Fort Larned National Historic Site
Larned, KS
One of the best-preserved frontier forts in the West, with nine sandstone buildings from the 1860s set around a parade ground. It guarded the Santa Fe Trail; nearby ruts of the trail can still be seen.
Fort Larned National Historic Site lies about 5.5 miles (roughly 9 km) west of Larned, Kansas. Lonely Planet calls it a well-preserved military post of the 1860s from the Indian Wars era, with the Santa Fe Trail running right in front of it. The fort first protected the mail and later other traffic on the trail, and it lost its purpose once the railroad was complete. The National Park Service calls it the best-preserved fort of its time.
Wikipedia counts nine surviving historic buildings, while the National Park Service speaks of ten fully furnished restored buildings. From 1866 to 1868 sandstone buildings replaced the original sod and adobe structures, the blockhouse being the first. On April 12, 1867, General Winfield Scott Hancock met Cheyenne chiefs here, and the fort is linked to the Medicine Lodge Treaty of 1867. From 1885 to 1966 the site served as a ranch headquarters, and on August 31, 1964 it became a National Historic Site.
According to Wikipedia the site is open daily year-round and admission is free; please check hours, tours and holiday closures with the National Park Service in advance (as of October 2026).
- Nearest town
- Larned, KS
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 38.1830, -99.2180
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. Hot in July–August. Cold, short days in January. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Motorhome stopover · Great BendMotorhome stopover3 mi from Fort Larned National Historic SiteMotorhomes
All campsites in Kansas · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Fort Larned National Historic Site?
Fort Larned National Historic Site is in Larned, KS, at GPS 38.1830, -99.2180. It is about 28 mi from Great Bend.
Can you camp near Fort Larned National Historic Site?
Yes. Within 25 mi there are 1 campsites and motorhome stopovers listed in OpenStreetMap; the nearest is about 3 mi away.
Which road trips pass Fort Larned National Historic Site?
Fort Larned National Historic Site is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Kansas on the Santa Fe Trail: space museum, salt mine and Dodge City.
What is there to see near Fort Larned National Historic Site?
Places worth a stop nearby: Pawnee Rock State Historic Site (14 mi), Cheyenne Bottoms (36 mi), Sternberg Museum of Natural History (50 mi) and Boot Hill Museum (53 mi).
When is the best time to visit Fort Larned National Historic Site?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)