Fort Larned National Historic Site - National Park Directory

Men in 19th century U.S. Army uniforms fire a reproduction period cannon.

Volunteers demonstrating the use of a mountain howitzer during one of Fort Larned's living history weekends.

Sandstone army buildings arranged in a square around parade ground.

The historic sandstone buildings at Fort Larned date to 1868

Man in leather apron hammering hot steel in blacksmith shop.

The blacksmith demonstration is one of the most popular living history demonstrations.

Men in 19th century U.S. Army uniforms lower an American flag.

Volunteers help recreate the U.S. Army flag lowering ceremony known as Retreat.

Man in 19th century U.S. Army uniform interacts with visitors in period barracks.

A volunteer shows visitors how soldiers lived during the 1860s at Fort Larned.

African American men in 19th century cavalry uniforms on horseback.

Buffalo Soldier re-enactors help bring Fort Larned's history to life.

Photos: National Park Service

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.

Plan a Visit

NPS DesignationNational Historic Site

Park State / Territory MembershipKansas

Current Alerts0

Visitor Centers1

Campgrounds0

Things To Do8

Core visitor information on this page is sourced from the National Park Service. NPD proximity sections use NPS reference coordinates and straight-line distance. Local source bundle updated Sep 27, 2026. View the official NPS page.

Weather & Conditions

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…

NPS Reference Location

Park state / territory membership: Kansas. This map uses the National Park Service reference coordinate. It may represent an administrative or reference point rather than a park entrance, trailhead, visitor center, or the nearest access point. Use the official NPS directions below when planning travel.

Operating Hours

Staff begin closing the grounds and visitor center at 4:30 p.m. The parking lot gate is closed and locked for the night at 5 p.m.

Friday8:30AM - 4:30PM

Monday8:30AM - 4:30PM

Saturday8:30AM - 4:30PM

Sunday8:30AM - 4:30PM

Thursday8:30AM - 4:30PM

Tuesday8:30AM - 4:30PM

Wednesday8:30AM - 4:30PM

Activities

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

Getting There

Fort Larned National Historic Site is located on KS Hwy 156, six miles west of Larned, Kansas.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

The NPS-listed address may be an administrative office, visitor center, mailing/contact location, or other park facility rather than a park entrance.

NPS-Listed Address1767 KS Hwy 156, Larned, KS, 67550

Phone620-285-6911

Emailfols_internet@nps.gov

Topics & Themes

Architecture and BuildingAfrican American HeritageCommerceTradeFortsHispanic American HeritageLatino American HeritageMilitaryInfantry and MilitiaIndigenous and Native WarriorNative American HeritageTransportationRoads, Routes and HighwaysWars and ConflictsIndian and Frontier WarsGrasslands