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Castle of the Plains

Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site features a reconstructed 1840’s adobe fur trading post on the mountain branch of the Santa Fe Trail where traders, trappers, travelers, and Plains Indian tribes came together in peaceful terms for trade. Today, living historians recreate the sights, sounds, and smells of the past with guided tours, demonstrations, and special events. 

 
Red Devon oxen driven by teamster. 

Things to do

Interpreters in period clothing perform guided tours daily and living history demonstrations seasonally. Visitors can also explore the fort on their own using a self-guided tour booklet. An orientation film is available anytime during visiting hours. Special times are to be had during special events.

 
kids cooking

For Kids

Seven to eleven year-old children are invited to "step back in time" and learn skills of the 1800s frontier as a trapper, trader, craftsman, laborer, Indian or soldier during the August 9th "Kid's Quarters".  If visiting children complete parts of the Junior Ranger booklet, view the video and go on a guided or self-guided tour, they can become eligible to earn a junior ranger badge from Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site.
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School students making adobe bricks. 

For teachers

School tours with demonstrations are available throughout the year. Offsite living history programs are available to limited areas on a limited basis.  Teachers can check out a traveling trunk, which brings a living museum of historical artifacts and hands-on activities to the classroom.
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Book Store at Bent's Old Fort

Western National Parks Association Book Store

Western National Parks Association's Book Store at the rear of the fort is stocked with books (over 100 titles), videos, and many of the trade goods found for trade at Bent's Fort in the 1840"s. 
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Write to

Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site
35110 Highway 194 E.
La Junta, CO 81050

Phone

Visitor Information
(719) 383-5010

Fax

(719) 383-2129

Climate

Summer daytime temperatures range between 80 to 105° F, nights 50 to 75° F. Winter daytime temperatures range between 0 to 65° F, night -20 to 30° F. Precipitation is minimal. Brief afternoon thunderstorms with lightning, hail, and gusty winds can occur during the summer. Winter snow accumulations are generally light, but heavy snows may occur. Layered clothing appropriate for the season is recommended. Weather can vary greatly throughout the day.
Communities Surrounding Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site
Note: The times listed below are approximate driving times to the park.
La Junta, CO (11 min. ) Pop. 7,568
Las Animas, CO (14 min. ) Pop. 2,758
Cheraw, CO (17 min. ) Pop. 211
Swink, CO (18 min. ) Pop. 696
Rocky Ford, CO (24 min. ) Pop. 4,286
Hasty, CO (30 min. )
Manzanola, CO (34 min. ) Pop. 525
 Ordway, CO (37 min. ) Pop. 1,248
Sugar City, CO (40 min. ) Pop. 279
Crowley, CO (42 min. ) Pop. 187
Fowler, CO (44 min. ) Pop. 1,206
Arlington, CO (44 min. )
Olney Springs, CO (48 min. ) Pop. 389
Haswell, CO (53 min. ) Pop. 84