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National Historic Site
Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site · Colorado
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. Families can start at the visitor center for maps, exhibits, and Junior Ranger materials; always check nps.gov for current hours and conditions before you go.
Hours, roads, and programs change with the seasons. Check current conditions on the official Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site website before you go.
Wild Base Family is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the National Park Service. Park brochures and Junior Ranger books are free official materials published by the National Park Service; our links open the official PDF (on nps.gov) when one is available online.