The distant echo of a bugle playing revelie still lingers in the air around this army post, which was built in the 1840's to maintain peace during the westward expansion movement, and a thirty- star American flag still watches over the twenty historic buildings and five acres of restored tallgrass.

Are We There Yet?

The park is located 90 miles south of Kansas City at the intersection of US 69 and US 54.

What’s There To Do Here?

A short audiovisual presentation will give you an overview of the fort's history, and exhibits ranging from items used in a soldier's daily life to the simple childhood toys help bring into focus the lives of these frontier people. Special events are held throughout the year, including a Fourth of July Weekend, when couples can participate in tug of war and sack races together.

The park contains 20 historic buildings and five acres of restored tallgrass prairie. You can enjoy self-guided tours of the historic buildings and have a look at interpretive exhibits. There’s a short AV program that will give you the history of the fort as well.

When you’re ready for a walk, you’ll find a short trail that winds through the prairie.

When Are We Going?

Summer is the busiest time at the park, but you’ll find spring and fall months very pleasant.

How Long Are We Staying?

The park is small so just budget about an hour for an overview of the facilities.

Where's Our Room?

There are no accommodations in the park. For local lodging, call the city of Fort Scott, Tel. 800/245-FORT or see www.fortscott.com.

Where Are We Going Next?

Let Dolley The Trolley be your hostess as Historic Trolley Tours introduces your family to all the sites the town of Fort Scott has to offer. An hour long narrated tour passes by not only Fort Scott National Historic Site, but also takes you back to a gentler time with a display of Victorian architecture found in both the scenic downtown area and on the facades of the mansions which grace the town. For further information contact Historic Trolley Tours, 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701 or call (800)245-3678 .

Only 100 miles away is the Harry S. Truman National Historic Site, where items ranging from political memorabilia to sentimental objects such as daughter Margaret's dolls and the wicker rocking chair used by Truman's grandmother draw an intimate portrait of the nation's thirty-third president. Tours of both the Truman home in Independence, Missouri, a majestic Victorian structure referred to as the "summer White House" during Truman's years in office, and the farm home in Grandview, a place where Truman's ideals were sculpted as he labored there as a young man, are available. For visitor information, write Harry S. Truman National Historic Site, 223 North Main Street, Independence, MO 64050-2804, or visit www.nps.gov/hstr/index.htm.

Practical Information

Address: Fort Scott National Historic Site, PO Box 918, Fort Scott, KS 66701-0918
Operating Season: year round
Website: http://www.nps.gov/fosc/