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Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center: A Frontier Outpost Reborn

Explore 19th-century military life at Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center. Discover the stories of soldiers, settlers, and the American West.

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Step back in time at Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center, a preserved 19th-century U.S. Army fort in the San Luis Valley. Explore original adobe buildings, learn about the Buffalo Soldiers, and immerse yourself in the history of the American West.

A brief summary to Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center

  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Check the History Colorado website for updated information on events, exhibits, and seasonal hours.
  • Leashed dogs are welcome on the property and in exhibit spaces.
  • Take advantage of the electric vehicle charging stations available at the museum.
  • Visit Pike's Stockade, another historical site managed by History Colorado, after your visit to Fort Garland.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center is located near the intersection of U.S. Highways 160 and 159 in Fort Garland. From Highway 160, turn north onto Highway 159. The museum will be on your left. Parking is available in the on-site parking lot. There is no fee to park.

  • Public Transport

    Costilla County Transit provides bus service to Fort Garland. Check their schedule for specific times and routes. From the bus stop, it is a short walk to the museum. Exact fare costs vary depending on the route and distance.

Unlock the Best of Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center

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Discover more about Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center

Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center, located in Fort Garland, Colorado, offers a captivating glimpse into the past. Established in 1858, the fort played a crucial role in American expansion, protecting settlers in the San Luis Valley. Today, visitors can explore five original adobe buildings, including the Commandant's Quarters, and walk the parade grounds, experiencing life on the frontier. The museum highlights the diverse stories of those who lived and served at Fort Garland. Exhibits detail the experiences of the Buffalo Soldiers of the 9th Cavalry, who were stationed here from 1876 to 1879. Learn about the fort's role in the Civil War in the West and the interactions between the U.S. Army, Native American tribes, and the growing Hispano community. Fort Garland offers a variety of events and educational programs throughout the year. The museum also hosts temporary exhibits, such as the Smithsonian Institution's "Why We Serve: Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces". With its rich history and engaging exhibits, Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center provides an enriching experience for visitors of all ages.

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