Fort Laramie National Historic Site

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A large two story white building with pillars. Several windows with green shutters
Oldest Building in the State of Wyoming.
View of the parade ground from the porch of "Old Bedlam".
A fall view of the parade ground from "Old Bedlam" the oldest surviving structure at Fort Laramie and in the state of Wyoming, constructed in 1849.
Living history interpreter portraying the Post Trader.
In the summer living history interpreters bring the post to life, including the Post Trader in the refurnished 1849 store.
Living history interpreter explaining the life of a trapper/trader to young visitors
Special attention is given to helping our young visitors understand the past at Fort Laramie National Historic Site.
Aerial view of Fort Laramie NHS from the South
Overview of Fort Laramie as it exists today with many of the historic buildings fully restored and refurnished and numerous other ruins and foundations.
Two tipis across the Laramie River from the fort in fall
Tipis were a common scene at Fort Laramie from 1834-1872. At times, during treaty negotiations dozens of tipis could be found here.
Ash and cottonwood trees show their fall colors next to an open grass field.
Fall colors paint the parade grounds near Old Bedlam.
Ruins of a concrete structure with snow on top.
Ruins of the powder magazine within the winter snows.
A deer looking up in morning fog near the shelter belt at the old Holtclaw Tract homestead.
Morning fog north of Fort Laramie
Photos: National Park Service

About Fort Laramie National Historic Site

Originally established as a private fur trading fort in 1834, Fort Laramie evolved into the largest and best-known military post on the Northern Plains before its abandonment in 1890. Nicknamed the “Grand Old Post,” Fort Laramie witnessed the entire sweeping saga of America’s western expansion and Indian resistance to encroachment on their territories.

Quick Facts

State Wyoming
Designation National Historic Site
State Code WY
Weather Fort Laramie summer days can be quite hot (over 100F/37C), average highs are in the 80s and 90s (30-35C) with cool nights and low humidity. Winters are often bitterly cold…

Location & Map

Fort Laramie National Historic Site is located in Wyoming.

Operating Hours

The park grounds are open from dawn until dusk every day of the year. Some historic buildings may be closed in winter. Post trader store and cavalry barracks are open daily - weather permitting.

Wednesday Sunrise to Sunset
Monday Sunrise to Sunset
Thursday Sunrise to Sunset
Sunday Sunrise to Sunset
Tuesday Sunrise to Sunset
Friday Sunrise to Sunset
Saturday Sunrise to Sunset

Activities

Astronomy Stargazing Fishing Freshwater Fishing Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Self-Guided Tours - Auto Living History Historic Weapons Demonstration Junior Ranger Program Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Gift Shop and Souvenirs

Getting There

The park is located in southeast Wyoming approximately 125 miles southeast of Casper, 100 miles north of Cheyenne and 55 miles west of Scottsbluff, Nebraska. From Interstate 25, take exit 92 to US Highway 26, proceed east to the town of Fort Laramie; turn right on State Route 160 and travel three miles to the park entrance. From westbound US 26, proceed west from Scottsbluff, Nebraska to the town of Fort Laramie; turn left on State Route 160 and continue three miles to the park entrance.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

Address 965 Gray Rocks Road, Fort Laramie, WY, 82212
Phone 3078372221
Email FOLA_Visitor_Information@nps.gov

Topics & Themes

Forts Migrations Military Infantry and Militia Cavalry US Army Indigenous and Native Warrior Native American Heritage Transportation Roads, Routes and Highways Wars and Conflicts Indian and Frontier Wars Westward Expansion

Visitor Centers

Fort Laramie National Historic Site Visitor Center

Start your tour at the Visitor Center. Located in the restored 1884 Commissary Storehouse, you can view an 18-minute orientation film, tour our museum, and…

Hours: The Fort Laramie Museum and Visitor Center is open daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm between Memorial Day and Labor Day. From Labor Day to September 30th the visitor center is open 8:00am to 5:00pm. From October 1st to April 30th the visitor center is open 8:00am to 4:00pm. May 1st to Memorial Day the visitor center is open 8:00am to 5:00pm. The visitor center is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

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