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Fort Laramie National Historic Site

From Darren Smith, About.com Guide

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courtesy of the National Park Service

How to Get to Fort Laramie National Historic Site:

Fort Laramie National Historic Site is located in southeast Wyoming, 3 miles southwest of the town of Fort Laramie. From I-25 take exit 92 to US 26, proceed east to the Town of Fort Laramie, turn right on SR 160 and travel 3 miles to the park entrance. From U.S. Highways 26/85, travel west from the town of Lingle on Highway 26 to the Town of Fort Laramie, turn left on SR 160 and go 3 miles to the park entrance.

Park Size:

833 acres

Description:

Fort Laramie, on the eastern Wyoming prairie, was a fur-trade post from 1834 to 1849 and a major military post from 1849 to 1890. It figured prominently in the covered wagon migrations to Oregon and California.

Things to Do at Fort Laramie National Historic Site:

The Fort Laramie Audio Tour allow you to tour the fort, in-depth, at your own pace. The audio includes descriptive narration, dramatic readings from diaries or journals, & the sounds of the fort. Other activities include bird watching, fishing, and hiking.

Operating Hours:

The Fort grounds are open from dawn until dusk every day of the year. The Fort museum and Visitor Center is open daily at 8:00 am with extended hours during the summer, June through August.

History:

Proclaimed as a national monument on July 16, 1938; changed to national historic site on April 29, 1960. For further information on the the history of the fort and the park, read the online version of the book entitled "Fort Laramie Park History 1834-1977" by Merrill J. Mattes.