Getaway idea: Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site
Located in Southeastern Colorado, Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site preserves the site and story of a famous trading post.
The fort was one of the significant centers of the fur trade on the Santa Fe Trail. It was built in 1833 and served as the center of a prosperous trading empire for 16 years. Strategically located, the fort paved the way for U.S. expansion and became an agent of change that shaped the future of the West.
Today, living historians recreate the sights, sounds, and smells of the past with guided tours, demonstrations, and special events.
The site is open to visitors all year long. The site features a picnic area, a 1.5 mile hiking loop along the Arkansas River, and, of course, the fort itself.
Admission is $3 for adults, and $2 for kids between the ages of 6 and 12.
This destination comes from the National Park Getaways series, which helps people find new places to reconnect with nature, history, family and friends.
Each Wednesday, the National Park Service posts a new getaway idea on its website, nps.gov/getaways. There's a new park idea every week and most of the activities listed are free, so they're good, budget-friendly vacation options.
