Commerce, Culture, and Cooperation at a Crossroads

In the 1840s the Arkansas River was the border between territory claimed by the United States and Mexico. Located on the river, Bent's Fort was an adobe trading post on the Santa Fe Trail, where traders, trappers, travelers, and the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes came together in peaceful terms for trade. Step back in time to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the past. Read More

An open plaza of an adobe structure
Plan Your Visit

Things to know to when planning your visit to Bent's Old Fort.

Indian Trade Room with trade goods that would have been available in the 1840's
Self-Guided Tour of the Fort

Tour the rooms in the fort year-round using the Self-Guided Tour booklet.

A leashed dog explores the side corral of the fort.
Pets at the Park

Leashed pets are welcome in most of the park.

Men unload a wagon pulled by oxen in front of an adobe fort
Trade Starts With A Secure Adobe Fort

Learn more about this multi-cultural and multilingual trading post on the western borderlands.

Last updated: August 23, 2023

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Mailing Address:

35110 State Highway 194
La Junta, CO 81050

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