Fort Apache Historical Park: A Journey Through Apache and U.S. Military History

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Discover the rich history and culture of the White Mountain Apache Tribe at Fort Apache Historical Park, a unique blend of Native American and military heritage.

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Fort Apache Historical Park

Explore Fort Apache Historical Park, a 288-acre site rich in both Native American and U.S. military history. Once a U.S. Army fort established in 1870, it later became a Bureau of Indian Affairs boarding school. Today, it stands as a testament to the complex relationship between the White Mountain Apache Tribe and the United States, featuring historic buildings, a cultural center and museum, and the nearby Kinishba Ruins.

A brief summary to Fort Apache Historical Park

127 Scout St, Fort Apache, Arizona, 85926, US
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Monday 8 am-5 pm
Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
Thursday 8 am-5 pm
Friday 8 am-5 pm
Saturday 8 am-5 pm

Local tips

Visit during the cooler months for a more comfortable experience exploring the park.
Check the park's schedule for cultural events and demonstrations to enhance your visit.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking, as the park has a variety of trails to explore.
Don't miss the Arrowhead Cafe for a taste of traditional Apache cuisine.

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Getting There

Driving

If driving to Fort Apache Historical Park, navigate to US-191 N from your location in Greenlee County. Continue on US-191 N for approximately 20 miles until you reach the junction with AZ-73. Take the exit onto AZ-73 E towards Fort Apache. Continue on AZ-73 E for about 12 miles. As you approach Fort Apache, turn right onto Scout St, where you will find Fort Apache Historical Park at 127 Scout St, Fort Apache, AZ 85926. Parking is available at the park.
Public Transportation

Limited public transportation is available directly to Fort Apache. However, you can take a Greyhound bus or a local shuttle to Show Low, AZ, which is about 35 miles from Fort Apache. From Show Low, you may need to book a taxi or rideshare service to complete your journey to Fort Apache Historical Park. Taxi or rideshare from Show Low to Fort Apache will cost approximately $80-$100.

Discover more about Fort Apache Historical Park

Fort Apache Historical Park, located on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation, offers a unique glimpse into the intertwined histories of the White Mountain Apache Tribe and the U.S. Army. Established in 1870 as Camp Ord (later renamed Fort Apache in 1879), the fort played a crucial role in the Indian Wars and later served as a recruitment point for Apache scouts. The park encompasses 288 acres, featuring 27 historic buildings dating from the 1870s to the 1930s.Visitors can explore the Nohwike' Bágowa, the White Mountain Apache Cultural Center and Museum, to delve into Apache history and culture. The museum houses exhibits, including rare Apache artifacts and a multimedia presentation of the Apache creation story. General Crook's Cabin, dating back to 1871, offers a glimpse into the lives of army officers and their families at this remote outpost. A self-guided walking tour leads visitors through the fort's historic buildings, including military barracks and the Theodore Roosevelt School, a former Bureau of Indian Affairs boarding school.Admission to the park also includes access to the Kinishba Ruins, an ancient pueblo site located a few miles west of Fort Apache. These ruins, occupied by the Zuni and Hopi ancestors of the Apache, offer a glimpse into the region's pre-Columbian past. The park is open daily from 7:00 am to sunset, with the museum operating from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Arrowhead Cafe, run by Native youth, offers a taste of traditional Apache cuisine.