Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site
In the 1840s the Arkansas River was the border between territory claimed by the United States and Mexico.
Photo: NPS/D. Ocheltree / NPS
About Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site
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.
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Driving times from Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.
Hours
Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site
- Mon
- 9:00AM - 4:00PM
- Tue
- 9:00AM - 4:00PM
- Wed
- 9:00AM - 4:00PM
- Thu
- 9:00AM - 4:00PM
- Fri
- 9:00AM - 4:00PM
- Sat
- 9:00AM - 4:00PM
- Sun
- 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Replica Fort
- Mon
- 9:00AM - 3:00PM
- Tue
- Closed
- Wed
- Closed
- Thu
- 9:00AM - 3:00PM
- Fri
- 9:00AM - 3:00PM
- Sat
- 9:00AM - 3:00PM
- Sun
- 9:00AM - 3:00PM
Activities
Getting there
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. Most of the replica fort is unheated and does not have modern cooling systems, so dress accordingly.
Frequently asked questions
- What is there to do at Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site?
- Popular activities include Arts and Culture, Biking, Birdwatching, Bookstore and Park Store, Craft Demonstrations, Cultural Demonstrations.
- Which national parks are within a day's drive of Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site?
- Within about a day's drive you can reach Amache National Historic Site (1 h 31 min), Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site (2 h 24 min), Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument (2 h 49 min), Capulin Volcano National Monument (3 h 3 min), Santa Fe National Historic Trail (3 h 45 min), Fort Union National Monument (3 h 53 min).