Last updated: September 5, 2025
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 along 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. Today, a reconstructed fort allows visitors to explore the front line of Westward Expansion. Read More
Current Conditions
Alerts, operations updates, and other information about what facilities and services will be available during your visit.
Status of the Reconstructed Fort
The park is open; the reconstructed fort is open for plaza access on a scheduled basis. Learn more about the 1976 reconstruction.
Things to Do
Tour the grounds, plaza, and trails surrounding Bent's Old Fort to shadow the steps of those who accessed this spot nearly 200 years ago.
The Business of Bison
Bent’s Fort was built first and foremost for the growing bison robe trade. This trade would transform the southern plains.
Trade Starts With A Secure Fort
Learn more about this multi-cultural and multilingual trading post on the western borderlands.