Fort Phil Kearny, Banner

Interesting, although disturbing, part of American history. The original site was burned to the ground but historians have done a nice job in identifying the layout of the fort which was only there for 2 years. The placement of Indians on horses on the top of the surrounding hill add authenticity to our experience. The film in the visitor's center was packed with info about the fort and related battles. The enthusiastic host provideeld many additional details although we found it difficult to break away from the conversation. Highly recommend a visit for anyone interested in the U.S. government / American Indian conflict during the 1800s. We also visited the nearby Federman battlesite and could envision the "sitting duck" travelers who were surrounded by rolling hills on both sides.

There are actually three sites worth visiting and all three are within a mile or two of each other. I would suggest that you begin your visit at Fort Phil Kearny. While the fort was only staffed and in use for a few years it was an important site on the Bozeman Trail. I started my visit at the small gift shop and had the opportunity to talk with the gentleman who was staffing it. He was very friendly and very knowledgeable about the history of the area. His knowledge only enhanced my visit. The is nothing left of the original fort but as you walk the grounds you can get a true picture of the layout by reading the storyboards that are place throughout the site. While talking to the gentleman at the gift shop he also directed me to two other important historical sites. The first was the “Portugee” Phillips Monument near the entrance to the Fort. The Story of John “Portugee” Phillips is little known but an amazing one. He also told me a brief story about the Fetterman Massacre and gave me directions to the nearby Fetterman Monument. I would strongly suggest that you start Your visit t at Fort Phil Kearny before visiting the other two sites. My visit all three sites took me about an hour and a half. I now have a clearer picture of the history or the Bozeman Trail and what we know today as Red Clouds War.

You don't have to be a serious history buff to enjoy this site. Although there are few structures, most of the buildings identified/marked. Walking the fort grounds and taking time to read the signs about the various aspects to the layout is informative. Unfortunately this summer (2022) the Interpretive center is closed, which likely would have added more historical background. Our leashed dog walked the grounds with us. There is an entrance fee, although the two nearby battlefields are free. There is a small "shop" with books and items to buy.

Love how low key this place is. Video and visitor center are great. Read Ridgeline and found myself working nearby for the summer. Great self guided visit on the ground.

My husband and I came through here on our road trip from California to South Dakota to get my husbands tribal ID. It is truly a beautiful area to hang out and learn a few things. The Interpretive center is clean, organized and informative. Starr, the center manager is absolutely amazing. I couldn’t say enough good things about her alone. She was pleasant, kind, and beyond informative. She also pays a small tribute to indigenous people and acknowledges their relationship with the land that the fort was/is on. There is a short movie with the history of the fort to prepare you for the walk around what used to be the fort. The original fort was burned down, but the area still has so much to do and see. They have mapped out where the building were and have placed signs around the area so with. Little imagination you can put the puzzle pieces together. Great place to visit!