Fort Larned National Historic Site

In A Nutshell

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Operating Hours & Seasons

Fort Larned National Historic Site is open seven days a week from 8:30AM to 4:30PM. The only scheduled closures are Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day.

Directions

By Plane

The closest airport is near the town of Great Bend Kansas--located 27 miles northeast of Fort Larned NHS. A much larger airport with more flight options would be the Wichita Mid-Continent Airport in the town of Wichita, Kansas--located 130 miles to the southeast.

By Car

Fort Larned NHS is six miles west of the town of Larned on Kansas Highway 156. The park is located just off the highway with only a 1/4 mile drive to parking. The parking lot is big enough for RVs with a looped road so backing is not necessary.

From Interstate 70 travel 30 miles west of Salina, Fort Larned NHS is 83 miles southwest after taking exit 225. The park is also accessible by KS-156 and various other state roads.

Fees & Reservations

Entrance Fee

Per person (16 & Over) $3.00

The new Interagency Annual Pass, Interagency Senior Pass and Interagency Access Pass allow the pass holder and 3 additional adults free admission into Fort Larned NHS.

For more information about the National Parks and Federal Recreation Pass Program go to http://www.nps.gov/fees_passes.htm.

Reservations can be made for guided tours all year, advance notice required. Call 620-285-6911.

Climate

"Ad Astra Per Aspera", (To the stars through difficulties).

One cannot help but wonder if the choice of the State's motto was influenced by the weather. Indeed, the name Kansas derives from the Sioux word meaning people of the south wind.

Windy is the norm year round. If you visit in the summer hang on to your hat as there will invariably be a hot wind from the southwest. Most of the moisture in the state comes in the spring and summer, usually in a fast downpour from thunderstorms. Lightning is the greatest danger from these storms but heavy winds, flash flooding and large hail are also possible.

Low humidity and high temperatures in the summer mean you will need take precautions against heat exhaustion. It is not far to each of the buildings, just be sure to drink plenty of water.

Winter is as you would imagine, windy. Monthly average temperatures during the year range from a high of 92.9 degrees to a low of 15.7 degrees. Central Kansas does not get a lot of snow, but a little is enough to create large drifts that close highways. Check the Kansas Road Conditions at www.kanroad.org and call to check for park weather closures. It is recommended that in the winter you carry something to keep warm, food, and water in your car if you get stuck for awhile on a snow blocked road.