Day, the Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr, Washington's Birthday, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 9:00AM - 4:00PM |
| Tuesday | 9:00AM - 4:00PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00AM - 4:00PM |
| Thursday | 9:00AM - 4:00PM |
| Friday | 9:00AM - 4:00PM |
| Saturday | 9:00AM - 4:00PM |
| Sunday | 9:00AM - 4:00PM |
Weather: Summer temperatures are often in the high 90s and low 100s. Weather is generally fair in the fall and spring. Winter temperatures can be below freezing.
| Visitor center | Standard hours | Phone | Passport stamp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Information Center | Daily: 9:00AM - 4:00PM | — | Yes |
No NPS campgrounds are listed for this site. Nearby national forests or state parks may offer camping.
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