Historic Sites

The public is invited inside the reconstruction of Bent’s Old Fort, entering through the zaguan gate and into the plaza. Park Rangers will be present to explain the features of the fort and its 20 th century reconstruction. Entry into the reconstructed fort is limited to the central plaza, except on guided tours. For your safety, respect all closures and restrictions. Guided tours provide access into additional areas. Access to the reconstructed fort is restricted due to safety issues stemming from nearly 50 years of use and deficiencies in the 1970s design and construction of the Fort. Park staff conducted stabilization work in the spring of 2025 and continue to monitor the condition of the structure for further change. A water fountain and public restrooms are located at the visitor parking area. The reconstructed fort does not have these services available currently due to safety restrictions.

Take a tour with a Park Ranger to learn more about Bent's Old Fort. Each tour lasts approximately forty-five minutes and begins in the plaza. Tours are limited to fifteen participants and will explore the historic use of the site and the reconstruction of the fort in the 1970s. A water fountain and public restrooms are located at the visitor parking area. The reconstructed fort does not have these services available currently due to safety restrictions.

Free Register Register in advance on Eventbrite Join a Park Ranger from the National Parks of Boston to explore the rich history of the Black community in 1800s Beacon Hill. The Black Heritage Trail ® showcases residences and community buildings associated with a Black community that thrived on, and near, the north slope of Beacon Hill before, during, and after the American Civil War. Throughout that time, this community organized for equal rights and access to equal education. Community members championed the movement to abolish slavery and even housed freedom seekers on their journey along the Underground Railroad. This tour lasts approximately 90 minutes. Register for the tour in advance on eventbrite . It begins at the Massachusetts 54th Regiment across the street from the Massachusetts State House and ends at the Museum of African American History , covering about 1.4 miles. The Black Heritage Trail Tour runs Wednesday through Sunday at 10 am and 1 pm. *In case of weather, Rangers will offer an indoor option in the basement of Faneuil Hall, also known as the "Find Your Park Space."

Costumed demonstrations 2026 program dates: June 5 to August 30- Fridays through Tuesdays September- Saturdays and Sundays Costumed rangers conduct a variety of program offerings that vary from day to day. They include stone cutting, rope making and natural dyes. They are generally held between 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the morning and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the afternoon. The programs are weather and staff dependent. For additional information and to find out what program is offered on the day of your visit, please inquire at the visitor center or call 814-886-6150. No reservations are required!

Lemon House Tours 2026 program dates: June 5 to August 30- Fridays through Tuesdays September- Saturdays and Sundays Staff dependent, a park ranger is available from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the morning and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the afternoon to greet visitors and answer questions about the tavern and its operations during the days of the Allegheny Portage Railroad. No reservations are required. The Lemon House is open Fridays through Tuesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

In honor of Flag Day, join us for an interactive program exploring the history and symbolism behind the ceremonial folding and presentation of the American flag during military funerals. The program will be held in the National Prisoner of War Museum.

Saturday, June 13, is World Wide Knit In Public Day. Come to the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site, Val-Kill, with your knit ting materials and sit and knit by the pool. Also, bring your own folding chairs, snacks, and water. The event will be from 1 PM to 4 PM, rain or shine. In the event of rain, there is indoor space available. Eleanor Roosevelt knit ted wherever she went. Come to Val-Kill and knit at the place that she called home.

Join our partner, the Museum of African American History, or their annual Juneteenth Open House at the MAAH Boston Site – FREE to all visitors. Festivities start at 10am with the raising of the Juneteenth flag. This year MAAH is celebrating Juneteenth and the summer season of freedom from June 19 – July 4 as a unique time to celebrate and reflect on our country’s ongoing struggle for freedom and equality. Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas were finally informed of their freedom. This was more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. A federal holiday since 2021, Juneteenth symbolizes the larger struggle to end slavery in the United States. Joy Street is coming alive from Myrtle Street to Cambridge Street! Come this Juneteenth from 10AM-5PM for an all-day celebration of freedom, culture, and Black joy with a day of festivities at MAAH! Get ready for a day filled with hands-on art workshops where creativity becomes a shared experience, powerful music & poetry performances that echo throughout the whole block, and a vendor fair of local artists who keep the community thriving.

Heritage Hike: Staple Bend Tunnel This hike takes participants to the first railroad tunnel in America, the Staple Bend Tunnel. On this approximately 5-mile round trip hike, participants will learn about the history of the tunnel, how it was constructed, the Allegheny Portage Railroad, and much more! Several features from the days of the railroad, including stone sleepers and culverts, are visible. Please note, the interior of the Staple Bend Tunnel is closed due to a rockfall. Participants will still be able to view both sides of the tunnel via a path around the side of the tunnel structure.

“Stories from the Borderlands” are featured programs offered monthly. Each will be held at the reconstructed fort and the Woodruff Memorial Library in La Junta and last 45 minutes, exploring a different facet of the Fort’s story. As always, visitors should be prepared for the weather. Water, dressing in layers, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

“Stories from the Borderlands” are featured programs offered monthly. Each will be held at the reconstructed fort and the Woodruff Memorial Library in La Junta and last 45 minutes, exploring a different facet of the Fort’s story.

Hollidaysburg Canal Personalities. Who was Whiskey John ? Have you ever heard of Limestone Yank? How about John the Agitator ? Or Short & Tall Charlie? Learn about some of the more charismatic and dynamic personalities of the Canal-Era time in Hollidaysburg. This program is presented by Jim Snyder, president of the Blair County Genealogical Society.