Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site is a great place to visit if you're looking to learn more about the American West. The fort was built in 1833 as a trade post, and it soon became an important stop on the Santa Fe Trail. Today, the site includes a museum with exhibits on the history of the fort and the people who lived there. You can also take a self-guided tour of the fort itself, which has been meticulously reconstructed to look as it did in the 1800s. And if you're feeling adventurous, you can even try your hand at panning for gold in the Arkansas River. 

Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site is a fort located in Otero County, Colorado. The site was established in 1833 as a fur trading post by brothers Charles and William Bent. The Bent brothers operated the fort until 1846, when it was sold to the United States government. The fort was abandoned in 1849, but was later reoccupied by the military during the Colorado Gold Rush in 1858. After the gold rush ended, the fort was again abandoned and fell into ruin. In 1908, the site was designated as a National Historic Landmark, and in 1974, it was established as a National Historic Site. 

The best time to visit Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site is during the summer months of June, July, and August. Not only is the weather warm and sunny, but the historic site is also open for extended hours.

1.  Leave your pets at home – only service animals are allowed on the premises.
2. If possible, visit during the week – weekends can be very busy.
3. Stop by the Visitor Center when you first arrive – they have a great video about the history of the fort which is well worth watching.
4. Explore the grounds. In addition to the fort itself, there are several other buildings on site that are worth exploring, including a blacksmith shop, an adobe oven, and a replica of an 1860s wagon train camp.
5.  Visit the museum store. The museum store at Bent's Old Fort carries a variety of books, toys, and souvenirs related to the fort's history and the American West more broadly. It's a great place to pick up a souvenir or gift for someone back home.
6. Attend a living history event . Throughout the year , Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site hosts a variety of living history events , where visitors can learn about what life was like at the fort in its heyday . These events often include demonstrations of traditional skills , like blacksmithing and basket weaving , as well as dance performances and storytelling.

1. It was one of the first European-style settlements in present-day Colorado.
2. The fort was originally built with two stories, but a third story was added later on. 
3. In 1960, Congress designated Bent's Old Fort as a National Historic Site; it is now managed by the National Park Service.
4. William Bent began construction of the fort in 1833. It was originally named Fort Independence but was later renamed to honor Charles Bent, who was killed in the 1846 Taos Revolt.
5. The fort served as an important trading post on the Santa Fe Trail. It was also used as a rest and resupply stop for westward travelers.

While the exact amount of time needed to explore the fort depends on the individual, most visitors should plan on spending at least 3-5 hours at the site. 

From Denver, take I-25 south to exit 276. Follow Highway 50 east for approximately 16 miles. The fort will be on your right. If you are coming from the west, take Highway 50 east from Canon City. The fort will be on your left after you pass through La Junta.

The entrance fee is $3 per adult. Children under 16 years of age are free.

Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site is open daily from 9 AM. to 5 PM., with extended hours during the summer months.