Tour Fort Larned's Original Sandstone Buildings

The sandstone buildings at Fort Larned date back to the 1860's.

NPS Photo

Fort Larned is one of the best-preserved frontier forts along the Santa Fe Trail. There are nine original sandstone buildings to explore, along with a reconstructed building. Not only have these buildings been restored to their original appearance but they've been furnished with reproduction furniture and items to give you a sense of what this place would have looked like when it was an active Army post.

Start at the Visitor Center to pick up a brochure and get background information about the fort's history from the museum exhibits. The best way to tour the buildings is with a ranger, however ranger-guided tours are not always available. If you have a smart phone, you can use the self-guided walking tour on the Fort Larned section of the NPS app for information about each building. Otherwise, the brochure will have some information for you as you walk around.

When you're ready to tour the buildings, simply exit the Visitor Center and turn left. 

Details

Duration

1-2 Hours

Activity

Self-Guided Tours - Walking

Pets Allowed

No

Pets are not allowed in any of the historic buildings.

Activity Fee

No

There is no entrance fee for Fort Larned.

Location

Fort Larned National Historic Site

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Although the buildings are open year around, it can get very cold in the winter, making it uncomfortable to walk around the unheated buildings.

Time of Day

Day

Accessibility Information

Most of the buildings are wheelchair accessible. See our accessibility page for more detailed information on which buildings can be seen in a wheelchair.

Fort Larned

Ten structures are arranged in a square shape near the Pawnee River. On the north side, a visitor center, infantry barracks and hospital are indicated; on the east, a bakery, shops, new commissary and blockhouse; to the south, commissary, arsenal, and storehouse; and on the west, officer's quarters.