Agnostik
National Historic Site · CO

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.

nps.gov ↗

Photos

Two animals are tied to a wooden frame in the interior of a large adobe structure.
Horse and Mule in the Plaza
Bent's Old Fort with shortgrass prairie in foreground and blue sky and clouds above
For much of its 16-year history, the fort was the only major permanent white settlement on the Santa Fe Trail between Missouri and the Mexican settlements.
Wooden boxes and buffalo furs are scattered around a plaza inside an adobe fortification.
Boxes and Furs in the Plaza.
Bent's Old Fort with shortgrass prairie, tepee and wagon in foreground and blue sky & clouds above
For much of its 16-year history, the fort was the only major permanent white settlement on the Santa Fe Trail between Missouri and the Mexican settlements.
bundles of glass trade beads tied together hang from a wooden rafter
Trade Room beads
An adobe fort with lights under a starry sky
Bent's Old Fort at night
Bent's Old Fort in background with wagon in front; fall yellow cottonwood leaves in foreground
For much of its 16-year history, the fort was the only major permanent white settlement on the Santa Fe Trail between Missouri and the Mexican settlements.
A Conestoga wagon and a solar race car stand on a road with a large adobe fort in the background
The Past and Future at Bent's Old Fort
A row of saddles are arrayed along a wooden beam near an adobe building
Pack saddles are at the ready.
A wooden counter is in the foreground of a trade room, with sales items on display in the background
The trade room catered to trappers, traders, the fort's labor force, and travelers from the ranks of soldiers, explorers, and adventurers.

Activities

  • Arts and Culture
  • Craft Demonstrations
  • Cultural Demonstrations
  • Biking
  • Road Biking
  • Guided Tours
  • Self-Guided Tours - Walking
  • Hiking
  • Living History
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Birdwatching
  • Park Film
  • Museum Exhibits
  • Shopping
  • Bookstore and Park Store
  • Gift Shop and Souvenirs