Fort Laramie National Historic Site
Originally established as a private fur trading fort in 1834, Fort Laramie evolved into the largest and best-known military post on the Northern Plains before its abandonment in 1890.
Photo: Chase Swift Photography/Chase Swift / NPS
About Fort Laramie National Historic Site
Originally established as a private fur trading fort in 1834, Fort Laramie evolved into the largest and best-known military post on the Northern Plains before its abandonment in 1890. Nicknamed the “Grand Old Post,” Fort Laramie witnessed the entire sweeping saga of America’s western expansion and Indian resistance to encroachment on their territories.
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Driving times from Fort Laramie National Historic Site, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.
Hours
Park grounds and historic buildings
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- Sunrise to Sunset
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Activities
Getting there
Fort Laramie summer days can be quite hot (over 100F/37C), average highs are in the 80s and 90s (30-35C) with cool nights and low humidity. Winters are often bitterly cold and windy with subzero wind chills. The region is semi-arid with a distinct winter dry season. About 70% of annual precipitation falls as thunderstorms during the spring and early summer. Breezy days are common year-round and peak in the winter when wind speeds can approach hurricane-strength.
Frequently asked questions
- What is there to do at Fort Laramie National Historic Site?
- Popular activities include Astronomy, Bookstore and Park Store, Fishing, Freshwater Fishing, Gift Shop and Souvenirs, Guided Tours.
- Which national parks are within a day's drive of Fort Laramie National Historic Site?
- Within about a day's drive you can reach Scotts Bluff National Monument (1 h 16 min), Agate Fossil Beds National Monument (1 h 52 min), Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail (3 h 8 min), Jewel Cave National Monument (3 h 14 min), Wind Cave National Park (3 h 21 min), Rocky Mountain National Park (3 h 45 min).