Reviews of Fort Phil Kearny Historic Site (Museum)

The Eisenmans

I have been to many forts and realize most are reconstructions and sometimes inaccurate (Fort Casper for example, interesting in what the revisionists thought was important to build for tourists). This one is very different because apart from a small section of the wall built to give an idea of the defensive nature of the fort there is nothing other than good detailed signs showing where the buildings were. But for fans of Western frontier history a visit to the fort and the memorial nearby is worth the admission price. But what really makes the fort which is not there worth visiting is the docents. They know the stories behind the basic facts. Officer wives naively believing it was civilization, soldiers who were little more than boys with guns, and a determined native population tired of broken treaties. Take the short trip off the interstate on the way to Yellowstone to get a sense of history, and the stupidity of the entire situation (when you see the indefensible nature it's surprising it wasn't completely wiped out). But don't buy the rifle raffle tickets because I want to win it!

Chris Bauer

what an awesome preservation of history!

Kate

A delightful history lesson, helpful woman in the shop. Museum full of artifacts to illustrate the history of the place. (Can you tell I am a retired teacher? I love Native American history...) AND they very thoughtfully had a sunscreen dispenser!

Caroline Phillips

Super knowledgeable staff and interesting piece of history. Glad we stopped!

Ted Lapis

This monument to an old US Army fort has no walls, but is a poignant reminder of our pioneer history, and why the "Bloody Bozeman" was such a contested trail. Fine place to learn Western history, enjoy dark skies, or enjoy some fine scenery.

Richard Rhone

Great little museum and terrific and enthusiastic staff. Don't miss Fetterman Massacre site as well as Wagon Box Fight monument

Josiah Mittelstadt

Great layout and self guided tour opportunities

Brickafit

Love it

mxbuffalo

History, very well run and preserved

Sarah C

Tastefully and minimally restored educational exhibit where Plains tribes burned the original fort after the U.S. Army abandoned it. Visiting in early spring is a visual treat, nestled at the base of the Bighorn Mountains.

Netegories 99

I loved that there is still a wooden surround to make it historic and really looked like the sort of fort I expected. The information guides were amazing. And very knowledgeable and it was an amazing experience. I never tire of history, historic locations or battlefields.

Chip McNally

The history of and parts of fort Phil Kearny are on display for you. Parts of the fort have been recreated. It's very large and well done. The visitor center was staffed by a lady who was a fountain of lively information. The diorama of the fort was beautifully and meticulously done. It allows a view from several elevations as you crouch down and look level with the display. Artifacts and information can occupy for some time. The selection of books for sale is well done too. Seeing this is well worth the time.

T Gus

5 dollars for a history lesson by very nice people who work there.

Frank Bodden

The history of the Bozeman Trail centers around this historic fort. There were more Indian attacks and killings on both sides, the history is exciting. I return to the fort year after year.

Ricardo Rosario

Little Big piece of history, small museum with a lot of antiques, they have a movie too explaining the fort history.

Walter W. Taylor

Intetesting

Eric Scalzo

Great historical site!

Vicki Herzog

Informative and friendly staff. There's not a lot to the fort since it was burned down many years ago. But the staff was very knowledgeable about the history and there's a nice short video.

Cheryl Healy

Historic site. Much has fallen down around the original foot print of the surrounding walls. But you can still see where it all was and invasion it in its heyday.

Terry McPartland

Best feel of the west. Underdeveloped feels more real. Ghost of past everywhere. Walk the grounds of the Fort. Then go to the site of the battle. Don't miss the wagon box fight memorial . live the moment. If you are on I-25 and think should I stop.....STOP... Kids will remember, you should remember. So close to the Freeway should be busy all the time yet only 3 or 4 others ever there. A great book store there also.

mary stoll

Amazing and so interesting. Big part of our History.

Maureen Muller

Nice place to visit. The staff was very knowledgeable. You can walk and see where the buildings used to be.

Larry Strait

Excellent museum, and staff

Nathalie

Vestiges d'un ancien fort. Endroit désert mais à voir pour photos

Steve A

Lots of information on Indian Wars. Docent very helpful

Michelle Moore

If you like history this fort is interesting!

Harold Phillips

Stop here EVERY time I am in the area !! Love the history of the fort, and the historic Fetterman Massacre site and the Wagon Box fight are both just a few miles and an easy drive near here. Great displays and friendly and knowledgeable staff !! HIGHLY recommend if you love western history !!

Sheridan Troop117 Scouting

BSA Scouts Flag Raising Ceremony @ Ft. Phil Kearney. Scouts from Casper, Buffalo, and Sheridan joined in a Spring Camporee, with community service work.

David Stafford

I enjoyed helping Bob Wilson repair fences!

Harvey Day

Never do Forts were so big back in the 1800s

Linda Craig

Great history information

samuel reed

Cool historic sight

Jeff Buel

Liked the interesting history about the place. Staff knew their stuff. It does have quite a bit of walking. But you do that first then go inside to cool off while you browse displays.

Sarah Melville-Crowe

Great place to visit and learn some of the history- very good set up

Jim Woods

If you love western history you need to stop

Melvyn Klaus

Very informative about the military and native american life in the area.

Glenn Heiser

If you go to the wagon box battle first don't follow Google directions when you're leaving to go to Fort Kearny. Simply turn right when you exit onto Wagon Box Dr.

AL K

Great descriptions of the buildings in the fort.

Amy Payton

Amazing place. A great lecture as well on native Americans.

Patrick Kirk

Found out information didn'tknow

Susan Grant

A must see for history of the westward journey

Ted Karam

Very well educated, friendly and helpful staff. Amazing history which not many Americans know about. Excellent book selection relative to the fort, the Vinegar Trail, the era in America and the Plains Indians. We'll thought out displays inside and outside the interpretive center including the fort grounds, Fetterman battle ridge and the Wagon Box Fight location. We'll worth your time.

Mike Mestas

Good information to read up on. Cool artifacts.

Melanie Engels

Arrived at Fort Phil Kearny expecting to see a reconstructed fort - if this is what you expect, you will be disappointed. You watch a ten minute video to gain an understanding of the history and then walk out to a fort wall and behind the fort wall.... nothing. They have marked off the areas where the buildings used to be (since it was burned to the ground). And that's about it.

Jakub J

Very friendly staff & very knowledgeable - so much info&details - Not a biggest place but our kids greatly appreciate what they have now after reading what condition people had to endure :) Anyway definitely worth side trip

Gary Remy

Understaffed but the interpretive guide knew his history and told the story well

B Nasty

Enjoyed our visit. Although the exhibits were not huge they were very well done and very informative. The fort mock up is well done and one of the folks there does a super job of explaining the make up and life at the fort. Once you complete the inside walk thru, walk the site to get a feel for the size. Excellent selection of books.

Will Hatch

Incredible bit of Wyoming history!

Tom Brinkman

Great little Museum...

Ashley Herndon

Must see to understand the truth about then.

Cindy Reynolds

REALLY NICE!! Not very well know but VERY historical. WORTH seeing!! Glad we didn't miss it!!

Sabrina Botti

Very interesting

Gary Barnes

So much history. Knowledgable, friendly staff.

Steve Schwinn

Very interesting history.

Beverly pickett

I loved the site very much. I am disabled so I would not be hiking. I will try to add a few photos.

Michael Walker

Little known American history from the Sioux Indian Wars. Great museum. Great staff. Kid friendly.

Dennis Marcello

Just a few miles of of the interstate...worth you trip. Good history here on the railroad.

Carl Funke

Beautiful landscape, uncrowded, friendly staff. Opens your imagination to the past.

Susan Hawn-smith

Found this visitor center very interesting and informative. Must see - rivals Custers...

exer cise

Historically valuable..dedicated staff.

Erin Smith

The gal who runs the place is so knowledgeable and has so many cool stories that this is well worth the time and $!

Monika Lienhard

Nice people there and a beautyful place to stay for a while