Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site • Colorado

Four white Indian lodges on a grassy plain.

A lone tipi frame and two wayside signs stand in a snow-covered landscape

The uppermost branches of leafless trees in a grassy plain are lit by the setting sun.

An expanse of winter prairie with brown grasses, leafless trees, and low clouds above.

A wayside in the snow-covered foreground with a winter plain stretching behind.

A lone tipi stands on a prairie landscape in predawn light.

The cloud mass of a summer thunderstorm looms in the distance beyond the park entrance sign

A park ranger points in the distance as two visitors stand before an outdoor exhibit panel.

On November 29th, 1864, Chiefs Black Kettle, White Antelope, Left Hand and others were encamped with around 750 Arapaho and Cheyenne people in a valley by the Big Sandy Creek. A hope for peace, brought forth by Black Kettle was in the balance. It was a tragic day where the blood of the Cheyenne and Arapaho was shed, and a painful memory for generations of Native Americans was made.

Cheyenne and Arapaho Lodges erected in commemoration of the 150th Year of the Sand Creek Massacre
NPS Photo/Shawn G. Gillette

A tipi frame is backlit by an evening sky.
NPS Photo/Shawn G. Gillette

The setting sun highlights trees along Sand Creek, forming a hauntingly beautiful landscape
NPS Photo/Jeff Campbell

Winter on the Southeastern Colorado Plains can produce beautiful scenes such as this.
NPS Photo/Jeff Campbell

This tranquil winter view shows snow throughout the Sand Creek Valley.
NPS Photo/Shawn G. Gillette

Tipi at dawn
NPS Photo

NPS/T. Jobe

Park ranger and visitors on the bluff trail
NPS Photo

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Duration:: 3 minutes, 49 seconds

Park Ranger John Launius introduces visitors to the story of the Sand Creek Massacre.

Wood poles lean on a large stone sign in open field at sunset, with dark blue sky and pink clouds.

Basic Information when planning to visit the Sand Creek Massacre NHS

Sand Creek at sunset, framed by a rail fence. In the distance are bluffs and green trees.

Discover the stories and history found at the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site

A signpost with three green road signs sits in front of an open grassy plain.

The site of the Sand Creek Massacre is located near Eads, Colorado, and requires driving on dirt roads

A park ranger talks to people in front of an open plain. A line of trees is in the distance.

Educational programs offered at the Sand Creek Massacre NHS

Last updated: July 1, 2026

Learn More About Sand Creek

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

1301 Maine Street
P.O. Box 249
Eads, CO 81036-0249

Phone:

719 438-5916

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