This summer, The Fort will open its gates to the public as the Tesoro Cultural Center expands its educational programming and cultural events with their new Living History Experience. Using our historic adobe structure as its primary teaching tool, Tesoro will introduce 20 weekends of historic immersion and fun for the whole family. Join us for shopping, art, music, historic demonstrations and more.
Visitors will learn about Bent’s Old Fort and the cultural diversity that inspired the Arnold family to build The Fort, including its authentic adobe construction, rooms and artifacts and the famous bear of the West, Sissy.
The courtyard will host cultural activities and mountain men demonstrations, and guests will learn about the crafts and skills necessary to survive during the Fur Trade era.
Representing the Plains Indians of early Colorado, The Fort’s traditional tipi will continuously show loops of Tesoro’s educational short films.
Housed in a replica of President George Washington’s campaign tent, the Fort Trade Lodge will feature award-winning Indian, Spanish Colonial and Western artists. Each weekend, selected artists will display, sell and demonstrate their work.
The Living History Experience will be open to the public on Friday, Saturday and Sundays beginning June 1 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $5; children under 12 are free. Food trucks will be available on site for guests to enjoy lunch during their visit.
