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CategoriesColorado Springs History, Where to go... by

Echoes On The Plains: Visiting The Sand Creek Massacre Site

Nestled on the high plains of southeastern Colorado, the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site preserves the memory of one of the most tragic and pivotal events in the history of the American West. On November 29, 1864, more than 230 Cheyenne and Arapaho people—most of them women, children, and the elderly—were killed in a surprise attack by U.S. soldiers. The site now serves not only as a reminder of the atrocities committed but also as a place of education, healing, and quiet reflection.

Located near Eads, Colorado, the site offers visitors the chance to walk the ground where history unfolded, learn from exhibits and interpretive signage, and pay their respects to the lives lost. For those traveling through southeastern Colorado or following the Santa Fe Trail Scenic and Historic Byway, this solemn and powerful destination provides an important opportunity to confront and understand Colorado’s complex and painful past.

The History of the Sand Creek Massacre

In the fall of 1864, amidst growing tension between Indigenous communities and settlers in Colorado Territory, a group of Cheyenne and Arapaho people—led by peace chiefs Black Kettle and White Antelope—set up camp near Sand Creek. They believed that they would be protected by the U.S. government. Despite having raised an American flag and a white flag of truce, the camp was attacked. The culprit was a unit of 675 soldiers from the Colorado U.S. Volunteer Cavalry under Colonel John Chivington.

Over the course of several hours, hundreds were killed and mutilated in what would later be widely condemned, including by military investigations and Congressional inquiry. The massacre remains a defining moment in the history of the Plains tribes and in the nation’s reckoning with its treatment of Indigenous peoples.

Today, the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site exists to honor the victims, acknowledge the harm, and educate future generations.

What to Expect When You Visit

The site is remote and quiet, offering a peaceful yet sobering atmosphere. Visitors are encouraged to move through the space with care and intention. Start your visit at the Visitor Contact Station, where you can speak with park staff, view interpretive displays, and collect maps and information.

A short walking trail leads to an overlook of the massacre site, with wayside signs that explain the event and highlight key locations. Interpretive materials help visitors understand the stories of those who lived and died here.

The walking trail is about 1.5 miles round trip and follows open prairie terrain, with little shade—so bring sun protection, water, and appropriate footwear. There are no food services or water fountains at the site, and cell service may be limited.

📍 Location:
55411 County Road W
Eads, CO 81036
Google Maps Directions

🕒 Hours:
The site is open daily from 9 AM to 4 PM, but hours can vary by season. Be sure to check the official NPS hours and information page before visiting.

🎟️ Admission is free.

How to Pay Your Respects

The National Park Service and affiliated tribes ask visitors to treat the land as a memorial and sacred site. Please:

  • Stay on designated paths and trails
  • Speak quietly and be mindful of other visitors
  • Refrain from removing natural materials or artifacts
  • Reflect and learn with humility and openness

This is not just a historical site—it is a resting place for those who were killed, and it holds deep spiritual significance for descendants of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Nations.

Each year, tribal members and the public are welcome to attend the Sand Creek Massacre Spiritual Healing Run/Walk, a commemorative event held to honor the victims and promote healing. You can learn more about it through the Northern Cheyenne Tribe or Southern Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes websites.

Educational Resources and Further Reading

To deepen your understanding of the Sand Creek Massacre and its legacy, consider these resources:

For educators or those planning group visits, the park also offers curriculum guides and lesson plans.

Plan Your Visit

The Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site is not your typical day trip—but that’s what makes it so meaningful. It invites you to slow down, reflect, and learn. It’s a place where history is not just told but felt. Through the wind across the plains, the silence of the landscape, and the stories etched into the earth.

Whether you’re exploring Colorado’s cultural landmarks or making a purposeful stop on your road trip through the southeastern part of the state, this site serves as a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to remember, reckon, and grow.

➡️ Learn more and plan your visit: https://www.nps.gov/sand/index.htm

CategoriesColorado Springs History, Where to go... by

A Remarkable Revival Of The Old West: Discovering Bent’s Old Fort

If you’ve ever wanted to experience the sights, sounds, and stories of the American frontier, Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site is your chance to step into the 1800s. Located in southeastern Colorado near La Junta, this meticulously reconstructed adobe fort served as a trading hub, cultural crossroads, and military post along the historic Santa Fe Trail.

Today, it stands as a living history museum—complete with costumed interpreters, live demonstrations, and immersive storytelling—that lets visitors walk the same pathways as trappers, traders, Native American tribes, and U.S. Army soldiers once did.

Please Note: The reconstructed Fort is currently CLOSED due to safety concerns. Learn more here: https://www.nps.gov/beol/planyourvisit/fort_status.htm

A Trading Post with a Storied Past

Originally built in 1833 by brothers William and Charles Bent, the fort quickly became one of the most important trading centers in the Southwest. Strategically placed along the Santa Fe Trail, it connected commerce between Native American nations, Mexican traders, and American pioneers. It was also one of the few permanent white settlements on the Plains during that time.

Bent’s Old Fort served many roles. It was a trade center for buffalo robes, livestock, tools, and textiles. It was a meeting place for diverse cultures including the Cheyenne, Arapaho, and Kiowa tribes. Finally, it was a military supply depot during the U.S. war with Mexico in 1846

The fort was abandoned in 1849 and eventually fell into ruin, but thanks to detailed sketches, journals, and archaeological work, the National Park Service rebuilt the fort in 1976 on its original footprint.

📍 Location:
35110 State Highway 194
La Junta, CO 81050
Google Maps Directions

What to Expect When You Visit

Visiting Bent’s Old Fort is like walking straight into a living history book. The site is fully interactive, engaging, and welcoming to families, school groups, road-trippers, and history buffs alike.

Highlights Include:

  • Furnished rooms and working spaces just as they would have appeared in the 1840s
  • Costumed interpreters demonstrating blacksmithing, cooking, trapping, and trading
  • Live animals such as oxen, chickens, and horses that add to the authentic atmosphere
  • Guided and self-guided tours available throughout the day
  • Special events and reenactments throughout the year
  • A scenic 1.5-mile trail along the Arkansas River with interpretive signs

Admission is free, and the park is open year-round (except major holidays). Hours vary seasonally—check the official NPS hours & info page before visiting.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Trip

To fully enjoy your time at the fort, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Wear comfortable shoes – The fort’s grounds include dirt paths and uneven surfaces.
  • Bring water and sun protection – Especially during warmer months; southeastern Colorado can be hot and dry.
  • Pack snacks or lunch – There’s no café onsite, but picnic tables are available near the parking area.
  • Time your visit with a special event – Reenactments and seasonal festivals bring extra life to the fort. Check the calendar of events.
  • Visit nearby La Junta – For local dining and lodging options. Visit La Junta is a great resource for trip planning.

Perfect for Families and Road Trips

Bent’s Old Fort makes a great stop on a Colorado road trip, especially if you’re traveling between Colorado Springs and southeastern Colorado or headed toward the Santa Fe Trail Scenic and Historic Byway.

This park is ideal for families because of the interactive learning makes history fun and hands-on. There is plenty of space for kids to explore safely. The park also offers a unique blend of education, culture, and storytelling that sticks with kids and adults alike.

📚 Educators and homeschoolers can also access classroom resources and field trip opportunities through the National Park Service.

Nearby Attractions to Explore

If you’re in the area, consider adding these stops to your itinerary:

Step Into the Past at Bent’s Old Fort

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, curious traveler, or parent looking for an unforgettable day trip, Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site brings the Old West to life in a way that’s authentic, immersive, and engaging. You don’t just learn history here—you feel it in the walls, hear it in the creak of wagon wheels, and see it in every fire-blackened cooking pot and weathered adobe brick.

Start planning your visit today: https://www.nps.gov/beol/index.htm