Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site - La Junta, Colorado

g R.

My wife and I have visited this historic place twice. It is a rebuild/replica of the original fort, said to have burned down.
Upon arrival, you will park in a parking lot, just off the road, and you will continue on a footpath to the fort. Sometimes actors reenact how things went on back in these days. There is a gift shop and it is a great experience all around, in my opinion.

Win R.

Loved it. Great to visit and enjoy some history. When you realise that back in 1847 if you just crossed the Arkansas river at that point you would be in Mexico you will be amazed. Definitely worth a visit and the people there are very knowledgeable and take the time to explain things to you.

Sean N.

This fascinating recreation of a 19th century trading post was a great stop on our vacation road trip, just a little off from US 50. The interpretive materials such as the guidebook, film, and signage helped explain and put into context the splendid recreation. The staff were friendly and enthusiastic, and were very helpful when our infant daughter got sick while we're here. The walk from the parking lot is short and reasonably level, but can be bit brutal on a hot, sunny day - I definitely recommend sunscreen, hat, and water. I would suggest giving yourself at least an hour to experience the site - two or more would be better.

KS N.

Ample parking. Need walk 1/4 miles to the fort. Where visitor center and museum is located.

As a key exchange point, the fort facilitated interactions between trappers from the southern Rocky Mountains, travelers from Missouri and the eastern United States, Hispanic traders from Mexico, and Native American communities, including the Cheyenne, Arapaho, Comanche, and Kiowa Tribes. @ksnairphotography

Matt M.

Very cool NHS. It takes a bit to get to…but it’s 100% worth the drive. When I visited, the upper level was closed. Learned some interesting bits of Colorado history and what life was like back in the day.

Don’t forget to go to the gift shop to get your passport stamp!

Lanie Y.

Visited this on our day 77 of 80 days NPS Coast to Coast Road Trip. Our first stop from La Junta to this paek and found the parking lot and bathrooms, but we got confused about where the entrance to the port. We didn't get out of the car and just drove out, and GPS kept trying to make us go back to the parking lot. So this time, we get out of the car and check out the exhibit that is placed in front of the parking lot. We then see the 1/4 mile walk to the Fort. The fort can be seen the road and the parking lot. And if you are looking to get your picture with the sign, you can park near the entrance where the Arch at the front along the road and walked all the way to the left it is a big sign of the park.

Michael B.

This is a national historic site that you can visit without a reservation or times entry. Restrooms are located at the parking lot, the visitor center is immediately on your left as you enter the fort, and the bookstore is waaaaay in the back left hidden from view. The fort itself is a well preserved time capsule of the 1850s. You'll feel like you're walking into the old west or onto Tatooine right as enter the main courtyard. Wear closed toes shoes because the floors are all very sandt silt.

John G. (.

This is a must see. If you like history or like old forts you have to see this place. It is the best recreation of an old ort that I have ever seen. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. The fort is fitted out just like it would have been when it was in operation. It is 100% authentically recreated from notes taken by an army lieutenant who spent some time there and took exact measurements and wrote detailed descriptions. 100% authentic, you have to see it!
My only suggestion would be that they put some benches or chairs around the courtyard so that you could sit and immerse yourself in the experience. Again this is an absolute must see.