- Picnicking
- Historical buildings
- Gift shop
State Historical Park
82034 Fort Ave. | Burwell, NE 68823-9801
Fort Hartsuff, near Elyria, served as an infantry outpost on the Nebraska prairie from 1874 to 1881. Like the many military posts that dotted the Great Plains in the 1800s, Fort Hartsuff was built during the Plains Indian Wars. Soldiers from the fort patrolled the North Loup River valley, protecting homesteaders and the Pawnee Tribe from the perceived threat of hostile Native American conflicts. The fort’s most important role was as an employer for construction projects and other odd jobs, a market for the local farmers to sell their crops, and a social gathering place for locals.
Unlike many of the 1800s military posts, Fort Hartsuff still stands today. It is one of the most complete examples of the small prairie forts. The fort’s buildings were constructed of a concrete mixture and many original structures survived. Acquired as a state historical park in 1961, park staff restored existing buildings and reconstructed others based on research and archeology. Today, visitors can stroll the gravel path around the parade ground, follow along the white picket fence that surrounds the fort, and explore buildings staged in the 1870s era. It’s easy to see why Fort Hartsuff has been called one of the prettiest posts on the plains!
The officers’ quarters is one of several historic buildings that have stood since the 1870s at Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park in Valley County. Eric Fowler, Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Spring Muster at Fort Hartsuff. Copyright Nebraskaland/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Spring Muster at Fort Hartsuff. Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Fort Hartsuff Spring Muster. Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Spring Muster at Fort Hartsuff. Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Spring Muster at Fort Hartsuff. Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Fort Hartsuff’s historical buildings are open to visitors from May to September and by appointment year-round. The park grounds are open daily. The park office and gift shop are located in the Post Headquarters. Here, visitors can purchase museum admission and park permits, shop for books and souvenirs, and get an introduction to the history of Fort Hartsuff before exploring the other historical buildings.
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 at GoOutdoorsNE.com.
The building of Fort Hartsuff began in September 1874. The main structures that make up the fort were constructed of a concrete mixture made from local lime, sand, and gravel. The site operated as a military post until 1881. After the land was sold to private owners, it was used for many years as a farm. Many of the original buildings survived and were able to be restored. Others were reconstructed based on historical research and archeology. With paid admission, visitors can explore interiors filled with late-1800s artifacts and gain a real sense of daily life at the fort.
Today the historical park’s buildings include:
Each year, dedicated volunteers find ways to bring the 1870s military fort to life through reenactments like a military muster, period skills demonstrations like blacksmithing and soap making, and other scheduled events. In addition, the park hosts a First Day Hike, informative presentations, and other activities.
This year marks the 150th anniversary of the building of Fort Hartsuff! Join us at the park over Labor Day weekend, Aug. 31-Sept.1 to celebrate with military and civilian reenactments, invited speakers, and other activities.
Fort Hartsuff is located in the beautiful North Loup River Valley at the edge of Nebraska’s Sandhills. Dining, lodging, fuel and groceries are available in the nearby towns of Ord, Elyria, and Burwell. These towns host exciting local activities every year. Nebraska’s oldest rodeo takes place every July in Burwell.
In September, the Junk Jaunt takes over central Nebraska, sending treasure hunters up Highway 11 right past the fort.
Calamus Reservoir SRA, located northwest of Fort Hartsuff and 6 miles from Burwell, offers some of the state’s finest outdoor recreation. Camp, fish, boat, hike and hunt on the 5,123-acre lake and surrounding 4,958-acres of rolling hills and native grasses. The SRA offers facilities for primitive and modern campers, with hard surfaced camp pads, electrical hookups, showers, and a dump and fill station.
Calamus Hatchery is located at the base of the Calamus Reservoir SRA dam. Visitors are welcome at the fish hatchery! The interpretative center is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, except holidays.
Park Pricing
A park entry permit is required to visit state parks and may be purchased at the park, statewide Game and Parks offices and permit vendors, or in advance of your arrival online. View those fees, as well as attraction and amenity pricing.
