What are the opening hours?

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm Saturday 8:30am - 4:30pm Sunday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Fort Larned National Historic Site

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Fort Larned National Historic Site

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Welcome to Fort Larned, a national park still guarding the Santa Fe Trail! Read more about the park! Established by the U.S. Today, it is a national park.

Fort Larned has been the Guardian of the Santa Fe Trail for over 150 years. Army in 1859 as the Camp on Pawnee Fork - the fort stood astride routes of the Santa Fe Trail. For nearly two decades, troops guarded the connection between the Midwest and the Southwest. Units of the Tenth Cavalry - Buffalo Soldiers - served their first assignment here. Wives and children of officers and enlisted men made their homes here - for a time. But the post was also part of the story of the dispossession of the Cheyenne, Kiowa, and other peoples from their homes. From here, General Hancock conducted his war on the Southern Plains. From here, Ned Wynkoop tried and failed to offer an equitable peace as Indian agent. After construction of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad through southwest Kansas, the fort became a livestock ranch and tourist destination on the old Santa Fe Trail. Discover the living past at one of your national parks in Kansas.

10/29/2026

Want to support your community, but history isn’t exactly your thing? We have the opportunity just for you!
The Fort Larned Media Team is a group of volunteers who support Fort Larned NHS by increasing its media content and quality. This team includes folks who have skills in photography, videography, voiceover work, and so much more.
If you’d like to join this team of extraordinary folks and help Fort Larned as we expand our outreach abilities, email us ([email protected]) or call us (620-285-6911) and ask about volunteering on the Media Team!

NPS Graphic

10/27/2026

One of the scenes in this year’s Candlelight Tour centered around a Court Martial, a common occurrence at Fort Larned. The Court Martial that was represented was more than historic speculation, it was historic fact.
While we couldn’t represent the full Court Martial Board, we did use a couple of resources that told us the officers involved along with a couple of the cases tried.
The Court Martial Orders pictured is an original document we have in our collection that tells us who exactly served on the Court Martial Board. The Court Martial records from the Headquarters of the Department of the Missouri told us who was tried, what they were convicted of, along with their sentencing, which we were able to put in our Candlelight Tour.
We are always happy to present history as it happened at Fort Larned. For those who were able to attend our Candlelight Tour, we hope you enjoyed it! And for those who weren’t able to attend, we hope to see you at next year’s Candlelight Tour!

Photo by Ben Long, NPS

10/24/2026

Colder weather is on our doorstep, which can only mean one thing: it’s time to dust off your greatcoat and enjoy being wrapped in five pounds of light blue wool!
The greatcoat or overcoat, both in mounted and foot patterns were the standard issue cold weather coat for soldiers stationed at Fort Larned. No winter hats or gloves were standard issue though, but the design of the greatcoat allows the cape to become a hood and the long cuffs to become hand coverings.
Though unused for most of the year at Fort Larned, a greatcoat was a standard issue item you wouldn’t want to be caught without when the temperatures drop!

Photos by Ben Long, NPS

10/22/2026

We can rant and rave about our historic weapons program all we want, but to know what it’s like to be a part of it, we must hear from its members. Here’s a perspective from one of the volunteers in the program who is quickly becoming a historic weapons expert:
“I believe the Historic Weapons Program is vital to Fort Larned’s mission because it brings history to life in an engaging, meaningful way. The crew helps attract visitors who want to experience history firsthand, and I enjoy sharing that experience with young people while giving back to my community. The live demonstrations are exciting — after all, who doesn’t enjoy making things go “boom?” Best of all, the program welcomes people to participate as much or as little as they like while making everyone feel appreciated.”
~Trent, member since 2024
If you’d like to be a part of this fun and educational program, email us ([email protected]) or call us (620-285-6911) and ask about volunteering with our historic weapons program.

Photo by Kansas Kino Photography

10/20/2026

An often-overlooked civilian role at Fort Larned is that of a civilian contractor.

“Civilian contractor” is a broad term that includes everyone who is not in the military but works for the military. This can mean anyone from clerks, scouts, blacksmiths, carpenters, teamsters, and so many more.

In September 1867 amid the effort to construct the sandstone buildings, Fort Larned’s Quartermaster Department employed nearly 300 civilian contractors. Most of these contractors were educated and/or were tradesmen able to provide specialized services to the US Army. The practice of utilizing civilian contractors continues today with many US military functions being completed by civilians.

Photo by Joel F. Carberry

10/17/2026

Does your work have a “how-to” book or manual?

Believe it or not, the US Army in the 1860s had one called the “Revised US Army Regulations.” This 550+ page book had its 1861 edition revised in 1863 and was the latest and greatest book of regulations used at Fort Larned in 1868.

Everything from care of fortifications, how to set up camp, how to wear the uniform, the various insignia, forms and how to use them, and so much more is all covered in this book. This publication was an invaluable tool for everyone serving at Fort Larned, especially officers.

Today, it serves as an amazing guiding tool on how to properly represent the 1860s Army and it’s for this reason that reprints are on the desk of almost every Park Ranger at Fort Larned NHS.

Photo by Ben Long, NPS

10/15/2026

Have you ever wanted to be a part of a dedicated team that helps bring history to life?
One of the most recent special volunteer programs to form, the Fort Larned Regulars, seeks to do just that. This group specializes in drill, uniform, and military practice of the late 1860s as it represents the historic 3rd US Infantry.
The Fort Larned Regulars represent Fort Larned NHS at the Fort, local parades, and local events and is the closest thing we’ll get to see of how the 3rd US Infantry looked and drilled when they were at Fort Larned in 1868.
All uniforms and equipment are provided by Fort Larned NHS and practices are held every third Saturday of every month from 10 am-12 pm. If you’d like to join this dedicated team, email us ([email protected]) or call us (620-285-6911) and ask about the Fort Larned Regulars.

Photo by Joel F. Carberry

10/13/2026

Women not being able to serve in the US Army in the 1860s meant they made up a vast minority of the population at Fort Larned, but their roles were essential for a well-functioning frontier post.
Laundresses were the only women officially recognized by the US Army because of their essential function within the companies. Even though officer’s wives were not officially recognized as essential to the military’s operation, they were often the ones organizing social functions for the officers and their families. Not only was this essential for the mental well-being of officers throughout the country, it was even more important to help break up the monotony of frontier service.
We celebrate these women who braved uncertainties and harsh environments to support their family and those around them.

Photo by Joel F. Carberry

10/10/2026

August 1868, Fort Larned made national news as a rabid wolf appeared on the post, wreaked havoc, and caused some serious damage.
Prairie wolves were a common sight at the time, but in this case, this insane canine bit Lt. Thompson, a laundress, Capt. Nolan’s dog, and Corporal McGillicudy.
Lt. Thompson and the laundress thankfully survived. However, Nolan’s dog lost the fight and Corporal McGillicuddy, already in the hospital, died a month later from rabies. The wolf was eventually shot by a sentry on Guard Duty.
To read more about this sensational event and to learn about the other recorded wolf attack, check out the article on our website: https://go.nps.gov/1bl6i4
Woodcut of the wolf attacking Lt Thompson and others, Public Domain

10/08/2026

We couldn’t do everything we do without the help of our wonderful volunteers here at Fort Larned NHS. And one of the most important volunteer positions are those who assist with running our Visitor Center. This is where our visitors come to see the film, check out our exhibits, and get their Fort Larned souvenirs in our Western National Parks Store. We are always looking for local folks to help on a weekly or bi-weekly basis and help us give top-notch customer service to our visitors.
Want to improve your resume, give back to your community, or just meet some great people from all over the world? Apply today: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a09SJ00000OQ5SrYAL/visitor-center-volunteer
You must be at least 18 years of age to apply. Feel free to email ([email protected]) or call us (620-285-6911) for more information.

Photo by Ben Long, NPS

Address

1767 KS Highway 156
Larned, KS
67550

Opening Hours

Monday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Saturday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Sunday	8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+16202856911

Website

http://www.nps.gov/FortLarned/

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