bent's old fort national historic site

The original Fort collapsed but the Park Service rebuilt it in 1976 to replicate the best info known about it. We were greeted by a park ranger in traditional dress of the period who gave us a brief introduction about the fort, gave us a guide and sent us off to explore and come back and ask any questions. Both rangers there were very knowledgeable and helpful. What we liked best is we could walk around and actually touch stuff and every time we wanted more info, come back to the come back to the center of the fort and ask the rangers. It truly depicted what it was like in the early 1800s. There is also a short hike you can do along the Santa Fe Trail. It's only about 7 miles from La Junta so if you are driving on US 50, it's worth the time to viist

I have been to Bent's Old Fort three times (from the UK) and would certainly go back again. The fort is an accurate reconstruction of an old fur trade fort that was central to the history of the southern plains, the Cheyenne Indians and the Santa Fe Trail.

The reconstructed fort was built to measurements of a soldier who stayed there.Much effort as been made for you to feel like the period. The guides talk as if they are people of the 19th century. I especially liked the trading post of the fort.

This is a fascinating historic site to visit with a very interesting story of the life on the plains and along the Santa Fe Trail in the mid-1800’s. There is an excellent 20-minute introductory video near the entrance of the fort. We really enjoyed our two hours spent at the fort. We took a self-guided tour of the fort. There are also guided tours available. It is a fun and interesting place to visit. The fort was a trading post, from 1833 to 1849, for Indians, trappers and Mexicans to trade their furs and hides for goods. It also served as a resting place for explorers and travelers on the Santa Fe Trail. The fort served as a staging point for the US Army in the war with Mexico. The adobe fort has been impressively reconstructed based upon drawings from an Army officer in 1846. The rooms in the fort are furnished with period reproductions. The staff at the fort wear period costumes, and are very knowledgeable about the history of the fort. There is a nice gift shop at the rear of the fort. The Park Service and its volunteers have done at great job at this historic site. It is well worth visiting.

For old west history buffs, kids and anyone else this is a must-see. It's very easy to imagine oneself getting off the stage coach and settling in for the night on the way across country in the 19th century. The exhibits are very well done, and the fort feels very authentic.

I was staying near Bent's Old Fort and had no idea that it was an exact replica of the original. I was there near the end of the day but the staff, who was starting to lock up, didn't hurry my visit. Very knowledgable as well. The lady in the gift shop was great. If you like old west history and want to see something from that time, adobe walls and all I recommend a visit. It was great!

Our family enjoys visiting historic sites, and this is a favorite in our home state of Colorado. My children aged 10 to 25 enjoyed several hours in December visiting this site as part of our homeschool study of the Fur Trade. Even on a chilly date it was worth the 3 hour drive to the site. The video at the beginning is excellent and worth watching first. Within the last year a walking tour booklet has been produced that is worth following and reading out loud to your group as you walk through. Many photo ops and neat things to see even if there isn't a re-enactment going on. We are looking forward to their special event in September 2015 of a Fur Trade Rendezvous! Excellent gift shop with all kinds of treasures and books. A donation is requested, not a fee.

Really neat site. Although its been rebuilt, it was rebuilt using detailed plans from 1846 and appears to be very authentic. Staff was extremely helpful and knowledgeable, and dressed in period clothing which added to the effect. It was very easy to imagine the fort as it was in the 1800s; Admission was only $3. A must see for anybody interested in frontier history.

Adults will love the fact that it is like going back in time, You really get a since of what it was like for those travelling along the Santa Fe Trail in the 1800's. If you have young kids or grandkids, they'll be in seventh heaven. This is a real hands-on fort to walk through and explore. The Park Rangers do an excellent job with their tours of the fort. When we were there, they also had re-enactors in period clothing going about daily life as it was back in the 1800's. $3 fee for adults, $2 for kids 6 to 12, and free under 6. WELL WORHT IT! Don't forget the camera!

Wonderful reconstruction, authentically furnished. Staff was friendly and helpful. If you have the time, and the weather is pleasant, the hiking trail around the property is very nice.

This is a place that every kid, big or small, needs a replica of in their back yard. The fort is not original of course and there are some signs of wear and tear that remind you of that but overall, a meticulous recreation. There is so much history to be absorbed here with its connection to the Santa Fe Trail. Yes, it's a little out of the way but it is well worth the trip!

It was a wonderful visit, it was very informative and there was lots of wildlife roaming around the fort. It is a bit of a walk to the fort from the parking lot, but there was a shuttle if you didn't mind waiting for it.

This was a great visit. The guided tour was excellent and the guide made it interesting. The site is a little over one hour East of Pueblo, Colorado. If you have an America The Beautiful pass, then you get in free. As of right now the cost is $3 for 13 yrs and older, $2 for 6 - 12 yrs and 5 yrs and under are free. The website is www.nps.gov/beol

A faithful re-creation of the old trading post. Take time for the guided tour. Soak in a very well executed old time environment.

Visited on a Tuesday in early September and had the fort practically to ourselves. It's surprisingly small for being such a major stop on the Santa Fe trail, but the reconstructed buildings don't spare any detail so it still takes a full hour or two to see all of the rooms on both levels, plus the 20-minute movie, which provides a good overview of the fort's history. The 1 mile loop trail around the perimeter is nice enough, but you wouldn't need to feel any great regrets if you skipped it. Couldn't figure out how to pair this with the Picketwire Canyonlands, despite them being so close, within the span of a day - so I guess I'll be back out this way again soon!