Fort Laramie National Historic Site
Designation: National Historic Site
Location: Wyoming
📘 Park Overview
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. This “grand old post” witnessed the entire sweeping saga of America’s western expansion and Indian resistance to encroachment on their territories.
🌤 Weather Information
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.
🚗 Directions
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.
Images
Oldest Building in the State of Wyoming.
Credit: Chase Swift Photography/Chase Swift
A fall view of the parade ground from "Old Bedlam" the oldest surviving structure at Fort Laramie and in the state of Wyoming, constructed in 1849.
Credit: NPS Photo
In the summer living history interpreters bring the post to life, including the Post Trader in the refurnished 1849 store.
Credit: Chase Swift Photography/Chase Swift
Special attention is given to helping our young visitors understand the past at Fort Laramie National Historic Site.
Credit: NPS Photo
Overview of Fort Laramie as it exists today with many of the historic buildings fully restored and refurnished and numerous other ruins and foundations.
Credit: John Gilpin
Tipis were a common scene at Fort Laramie from 1834-1872. At times, during treaty negotiations dozens of tipis could be found here.
Credit: Mike Evans/NPS Photo
Fall colors paint the parade grounds near Old Bedlam.
Credit: NPS Photo
Ruins of the powder magazine within the winter snows.
Credit: NPS Photo
Morning fog north of Fort Laramie
Credit: NPS Photo
Riding past the Cavalry Barracks
Credit: NPS Photo
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
No entrance fees listed.
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Thursday, Mar 12
Sunny
High: 70.5°F | Low: 31.6°F
Humidity: 27%
Wind: 45 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 0.9
Sunrise: 07:15 AM
Sunset: 07:01 PM
Moon: Waning Crescent (44%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 37.2°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Friday, Mar 13
Sunny
High: 66.6°F | Low: 35.4°F
Humidity: 48%
Wind: 32 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 1
Sunrise: 07:13 AM
Sunset: 07:03 PM
Moon: Waning Crescent (35%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 40.6°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Saturday, Mar 14
Partly Cloudy
High: 66.4°F | Low: 34.9°F
Humidity: 45%
Wind: 33.8 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 0.7
Sunrise: 07:12 AM
Sunset: 07:04 PM
Moon: Waning Crescent (26%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 39.3°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Weather Alerts (5)
High Wind Warning issued March 12 at 12:53AM MDT until March 13 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Cheyenne WY
Effective: Mar 12, 2026 2:53am
Expires: Mar 12, 2026 11:00pm
* WHAT...West winds 40 to 50 mph with gusts up to 80 mph expected.
* WHERE...Niobrara County, East Laramie County, and Goshen County.
* WHEN...From 6 AM this morning to midnight MDT tonight.
* IMPACTS...Mainly to transportation. Strong cross winds will be
hazardous to light weight or high profile vehicles, including
campers and tractor trailers.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Areas of blowing dust could lead to reduced
visibility. The strong winds will lead to fire weather concerns
and control problems if fires do start.
Red Flag Warning issued March 12 at 11:39AM MDT until March 14 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS Cheyenne WY
Effective: Mar 12, 2026 1:39pm
Expires: Mar 12, 2026 11:00pm
* AFFECTED AREA...Fire weather zones 436 and 437.
* WIND...West winds 30 to 50 mph, with gusts up 75 mph.
* HUMIDITY...Between 15 and 22 percent.
* HIGHEST THREAT...is located along the I-80 corridor.
* IMPACTS...any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly.
Outdoor burning is not recommended.
Red Flag Warning issued March 12 at 11:39AM MDT until March 12 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Cheyenne WY
Effective: Mar 12, 2026 1:39pm
Expires: Mar 12, 2026 11:00pm
The National Weather Service in Cheyenne has issued a Red Flag
Warning, which is in effect until 9 PM MDT this evening.
* AFFECTED AREA...Fire weather zones 417 and 418.
* WIND...West winds 30 to 50 mph, with gusts up 80 mph.
* HUMIDITY...Between 17 and 22 percent.
* IMPACTS...any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly.
Outdoor burning is not recommended.
Red Flag Warning issued March 12 at 11:39AM MDT until March 14 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS Cheyenne WY
Effective: Mar 12, 2026 1:39pm
Expires: Mar 12, 2026 11:00pm
The National Weather Service in Cheyenne has issued a Red Flag
Warning, which is in effect until 6 PM MDT Saturday.
* AFFECTED AREA...Fire weather zones 430 through 433.
* WIND...West winds 30 to 50 mph, with gusts up to 90 mph on
Thursday; West winds 25 to 45 mph and gusts up to 70 mph Friday
and Saturday.
* HUMIDITY...Between 15 and 22 percent. Overnight recoveries as
low as 39 precent.
* HIGHEST THREAT...is located along the I-80 corridor.
* IMPACTS...any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly.
Outdoor burning is not recommended.
High Wind Warning issued March 12 at 11:13AM MDT until March 13 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Cheyenne WY
Effective: Mar 12, 2026 1:13pm
Expires: Mar 13, 2026 2:00am
* WHAT...West winds 40 to 50 mph with gusts up to 80 mph expected.
* WHERE...Niobrara County, East Laramie County, and Goshen County.
* WHEN...Until midnight MDT tonight.
* IMPACTS...Mainly to transportation. Strong cross winds will be
hazardous to light weight or high profile vehicles, including
campers and tractor trailers.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Areas of blowing dust could lead to reduced
visibility. The strong winds will lead to fire weather concerns
and control problems if fires do start.
Park Alerts
Park Events
Evening Campfire Ranger Program and Lantern Walk
Join us at Fort Laramie National Historic Site for an after hours event to celebrate Memorial Day! We will be hosting a ranger program by the fire and the public will be welcome to join them and learn about the history of the fort! Follwoing the capfire program the public will be able to join a ranger and walk the park by latern light.
Date: May 22, 2026 12:00am to May 22, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Memorial Day 1870s Celebration
On May 23rd, Fort Laramie will host Memorial Day celebrations focused on the years of the 1870s. There will be ranger programs throughout the day, cannon firings, rifle firings, and living historians throughout the buildings. We will highlight the history of how the United States celebrated this day at Fort Laramie and throughout the country. A special ceremony will take place at 2:00pm.
Location: Fort Laramie National Historic Site
Date: May 23, 2026 12:00am to May 23, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Bat Night at Fort Laramie National Historic Site
Come visit the fort in the eveing to see the bats emerage from their slumber and take to the sky! Beforehand there will be progaming for the public so visitors can understand more about bats, bat scientists, and how Fort Laramie has been home for bats for a long time.
Date: May 30, 2026 12:00am to May 30, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Pioneer Arrival Day
The Pioneer Arrival Day will highlight the history of the Oregon, Califorina, and Mormon Trails. There will ranger programs throughout the day that highlight different history aspects of the trails. There will be kids activites and living historians throughout the park. There also will be weapon firings and other demostrations.
Date: Jun 13, 2026 12:00am to Jun 13, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
150th Anniversary of the Great Sioux War
On Saturday June 20th we will be having ranger programs specifically about the summer of 1876 and Fort Laramie's role in the Great Sioux War. Cannon and rifle demostrations will be throughout the day along with other soldier demostrations.
Date: Jun 20, 2026 12:00am to Jun 20, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
250th Independence Day Celebration at Fort Laramie National Historic Site
Come out to the old Fort Laramie for its annual July 4th Celebration! Kids games, vintage baseball, Pony Express, a 36 gun salute and so much more!!
Date: Jul 4, 2026 12:00am to Jul 4, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Astronomy Night
Come join professors and park rangers in a night to explore the night sky! A program will begin at 8:30, with night sky viewing to follow late into the night!
Date: Jul 11, 2026 12:00am to Jul 11, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
CCC Weekend: History of the Fort after the Military
The fort will be alive with the CCC boys working throughout the historic buildings. Hear stoires of their lives, take an archoelogy tour, learn about the communities that were created from the end of Fort Laramie and the Buffalo Soliders.
Date: Jul 17, 2026 12:00am to Jul 19, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Fur Trade Event at Fort Laramie
A celebration of fur trading and treaty making at Fort Laramie National Historic Site. Special living historians will be on display and speical demostrations will be all weekend long.
Date: Jul 31, 2026 12:00am to Aug 2, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
1866 Living History Weekend: The Circle of Fire & Lantern Tour
Join us for a weekend of living history at the fort! Soliders will fill the parade grounds once again, weapon demostrations will be on hand. From cooking to camp life, everything will be on display for the public. Saturday evening the fort will host a ranger led lantern tour throughout thr fort starting at 7:30pm.
Date: Aug 7, 2026 12:00am to Aug 9, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
965 Gray Rocks Road
Fort Laramie, WY 82212
🏤 Mailing Address:
965 Gray Rocks Road
Fort Laramie, WY 82212
📞 Voice Phone: 3078372221
📞 Fax Phone: 3078372120
✉️ Email: FOLA_Visitor_Information@nps.gov