Located in south-central Kansas at the junction of Kansas Highway 156 and 56, Larned is known as the “Heart of the Santa Fe Trail.†The town is home to Fort Larned National Historic Site, one of the country's best-preserved frontier forts, drawing visitors from all over the country. The Santa Fe Trail Center, also in Larned, is the first certified site in Kansas on the Santa Fe National Historic Trail. While in Larned, visitors will also enjoy the downtown area’s unique antique and gift shops and restaurants. Best Western Larned Kansas.
Things to do in Larned
Central States Scout Museum
The Central States Scout Museum features an extensive collection of Scouting memorabilia. Exhibits include uniforms of the Sea Scout and Air Scout, with the oldest uniforms dating from the 1920s; merit badge sashes by Scout, Explorer and Air Explorer; Rockwell's Spirit of Scouting coins; and much more. Located at 815 Broadway. Call 620-285-8938 for more information.
Fort Larned National Historic Site
Fort Larned was established in 1859 as military base against hostile Indians of the area and was charged with protecting the Santa Fe Trail. One of the country’s best-preserved forts from the Indian Wars, the site features nine authentically restored buildings including troop barracks, commissary, officer quarters, blacksmith shop and more. During the summer, demonstrations provide additional insight into life in the 1860s. Call 620-285-6911 for more information.
Historic Homes Driving Tour
A 28-house tour takes visitors by historic homes dating between 1880 and 1917. Because the homes are private residences, the tour is limited to the exteriors. A map and guide is available from the Chamber of Commerce. Call 620-285-6916 for more information.
Larned Country Club
Larned Country Club is a nine-hole golf course open to the public. Located at 681 E. 14th. Call 620-285-3935 for more information.
Santa Fe Trail Center
The Santa Fe Trail Center preserves the local history of Pawnee County and the Santa Fe Trail, one of America’s most important commercial routes in the 19th century. The center tells the stories of the great trade route that linked the United States with Mexico from the 1820s until the railroad arrived in the 1870s. The center also features an outdoor museum, with sod and dugout houses and a one-room schoolhouse. Located 2 miles west of Larned on Kansas Highway 156. Call 620-285-2054 for more information.
Sibley’s Camp
The historic site known as “Sibley’s Camp” is the campsite of a survey team led by George Sibley in 1825. The site is described by Sibley as "cliffs of soft rock" in his writings of the survey. Located at the corner of Second and State Streets. Call 620-285-6916 for more information.