FORT LARNED — Beginning Wednesday, July 1, Fort Larned National Historic Site will reopen full access to all of its non-climate-controlled historic buildings. Visitors will be able to go inside the buildings and view the restored interiors. This is in addition to the areas already available to the public including all trails, grounds, and prairie. 

The Visitor Center remains closed. Rest-rooms are only available at the picnic area and parking lot.

Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and state and local public health authorities, Fort Larned National Historic Site is increasing recreational access. The National Park Service is working service-wide to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis.

Park officials said the health and safety of visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. At Fort Larned National Historic Site, and of parks, staff are using CDC guidance to ensure ares are safe and clean.

While these areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services may be limited. When recreating, the public should follow local area health orders, practice “Leave No Trace” principles, avoid crowding and avoid high-risk outdoor activities.

Check out the Fort Larned website, www.nps.gov/fols, for information on the fort’s history, army life, the Santa Fe Trail, and the Plains Indians. There are links to a virtual tour and a cellphone tour, allowing the public to virtually visit the historic buildings. There are also Junior Ranger activities for the kids at https://www.nps.gov/fols/learn/kidsyouth/index.htm.