The Official Fort Larned Old Guard Calendar of Events

Fort Larned Naional Historic Site February 2004

Photo Courtesy of Fort Larned National Historic Site
"Buffalo Hunter Camp"

Stories of the Indian Wars along the Santa Fe Trail. Visit the most complete fort surviving from the days when Custer and Buffalo Bill Cody were here. Original buildings, a visitor center and National Park Ranger being the story of this turbulent era to life.
Saturday, April 26, 2008, "Fort Hays, Kansas"
Fort Larned Old Guard Annual Meeting: Popular presentations and living history on the Indian Wars and Santa Fe Trail. Reservations required for some events.
Memorial Weekend -- "Photos"
Saturday, Sunday and Monday -- Fort Larned presents largest living history event in western Kansas.
July 4th Weekend
Saturday, Sunday Monday and Tuesday -- Fort Larned presents a four day living history event.
More Information
Labor Day Weekend
Saturday, Sunday and Monday -- Another large Indian Wars living history event.
Candlelight Tour
Fort Larned, Kansas Second Saturday of October -- Entertaining evening tours with vignettes from the Fort's history. Reservations open two weeks prior.
Rendezvous
Fort Larned, Kansas Rendezvous- Three day event done jointly with the Santa Fe Trail Center and the town of Larned, Kansas.
Christmas Past
Second Saturday of December -- Free old-fashioned Yuletide celebration with soldiers, hot apple cider, cookies, Santa and Christmas carols.
6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Fort Larned Hours:
Open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Hours are extended for Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.
Closed:
Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day
Fort Larned, Kansas:
    Established as Camp on Pawnee Fork in October of 1859 and later named Camp Alert and then Fort Larned, this military post helped protect the Santa Fe Trail and the railroad that replaced it, was an important post throughout the Civil War, and was actively involved in the Indian Wars during and after the Civil War. The post was abandoned in 1878. As you enter Fort Larned National Historic Site today, keep in mind that you are stepping back into the late 1860s. Imagine what life was like here during those years. Enjoy you visit.
Protecting You and The Fort:
     Occasionally restoration or maintenance require closing part or all of an area or building due to work-site hazards. Please respect all closure signs. Watch for non standard steps and uneven footing throughout the Fort.
     The irreplaceable historic building of Fort Larned are closed to smoking or any other activity that could destroy or damage them. Much of the carving on the walls dates from the early days of the Fort and is historic, carving today damages historic values and is prohibited by federal law. All plants and animals are also protected.
Accessibility:
     Parking spaces are provided for the mobility impaired near the visitor center, which is accessible by wheelchair. Accessibility improvements are ongoing. Check with a park ranger if you have further needs.
Slide Program:
     Start your visit with the 10 minute slide program at the visitor center to enhance your enjoyment of the historic site.
Museum Exhibits:
     View clothing, weapons and equipment used by the Fort Larned Soldiers and Plains Indians. Exhibits also include displays on medical items, post sutler, and civilians who lived at the Fort.
Sales Center
     Books, recorded music and gifts available in the visitor center reflect a wide variety of western subjects -- including the Santa Fe Trail, Military, Plains Indians, Pioneer Life and Great Plains Natural History. Postcards, video tapes and replica historic pieces are offered. There are books and other items specifically for children.
Living History Programs:
     Join our living history staff to experience the sights , sounds and smells of 1860's Fort Larned through talks and demonstrations on frontier life. When available, "living historians" staff the Infantry Barracks, Post Blacksmith Shop, Commissary, Officers; Quarters, Bakery, Schoolhouse and Hospital.
Demonstrations:
     During the summer and Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays, a variety of talks or programs are offered at designated areas on the grounds.
Topics Include:

"Life on Officers; Row"
"Anvil and Forge" -- The Post Blacksmith
"Joining the Army -- 1868"
"The Captain's Kitchen"
Army Weapons Demonstration
     Check at the visitor center information desk for more information. Living History activities are demonstrated on weekends from 9:30 to 4:00 from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
     The "Living History Staff" & "Park Rangers" will be happy to answer any questions you may have about life at Old Fort Larned. Enjoy your visit!