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Fort Larned National Historic Site, Historic Site in Larned, Kansas
Historic Site

Fort Larned National Historic Site

Larned · Kansas

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Overview

About Fort Larned National Historic Site.

Discover a complete and authentic army post from the 1860s -1870s! This well-preserved fort on the Santa Fe Trail shares a tumultuous history of the Indian Wars era. The sandstone constructed buildings sheltered troops who were known as the Guardians of the Santa Fe Trail.

FoodPicnickingGuided ToursSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingLiving HistoryHistoric Weapons DemonstrationJunior Ranger ProgramPark FilmMuseum ExhibitsShoppingBookstore and Park Store

Weather

Central Kansas has a four-season climate. Winter tends to be cold and dry, with average daytime highs below 40F (4C). Foehn winds blowing across the Great Plains from the Southwest periodically raise temperatures above 80F (27C). Unsettled warmer air, higher winds, and severe weather arrive in the spring and often last through early July. Late summer days hover above 90F (32C) and readings over 100F (38C) are not uncommon. Fall is variable but generally milder with showers changing to snow and ice later.

Key Facts

TypeHistoric Site
DesignationNational Historic Site
Official Website

Gallery

Photos of Fort Larned National Historic Site.

7 images

Things to do

Discover Fort Larned National Historic Site.

Men in 19th century U.S. Army uniforms prepare to fire a cannon.

Fort Larned Living History

Fort Larned staff and volunteers help bring the fort to life during the summer with our living history programs.

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Long distance view of one-story sandstone building with covered porch held up by white columns.

Fort Larned Visitor Center

30-60 Minutes

The Fort Larned Visitor Center is open daily from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. It is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.

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Close up image of a sunflower.

Hike the Fort Larned History & Nature Trail

45-60 Minutes

There was more to Fort Larned than the sandstone buildings left standing today. Beyond the Parade Ground was a complex of stables and corrals, along with the mail station that brought the Army here. The History & Nature trail explores the part of Fort Larned no longer here.

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Picnic table under a shelter surrounded by trees with brick restroom in background.

Picnic at Fort Larned

Pack a picnic lunch and make a day of your visit to Fort Larned!

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Aerial view of field with a row of deep furrows running through the middle.

See Santa Fe Trail Ruts

5-10 Minutes

See the evidence of the passage of hundreds of wagons over the Santa Fe Trail. Tracks like these are the only reminders of a once important trade route through the Southwest.

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Aerial view of sandstone buildings arranged in a square around an open grassy area.

Tour Fort Larned's Original Sandstone Buildings

1-2 Hours

See the original, restored sandstone buildings of a 19th century Indian Wars era fort.

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People standing around park ranger in uniform who is talking

Tour Fort Larned with a Ranger

45-90 Minutes

The best way to see the fort. Check on availability when you arrive.

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Man in 19th century clothes working over a blacksmith's forge.

Visit the Fort Larned Blacksmith

10-30 Minutes

See a blacksmith practice his art in the Fort Larned blacksmith shop.

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