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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.