Last updated: July 3, 2023
Thing to Do
Birdwatching at Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site
Photo by Alicia Lafever
Birdwatching can be a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy. Seventy-two species of birds are currently documented at Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site. Great horned owls, Wild turkeys, Ring-necked pheasants, and Red-headed woodpeckers are commonly seen or heard along the river in the cottonwoods. In the winter, Northern harriers and Red-tailed hawks can be viewed as they prey on small rodents in the scattered trees along the river. Mallards, Snow geese, and Canada geese can be found in the large wetland during the winter. White-faced ibis migrate through the park in the spring. The park has a Bird Check List (hard copies available at the fort) that includes 137 species of birds and lists 15 species that were identified from period diaries as being here during the 1840's.
Details
Activity
Birdwatching
Pets Allowed
Yes with Restrictions
Activities with pets are limited at Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site. Pets are permitted on the trail and must be leashed at all times, kept close at hand and away from fort livestock. Pets are not allowed inside the fort.
Location
Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Day, Dawn, Dusk
Park grounds may be accessed from dusk to dawn from the parking area during normal business hours and from the pedestrian entrance adjacent the DAR gate along the highway.
Accessibility Information
Parking and Wheelchair Use
Accessibility parking is available at the visitor parking lot. There is a paved pathway, 1,275 feet in length, from the parking lot to the fort that is hard-surfaced and wheelchair accessible.
Fort Accessibility
Most of the first floor of the fort is wheelchair accessible. A hand-held player with a tour of the second floor is available.Just ask at the fee area.
Documentary Film
A 20-minute documentary film with caption and visual description is available for viewing next to the fort fee collection room.
Accessibility parking is available at the visitor parking lot. There is a paved pathway, 1,275 feet in length, from the parking lot to the fort that is hard-surfaced and wheelchair accessible.
Fort Accessibility
Most of the first floor of the fort is wheelchair accessible. A hand-held player with a tour of the second floor is available.Just ask at the fee area.
Documentary Film
A 20-minute documentary film with caption and visual description is available for viewing next to the fort fee collection room.