Note: Please remember to call ahead to any destination you plan on visiting to ensure hours of operation and other regulations.
Many of the freedoms we enjoy today are due to battles we can now only read about. Begin your tour of Fort Larned National Historic Site at the site’s Visitors Center. Here you’ll learn the history of Fort Larned in the context in which you’ll understand what you’re about to see in the many buildings. Museum exhibits and a short film depict the expansion westward of the US government, surrounding conflicts, and international commerce – all of which affected those living in the region, including Native Americans, traders, and soldiers. At Fort Larned’s Bookstore, you’ll find depictions of Army life, the lives of the Plains Indians, and illustrations of the Santa Fe Trail. Toys and other souvenirs are also offered.
Ranger-Guided Tours
There are several things to do at Fort Larned, including guided tours by park rangers and self-guided tours. Ranger-guided tours are the best way to see everything the fort has to offer. Ranger-guided tours last from 45 to 90 minutes and illustrate various features of the park. You must have reservations for ranger-guided tours. Everyone in your party must be at least 10 years old and pets are allowed to accompany you on a leash. Tours are available throughout the year. To check on specific tours, availability, and time durations, check in with staff when you arrive.
Self-Guided Tours
Self-guided tours include seeing the trail ruts left along the Santa Fe Trail and the Sandstone Buildings from the 1800s. The Santa Fe Trail Ruts self-guided tour is a car-only trail that lasts about five to 10 minutes. You don’t need reservations for this tour. Driving through this trail you’ll get to see the untouched evidence of hundreds of passing wagons. While the people who made these ruts may be long gone, their wheel ruts are a reminder of their passage through this once-important trail.
The self-guided walking tour through Fort Larned’s Sandstone Buildings takes about an hour or two. You also do not need reservations for this tour. All members of your party, however, must be at least five years of age. No pets are allowed in this portion of the park.
As with all travel plans, be sure to contact the park prior to arrival. You can also call park rangers at 620.285.6911.
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