Fort Laramie National Historic Site
Explore a pivotal military post and witness history come alive through reenactments and preserved buildings.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
History comes alive!
Fort Laramie National Historic Site
Best Time
History comes alive!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a pivotal military post and witness history come alive through reenactments and preserved buildings.
"It’s a beautiful place to explore and learn more about the people who lived and traveled through here."
Start at the Visitor Center
Get context with the 18-min video & museum before exploring. :iphone:
Allow 3+ Hours
Explore all buildings & paths for a full understanding. :clock1:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Visitor Center & Museum
Get essential context with an informative video and exhibits on the fort's rich history.
Historic Buildings
Throughout the site
Explore barracks, officer houses, the post office, and jail, many set up with original articles.
Brings Water Woman Burial Site
Hill behind Calvary Barracks
A place for reflection on the fort's impact on thousands of lives across the West.
Daily Cannon Firing
Parade Ground
Witness a historical demonstration and informative introduction by a park ranger.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Immerse Yourself in History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Start at the Visitor Center
Get context with the 18-min video & museum before exploring. :iphone:
Allow 3+ Hours
Explore all buildings & paths for a full understanding. :clock1:
Check Event Schedule
Live reenactments & demonstrations make history vivid. :performing_arts:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking to see all the historic buildings. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
Start at the Visitor Center
Get context with the 18-min video & museum before exploring. :iphone:
Allow 3+ Hours
Explore all buildings & paths for a full understanding. :clock1:
Check Event Schedule
Live reenactments & demonstrations make history vivid. :performing_arts:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking to see all the historic buildings. :athletic_shoe:
Don't Miss the Burial Site
A reflective spot honoring those who passed through. :pray:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Fort Laramie National Historic Site for its immersive historical experience, knowledgeable staff, and well-preserved buildings. The reenactments and demonstrations are particularly highlighted for bringing history to life. Some visitors enjoy the peaceful solitude of off-season visits, while others appreciate the engaging activities available.
"I visited Fort Laramie National Historic Site during the live event weekend, and it was such a great experience. The reenactments and demonstrations really brought history to life, and the staff and volunteers were very knowledgeable. It’s a beautiful place to explore and learn more about the people who lived and traveled through here. Definitely worth the visit!"
Jamie Sweet
"Wow, what an experience!
I visited in mid-November and had the whole park to myself. There's a good chance that I was the only visitor for the entire day.
Despite that, all of the buildings were open to be toured. The staff were happy to answer my questions about the site.
The Visitors Center contains an 18 minute video, a small museum, and gift shop. The NPS recommendeds you start there, and I do to. You'll get some necessary context about the site, and possibly learn things you didn't know about the Fort and it's history, even if you're well versed in the history of the Emigrant Trails.
There's a short tour and a long tour. I saw everything and I was at the park for about 3 hours. It is very much worth visiting every building, as well as following the paths down to the river, the hospital, and the burial site of Brings Water Woman.
My favorite exhibits were the Captain's Residence, the Surgeon's quarters, Old Bedlam, the Calvary Barracks, and the Brings Water Woman resting place. The latter you'll find by following the path to the ruins on the hill behind the Calvary Barracks, then following the maintained path beyond those ruins. That burial site is a great place for reflection about the history of the Fort, and how it touched the lives of thousands of people throughout the west.
There are some basic picnic facilities here, including shelters. Two out of the three restrooms have running water, the third is a vault toilet. There is ample parking for cars, as well as a few spaces for RVs and vehicles with a trailer.
The gift shop, inside the Visitors Center has an ample selection of books and souvenirs for you to purchase. The park also takes donations, like other NPS sites."
Alexis Hollingsworth
"Really interesting place. Such important history happened here. Definitely felt like hollowed ground walking around. Very good signage describing what you are looking at. Additionally, the 19 minute video at the visitor center is very informative."
Andrew Barch
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Fort Laramie National Historic Site is located in southeastern Wyoming. It's accessible by car, and you'll drive past the ruins of Fort Platte on your way. The site is a great stop for those driving through the area on vacation.
Yes, it's generally well-marked. The drive itself offers a glimpse into the historical landscape of the region.
Absolutely! It's a perfect historical stop for travelers exploring the state.
Yes, there are ample parking spaces, including a few designated for RVs and vehicles with trailers.
You'll pass the remnants of Fort Platte on your way to Fort Laramie. The site is also mentioned as a cool spot to visit when traveling around Wyoming.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Fort Laramie National Historic Site is a unit of the National Park Service and typically has an entrance fee. Check the official NPS website for current pricing and any potential free entry days.
The Visitor Center and historic buildings have specific operating hours, which can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official NPS website for the most up-to-date information.
During mid-November visits, all buildings were open for touring, even with fewer visitors. However, hours can change, so always verify.
For general admission, advance booking is usually not required, but it's always a good idea to check the official website, especially if planning to attend special events.
Yes, Fort Laramie often hosts live event weekends with reenactments and demonstrations, and there's a daily cannon firing. Check their schedule!
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore historic buildings like barracks and officers' quarters, visit the Visitor Center with its museum and video, witness a daily cannon firing, and walk to the Brings Water Woman burial site.
Most visitors spend around 3 hours to see everything, including the Visitor Center and all the historic buildings and grounds.
Yes, it's considered great for both adults and kids. The historical setups and demonstrations are engaging for younger visitors.
While there are suggested short and long tours, the site offers audio tours and excellent signage to guide your exploration. Rangers also provide informative introductions.
Fort Laramie was a crucial military post and a key site for significant historical events, including the Treaty of Fort Laramie, which impacted Native American relations. +9
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Visitor Center has a gift shop that may offer some snacks or drinks. However, it's recommended to bring your own food and utilize the picnic facilities.
Yes, there are basic picnic facilities available, including shelters, making it a good spot for a packed lunch.
There are no restaurants directly on-site. Visitors typically bring their own food or dine in nearby towns.
During some demonstrations or in the barracks, you might find historical-themed drinks like sarsaparilla, root beer, and cream soda available.
The nearest towns with restaurants would be Laramie or Douglas, depending on your direction of travel.
📸 📸 Photography
The historic buildings, the parade ground with cannons, and the scenic landscape surrounding the fort offer great photographic opportunities.
Generally, photography is allowed inside the buildings, but it's always good to check for any specific signage or ask a ranger if you're unsure.
As a National Historic Site, drone usage is likely restricted. Always check the NPS regulations for drone operation within park boundaries.
Early morning or late afternoon light can provide beautiful, soft lighting for capturing the historic structures and landscapes.
Capturing the daily cannon firing or reenactments can provide dynamic and memorable photos. The Brings Water Woman burial site also offers a unique, reflective photo opportunity.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage kids to imagine life as a soldier or officer while exploring the barracks and quarters. The Visitor Center's video provides a good introduction to the site's history in an accessible format. Remember to bring snacks and drinks, as picnic facilities are available, making it easy to spend a good portion of the day here.
🚶 Solo Travelers & History Buffs
Consider visiting during the off-season for a truly immersive and quiet experience, allowing for deep contemplation at sites like the Brings Water Woman burial ground. The Visitor Center's museum and video are excellent resources for gaining a comprehensive understanding of the fort's role in westward expansion and Native American relations.
🚗 Road Trippers
Make sure to start at the Visitor Center to get oriented. The daily cannon firing is a great way to break up a long drive with a bit of historical spectacle. The site also provides picnic facilities, making it a perfect spot to rest and refuel before continuing your journey.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Treaty of Fort Laramie: A Complex Legacy
However, the history surrounding these treaties is complex and often marked by broken promises. As one TikTok creator points out, the 1868 treaty was 'supposed to fix Anglo-Indian relations' but became 'just the next step in forced assimilation and an end to the plains Indian life.'
Understanding the Treaty of Fort Laramie is crucial for appreciating the site's significance beyond just a military post. It represents a pivotal, though often overlooked, moment in U.S. history and Native American relations, shaping the future of indigenous rights and land claims.
Exploring the Military Post
The Visitor Center is the recommended starting point, offering an 18-minute video and a small museum that provide essential context about the fort's history and its impact on the region. From there, you can embark on a short or long tour to see everything the site has to offer. Don't miss the Captain's Residence and the Surgeon's Quarters for insights into the lives of those in command and responsible for the health of the soldiers.
Beyond the main buildings, the site includes outdoor activities and paths leading to significant locations like the hospital ruins and the burial site of Brings Water Woman. The daily cannon firing is a popular demonstration that brings the military history to life.
A Solitary Experience
Despite the solitude, all the buildings remained open for touring, and the staff were readily available and happy to answer questions. This quiet atmosphere allows for a more personal and reflective exploration of the site. The burial site of Brings Water Woman, in particular, is described as a great place for reflection when you have the space and quiet to contemplate the fort's history and its human impact.
This contrast between bustling event days and serene off-season visits highlights the site's versatility. Whether you seek an interactive historical immersion or a peaceful journey through the past, Fort Laramie can accommodate.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit