Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site
On November 29th, 1864, Chiefs Black Kettle, White Antelope, Left Hand and others were encamped with around 750 Arapaho and Cheyenne people in a valley by the Big Sandy Creek.
Photo: NPS Photo/Shawn G. Gillette / NPS
About Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site
On November 29th, 1864, Chiefs Black Kettle, White Antelope, Left Hand and others were encamped with around 750 Arapaho and Cheyenne people in a valley by the Big Sandy Creek. A hope for peace, brought forth by Black Kettle was in the balance. It was a tragic day where the blood of the Cheyenne and Arapaho was shed, and a painful memory for generations of Native Americans was made.
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Driving times from Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.
Hours
Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site
- Mon
- 9:00AM - 4:00PM
- Tue
- Closed
- Wed
- Closed
- Thu
- 9:00AM - 4:00PM
- Fri
- 9:00AM - 4:00PM
- Sat
- 9:00AM - 4:00PM
- Sun
- 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Activities
Getting there
Weather conditions at the park vary considerably. Temperatures range from over 100°F in summer to under 20°F in winter. Visitors can expect blowing dust and sand year-round, especially during infrequent storms. Some of these storms produce violent tornadoes or large blizzards, so prepare accordingly, and contact the on-duty Ranger to ask about road conditions at (719)-438-5916
Frequently asked questions
- What is there to do at Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site?
- Popular activities include Birdwatching, Bookstore and Park Store, Guided Tours, Hiking, Shopping, Wildlife Watching.
- Which national parks are within a day's drive of Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site?
- Within about a day's drive you can reach Amache National Historic Site (1 h 39 min), Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site (2 h 24 min), Santa Fe National Historic Trail (3 h 51 min), Nicodemus National Historic Site (4 h 9 min), Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument (4 h 32 min), Fort Larned National Historic Site (4 h 42 min).