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National Historic Site · Wyoming

Fort Laramie National Historic Site

National Historic Site in Wyoming. No entrance fee.

By The Green Adventures · Updated · How we check

TypeNational Historic Site
StateWyoming
Entrance feeNo entrance fee
CampgroundsNone
Nearest national parkWind Cave (109 mi)
Closest airportBFF (54 mi)
Ash and cottonwood trees show their fall colors next to an open grass field.
Fall colors paint the parade grounds near Old Bedlam. Photo: NPS Photo

Fort Laramie National Historic Site is a national historic site run by the National Park Service in Wyoming.

In the park service’s words

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.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Daily, Sunrise to Sunset. 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.

Getting there

The park is located in southeast Wyoming approximately 125 miles southeast of Casper, 100 miles north of Cheyenne and 55 miles west of Scottsbluff, Nebraska. From Interstate 25, take exit 92 to US Highway 26, proceed east to the town of Fort Laramie; turn right on State Route 160 and travel three miles to the park entrance. From westbound US 26, proceed west from Scottsbluff, Nebraska to the town of Fort Laramie; turn left on State Route 160 and continue three miles to the park entrance.

Airport City Drive to the park Straight-line miles Type
Western Neb. Rgnl/William B. Heilig Airport (BFF) Scottsbluff, NE No road route 54 Regional
Cheyenne Regional Jerry Olson Field (CYS) Cheyenne, WY No road route 74 Regional
Laramie Regional Airport (LAR) Laramie, WY No road route 85 Regional
Denver International Airport (DEN) Denver, CO No road route 162 Large hub

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

  • Fort Laramie National Historic Site Visitor Center: Daily, 8:00AM - 6:00PM. The Fort Laramie Museum and Visitor Center is open daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm between Memorial Day and Labor Day. From Labor Day to September 30th the visitor center is open 8:00am to 5:00pm. From October 1st to April 30th the visitor center is open 8:00am to 4:00pm. May 1st to Memorial Day the visitor center is open 8:00am to 5:00pm. The visitor center is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

Weather

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.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Wind Cave, about 109 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

Last checked 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee at Fort Laramie National Historic Site?

No entrance fee.

Where is Fort Laramie National Historic Site?

In Wyoming. The closest airport with scheduled flights is Western Neb. Rgnl/William B. Heilig Airport, about 54 miles away.

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