Castle of the Plains
Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site features a reconstructed 1840s adobe fur trading post on the mountain branch of the Santa Fe Trail where traders, trappers, travelers, and the Cheyenne and Arapaho 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.
Features
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Things to do
Living history tours, demonstrations (seasonally), special events, self-guided tours and an orientation video is available.
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For Kids
Kids can participate in the "Kids Quarters" Event, stepping back in time. The Junior Ranger program is available for visiting children.
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For Teachers
School tours with demonstrations are available year around. The park's Santa Fe Trail Traveling Trunk can be shipped to you school.
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Western National Parks Association Book Store
The Book Store is stocked with books, videos, maps, and many of the trade goods found at the fort during the 1840s.
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Did You Know?
Frontiersmen carried bars of lead and made their own bullets using a ladle and a bullet mold. Heated over a hot fire, the molten lead was poured into the mold, let cool and then opened, allowing the bullet to fall out.