fort larned national historic site

alss2014

I love these old forts and Fort Larned is fantastic. The parking lot is a bit of a walk to the fort. The fort is quite large so don't choose a hot, humid day like I did. I would recommend this stop to history buffs, current and former military folks, and families. Visitors get a sense of life's hardships back then. Staff members engaged us in conversation and provided information in the Visitor's Center as well as while walking the grounds.

hdrider431

Historically accurate view of the period. Hands down the best fort in KS. Great staff. There is a lot to see so plan on spending a little time.

chuckk262

This is supposed to be the best preserved prairie fort of the 1860-1870 period and it did not disappoint. The place is VERY well maintained and gives you an extremely good look at what it must have been like to be on duty at one of these forts back in the old west days. It is out in the middle of nowhere so really conveys the feeling of being at a frontier fort. The NPS had the buildings full of authentic and replica artifacts that brought the place alive in somewhat of a spooky way! Good staff, nice little museum and movie. It was a pleasant surprise.

frogsinthecreek

We stopped in September when there were only a few other people there. It's a little tricky to find the visitor center and they should really put up a few arrows pointing the way. The ranger was informative and there was a short movie to watch. We walked around to all the buildings and any with open doors could be entered. Interesting to see how the soldiers lived back then. Would recommend a visit.

Indymack

I stopped by in March. I was literally the only person there, other than the park ranger. I spent a few hours there, and it was great. I wandered through all of the buildings and then spent about 30 uninterrupted minutes with the ranger asking questions and talking about the fort. The off-season might be the best time to go if you want that sort of interaction with an expert on the fort. I was pleasantly surprised.

KCMJR

What a great place. We hadn't been there in twenty years and what a pleasant surprise. Was traveling with a group of about 50 people and all are senior citizens. Moving the parking away from the fort adds to the ambiance of the experience, but it's quite a hike from the parking to the fort. That being said it's worth the walk. Park Ranger Micheal Seymore is well versed on the history of the fort and provided us with very interesting information.. Some of the buildings have period correct furnishings and some replicas. Everything is neat and well maintained. We had a catered in lunch and were served on tin pans. The meals was delicious especially the home made bread and the warm cherry cobbler. If you like historical sites be sure to visit this one.

mja1982

When you drive up, this doesn't remind you of what you think a fort should be. And there's good reason. The buildings are all well maintained and really show what life was like for soldiers on the prairie. The movie is good and you just have to ask at the front desk for them to start it for you. We were lucky enough to get a horse drawn carriage ride around the property which was amazing.

DDay1959

Fort Larnerd NHS is located on the old Santa Fe Trail. The fort was built to protect traders and settlers as they passed through western Kansas on the way to Santa Fe from Independence, MO. This historical site is very well maintained and I felt as if I was a trooper stationed here in the 1800's. All of the officers quarters, the enlisted barracks, and all the other buildings were very well stocked with artifacts. It is an awesome place to visit and well worth the trip.

markandjanel

This is one of the very few, if not the only, completely authentic fort on the western frontier. The buildings are not reproductions, but are the original buildings. The staff are very knowledgeable and friendly. The museum is also very good. The short slide show is well worth the time and places the fort and location in context, allowing you to better understand the area.

Quantrill

Well wroth the stop. The Rangers and volunteer / reenactors where both knowledge and friendly. All building where fully stocked and furnished as they would have been in the late 1800's.

jfadds

Definitely one gets the feeling of the hardship and deprivations both soldiers and pioneers on theSanta Fe Trail suffered thru. Being here 150 years ago was not for weak people. Do watch the movie and talk to the rangers- this adds to the experience.

362ScottT

Fort Larned was a major stop on the Santa Fe Trail and one of the larger ones I have visited this side of the Mississippi. The grounds are very well taken care of, buildings nicely preserved and the furnishing are pretty complete. It is like taking a walk through an1860 era museum. Well worth a stop if you are in the area!

RaynaPaul

I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day to explore the fort. Allow at least a couple of hours, as there so many exhibits/displays and so well done. I loved the stories of the "people" that served there and how their quarters would have been furnished. Each building is full of great stuff! I have been to a lot of museums and forts and this impressed me the most!

ret1re

STONE fort that guarded the Santa Fe Trail in its heyday. Exceptionally we'll done and not at all touristy. Walking through the various buildings and across the parade ground one can easily imagine that they are in the fort c 1870s. Fine historic exhibits in each building from the barracks with rows and rows of stacked rifles and knapsacks to the commissioner with stacked "supplies" of equipment and foodstuffs. Fun experience that will dispel many of the western myths. Only possible addition to this fort might be an introductory movie to explain the importance of the Santa Fe Trail and this fort in its history.

LionTraveler

Took a group of girls for a guided tour of Ft. Larned. The park ranger was amazing. He was very knowledgeable and he kept the history very entertaining for the kids. The tour was about 2 hours long. There are many original buildings and furnishings. You really get a sense of what life at a remote military outpost was like in the 1860's. The rest area/picnic area at the entrance to the park was well maintained and much appreciated.