Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site

Four white Indian lodges on a grassy plain.

Cheyenne and Arapaho Lodges erected in commemoration of the 150th Year of the Sand Creek Massacre

A lone tipi frame and two wayside signs stand in a snow-covered landscape

A tipi frame is backlit by an evening sky.

The uppermost branches of leafless trees in a grassy plain are lit by the setting sun.

The setting sun highlights trees along Sand Creek, forming a hauntingly beautiful landscape

A tipi frame is silhouetted by the evening sky.

The silhouette of a lone tipi at dusk symbolizes the tragic events that occurred in 1864 and of the indomitable spirit of the Cheyenne and Arapaho people, who overcame the tragedy and continue to work with the NPS to preserve its memory and legacy.

An expanse of winter prairie with brown grasses, leafless trees, and low clouds above.

Winter on the Southeastern Colorado Plains can produce beautiful scenes such as this.

A wayside in the snow-covered foreground with a winter plain stretching behind.

This tranquil winter view shows snow throughout the Sand Creek Valley.

Photos: National Park Service

About Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site

On November 29th, 1864, Chiefs Black Kettle, White Antelope, Left Hand and others were encamped with around 750 Arapaho and Cheyenne people in a valley by the Big Sandy Creek. A hope for peace, brought forth by Black Kettle was in the balance. It was a tragic day where the blood of the Cheyenne and Arapaho was shed, and a painful memory for generations of Native Americans was made.

Quick Facts

State Colorado

Designation National Historic Site

State Code CO

Weather Weather conditions at the park vary considerably. Temperatures range from over 100°F in summer to under 20°F in winter. Visitors can expect blowing dust and sand year-round, especially during infrequent…

Location & Map

Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site is located in Colorado.

Get Directions

Operating Hours

The park is located 23 miles outside of the town of Eads, Colorado and is open five days a week. Please view the directions tab for more information.

Wednesday Closed

Monday 9:00AM - 4:00PM

Thursday 9:00AM - 4:00PM

Sunday 9:00AM - 4:00PM

Tuesday Closed

Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM

Saturday 9:00AM - 4:00PM

Activities

Guided Tours Hiking Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Shopping Bookstore and Park Store

Getting There

The Sand Creek Massacre is located in Kiowa County, Colorado. To visit the site, follow Colorado State Highway 96 east off Highway 287 near Eads, or west off Highway 385 at Sheridan Lake. Near Chivington, turn north onto County Road 54/Chief White Antelope Way or at Brandon, turn north onto County Road 59. Follow these roads to their intersections with County Road W. The park entrance is along CR W a mile east (right) of CR 54 or several miles west (left) of CR 59.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

Address 55411 County Rd W, Chivington, CO, 81036

Phone 7194385916

Email sand_information@nps.gov

Topics & Themes

Military US Army Indigenous and Native Warrior Native American Heritage Social Movements Tragic Events Massacres Wars and Conflicts Indian and Frontier Wars Civil War Westward Expansion The Gold Rush Grasslands Prairies

Things To Do

Hike the Monument Hill Trail

The Monument Hill Trail runs from the orientation area to the hill where the overlook is located. Exhibits and benches along the…

Be a Sand Creek B.A.R.K. Ranger

Bring your furry friend to the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site and take the B.A.R.K. Ranger pledge!

Learn what it means to be a B.A.R.K. Ranger and take the pledge!

The Bluff Trail

The Bluff Trail is approximately three-quarters of a mile long and runs northwest from the overlook along the bluff overlooking the…

Sand Creek Ranger Talk

The Sand Creek ranger talk discusses the events of the mid 1800's and describes some of the social, economic, and…

The Sand Creek ranger talk delves into the events of the mid 1800's and describes some of the social, economic,…

Visitor Centers

Visitor Contact Station

The Contact Station is located at the historic site, which is eight miles north of the town of Chivington. It provides education and orientation materials…

Hours: The Contact Station is located at the historic site, which is eight miles north of the town of Chivington. It provides education and orientation materials and has a sales outlet for educational merchandise. The Contact Station maintains the same hours as the park. NOTE: Bookstore sales end at 3:30 pm.

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