The visitor center at Fort Atkinson SHP is currently undergoing renovations for new and improved displays, which are expected to be completed in spring or summer of 2023. The visitor center is closed from Nov. 1 – April 30; open by appointment only.
- Hiking
- Picnicking
One of the earliest U.S. military posts west of the Missouri River, Fort Atkinson was established in 1820 on recommendation of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Located at Fort Calhoun, the fort was important to the early fur trade, river traffic and Indian relations. It was an active fort until 1827.
Much of the historic outpost has been reconstructed, and interpretive work continues. Living history demonstrations are scheduled periodically during the summer.
Upcoming EventsHistory
Fort Atkinson had its genesis with the Lewis and Clark Expedition in the early 1800s. After stopping in the area, Clark noted in his journal that the site provided a very suitable location for a fort. More than a decade later, Fort Atkinson was established. It was a large garrison: at its peak, it held nearly one quarter of the standing U.S. Army, approximately 1,200 soldiers. The fort protected the growing western fur trade, and as the only governmental authority in the vast territory west of the Missouri, it also enforced peaceful relations between traders and the Indian tribes of the region. It operated from 1820 to 1827.
After the Army realigned its forces to the south, Fort Atkinson was abandoned, and the area converted to farmland. In 1961, local concern prompted a drive to preserve and restore the area. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission purchased the land two years later, and undertook a 20-year effort to reconstruct the fort. Today, much of the fort has been rebuilt, including barracks, gates, an armorerās shop, the council house and the Sutler Store.
Visit theĀ Friends of Fort Atkinson website
Attractions
Reconstructed features
After the fort became inactive, it began to fall into disrepair. However, local interest in the site remained strong and eventually led reconstruction of many of the fortās features. Reconstruction efforts took 20 years. During that time, barracks, gates, an armorerās shop, council house and sutlerās store were all constructed.
Living history demonstrations
Living history demonstrations take place periodically throughout the summer and fall with reenactors portraying fur traders, coopers, blacksmiths, carpenters, tinsmiths, weavers and other period trades. Visitors are encouraged to interact with the reenactors.
Living History events will occur the first weekend each month from May through October.
Harold W. Andersen Visitor Center
Harold W. Andersen Visitor Center interprets the history of the fort and contains displays of artifacts.
Visitor Center Hours
May 1 – October 31: Open daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
November 1 – April 30: Open by appointment only
Park Ground Hours
May 1 – October 31: Open 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
November 1 – April 30: Open 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Admission: Adults (13 & up) $4; Children (3-12), $1; Under 3, free
Living History: First weekend each month, May through October
A valid vehicle Park Entry Permit is required.
Other activities
A candlelight tour of the fort is held each November and allows visitors to see the grounds in a different light while learning about historical events that took place at the fort.
Map
Fees
Fees
A park entry permit is required and may be purchased at the park, statewide Game and Parks offices and permit vendors or in advance of your arrival online.
Residents $31 for an annual permit, duplicate annual permits are available for $16 and daily permits for $6.
For vehicles not registered and licensed in Nebraska $61 for an annual permit, duplicate annuals permits are available for $31 and daily permits for $12.
Visitor Interpreter Center: Admission is $4 for adults and $1 for children under the age of 13. There is no admission for children under 3.
Theater Rental Fee: $60
For a complete list of all state park, state recreation area and state historical park fees, click here.
Contact Information
Address: Fort Atkinson State Historical Park | 201 S 7th St. | Fort Calhoun, Neb. 68023-0240
Phone: (402) 468-5611
Email: Send email
