A large two story white building with pillars. Several windows with green shutters

National Historic Site

Fort Laramie National Historic Site

visit on nps.gov

Info

Originally established as a private fur trading fort in 1834, Fort Laramie evolved into the largest and best-known military post on the Northern Plains before its abandonment in 1890. Nicknamed the “Grand Old Post,” Fort Laramie witnessed the entire sweeping saga of America’s western expansion and Indian resistance to encroachment on their territories.

Park Photos

A large two story white building with pillars. Several windows with green shutters
1 of 12

Oldest Building in the State of Wyoming.

Credit: Chase Swift Photography/Chase Swift

A large two story white building with pillars. Several windows with green shutters
View of the parade ground from the porch of "Old Bedlam".
Living history interpreter portraying the Post Trader.
Living history interpreter explaining the life of a trapper/trader to young visitors
Aerial view of Fort Laramie NHS from the South
Two tipis across the Laramie River from the fort in fall
Ash and cottonwood trees show their fall colors next to an open grass field.
Ruins of a concrete structure with snow on top.
A deer looking up in morning fog near the shelter belt at the old Holtclaw Tract homestead.
A group of mounted individuals ride hors near a concrete historic structure.
Native American people riding horses - some in traditional regalia - in front the Cavalry Barracks.
Rangers in living history clothing fire a salute with Springfield rifles for Independence Day.

Activities

Guided Tours
Self-Guided Tours - Walking
Self-Guided Tours - Auto
Living History
Historic Weapons Demonstration
Junior Ranger Program
Museum Exhibits
Bookstore and Park Store
Astronomy
Stargazing
Fishing
Freshwater Fishing
Shopping
Gift Shop and Souvenirs

Operating Hours

The park grounds are open from dawn until dusk every day of the year. Some historic buildings may be closed in winter. Post trader store and cavalry barracks are open daily - weather permitting.

DayHours
Friday
Sunrise to Sunset
Monday
Sunrise to Sunset
Sunday
Sunrise to Sunset
Tuesday
Sunrise to Sunset
Saturday
Sunrise to Sunset
Thursday
Sunrise to Sunset
Wednesday
Sunrise to Sunset

Weather info

Fort Laramie summer days can be quite hot (over 100F/37C), average highs are in the 80s and 90s (30-35C) with cool nights and low humidity. Winters are often bitterly cold and windy with subzero wind chills. The region is semi-arid with a distinct winter dry season. About 70% of annual precipitation falls as thunderstorms during the spring and early summer. Breezy days are common year-round and peak in the winter when wind speeds can approach hurricane-strength.

Events