Fort Phil Kearny

GENERAL INFO:

Park Type: Historic Site, State Park

Overall Size: Larger than a football field

Special Features/Comments: The Fort Phil Kearny staff in the Interpretive Center and Gift Shop will introduce visitors to the context of the Indian Wars and Bozeman Trail and can guide them through a viewing of the Fort diorama that depicts, to scale, the complete fort as it would have looked in the fall of 1866. Visitors can then enter the original site, through reconstructed stockade walls, and experience the expansive grounds of the largest stockaded fort in the west.  Corner posts and signs inform visitors where original buildings stood, and stockade sections demonstrate exactly how the wall was built to protect soldiers, civilians (including families), and supplies from Native American warriors, as well as large populations of hungry timberwolves. Throughout the fort grounds, interpretation invites visitors to understand fort life, the colorful characters that resided therein, and appreciate the contrast of a busy fort operation in such an isolated location. Pets are welcome on site grounds!  Please keep all pets on a leash at all times and pick up after them.  No pets are allowed inside the Interpretive Center building. The state also manages the Fetterman and Wagon Box battle sites, which are both free areas, open sunrise to sunset seasonally.

GETTING THERE:

Parking

pDriving Directions: Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site is located just 20 miles south of Sheridan on Interstate 90, Exit 44

TADA Accessible: Yes

ACTIVITIES/RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES:

Open Space, Trails, ADA Accessible

AMENITIES:

General Park Amenities: Restrooms, Seating, ADA Accessible

Pets: Allowed On-Leash

Additional Features: Historic Site, Museum, Gift Shop, ADA Accessible

Trash Cans: Yes

TRAIL DESCRIPTION:

Trail Surface: Unpaved

Trail Activities: Walking, Hiking, Dog Walking

Trail Difficulty: Moderate

Trail Layout: Loop

Trail Length: 1 to 5 miles

Trail Shade: Little or none

Trail Surface Type: Natural rock, Sand/Dirt

Trail Slope: Flat/Gentle, Moderate, Steep

Trail Width: 2-4 ft

Trail Extras: Benches/Rest Areas, Mountain Biking Features, Panoramic Views, Historic Sites

OTHER:

Programming Available: Education/Ranger Programs

Park Information: Maps, Brochures, Information Kiosk

Staffing & Safety: Employee/Ranger Present

Open Space Activities: Play frisbee or catch, Go for a walk or jog, Have a picnic, Do Yoga

Open Space Size: Larger than one football field in size

Open Space Shade: Little or None