Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site
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Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site at a glance
- Best time
- March–May, October–November
- Trip length
- 2–4 hours to 1 day
- Don't miss
- Be a Sand Creek B.A.R.K. Ranger
- Nearby city
- Chivington, CO
Explore this park
About Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site
On November 29th, 1864, Chiefs Black Kettle, White Antelope, Left Hand and others were encamped with around 750 Arapaho and Cheyenne people in a valley by the Big Sandy Creek. A hope for peace, brought forth by Black Kettle was in the balance. It was a tragic day where the blood of the Cheyenne and Arapaho was shed, and a painful memory for generations of Native Americans was made.
2 current NPS alerts
- Information: Visitor Services Available Only at the Site
- Caution: 8 Miles of Unpaved Road to Reach Park
Source: National Park Service (as of Nov 1, 2026). Official Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site page on nps.gov
Weather Information
Weather conditions at the park vary considerably. Temperatures range from over 100°F in summer to under 20°F in winter. Visitors can expect blowing dust and sand year-round, especially during infrequent storms. Some of these storms produce violent tornadoes or large blizzards, so prepare accordingly, and contact the on-duty Ranger to ask about road conditions at (719)-438-5916
Operating Hours
The park is located 23 miles outside of the town of Eads, Colorado and is open five days a week. Please view the directions tab for more information.
- Monday9:00AM - 4:00PM
- TuesdayClosed
- WednesdayClosed
- Thursday9:00AM - 4:00PM
- Friday9:00AM - 4:00PM
- Saturday9:00AM - 4:00PM
- Sunday9:00AM - 4:00PM
Common questions
Planning Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site
The summary above covers timing and highlights. These go deeper on reservations, crowds, and logistics — check Alerts for live updates.
Reservation rules vary by season and activity for Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site. See Overview on this page for fees, timed entry, and campground details before you travel.
