fort-larned | KS | Find park

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.

Three young children having their picture taken with Santa Claus in a period room.

Young visitors get their picture taken with Santa during the fort's Christmas Past event.

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

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

Physical Address:

1767 KS Hwy 156

Larned, KS 67550

Mailing Address:

1767 KS Hwy 156

Larned, KS 67550

contact-details

Phone Number: 620-285-6911 Voice
Phone Number: 620-285-3571 Fax

Email Address: fols_internet@nps.gov
Description: This e-mail address is monitored during park operating hours by a member of the ranger division. Most messages will be answered within 24 hours. Inquiries directed to facilities and maintenance staff may take additional time to receive a response, especially on weekends.

Fees

Entrance Fees

Entrance Passes

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.

park designation:National Historic Site

Directions:

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

For detailed directions, please visit this link.

Directions

Operating Hours:

Park Grounds and Historic Buildings

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.

Exceptions:

Thanksgiving Holiday Closure (November 27, 2025 - November 27, 2025)

Christmas Holiday Closure (December 25, 2024 - December 25, 2024)

New Year's Day Holiday Closure (January 1, 2025 - January 1, 2025)

Weather Information:

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 last through early July. Late summer days hover above 90F (32C) and readings over 100F (38C) are not uncommon. Fall is variable but generally milder with showers changing to snow and ice later.