Overview
Bent’s Old Fort on the Arkansas River on the prairie of eastern Colorado has been painstakingly reconstructed to its appearance of 1845. It was originally built in 1833, long before Fort Larned and Fort Union announced the U.S. military presence on the 1,200-mile-long Santa Fe Trail. Historical reenactors are happy to talk to visitors about the site and its famous inhabitants and visitors.
Highlights
Reconstructed fort, film, living history
Must-Do Activity
The “old fort” was originally built with the financial backing of the two Bent brothers from St. Louis and a Taos trader named Ceran St. Vrain. It was a huge success, bringing a period of peace to warring tribes on the Great Plains, particularly after William Bent married a Cheyenne woman. Things changed once Texas was annexed by the U.S. in 1845 and the military moved in, spurring a move to Bent’s New Fort 38 miles downstream.
Best Trail
The parking lot is less than a half-mile walk from the fort, yet we found that approaching on foot added to the historic experience, as did speaking with the reenactors roaming inside. Closer handicap parking is available. Another trail leads to the banks of the Arkansas River on a 1.75-mile loop.
Instagram-worthy Photo
In 1975, the adobe fort was reconstructed on its original foundation in southeast Colorado based on drawings by Lieutenant James Abert, a topographical engineer stationed here in 1845 and 1846.
Peak Season
Summer, but watch for afternoon thunderstorms.
Hours
https://www.nps.gov/beol/planyourvisit/hours.htm
Fees
$3 per adult except $5 during June 8-9 Santa Fe Trail Encampment, September 15 Hispanic Heritage Day, October 20 Native American Heritage Day, and the December 7-8 Traditional Holiday Celebration. America the Beautiful pass accepted, too.
Road Conditions
All roads paved, although they can be closed due to spring floods on the Arkansas River.
Camping
There are private campgrounds in nearby La Junta, Colorado and a public one run by the Corps of Engineers at John Martin Reservoir (27 miles east on Highway 50).
Tiff on the walkway from the parking lot to Bent’s Old Fort 
Inside the fort 
Tiff at the fur trading post 
Tiff was asked by a reenactor to help fold the flag at the end of the day 
Some of the windows were made of quartz 
Cacti growing on the walls of the fort 
A peacock in a box on the fort grounds 
Playing with the fur press
Explore More – What combination of factors led William Bent to burn the original fort and build a new one 38 miles down the Arkansas River?
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