Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site

Usual hours

• Mon–Wed closed
• Fri–Sun 9:00–16:00

From 56 published days, 2026-10-20 to 2026-12-14; community-mapped.

About

Entrance / day-use fee applies.

This park's official page lists: Store / concessions.

This park's official page lists: Visitor center.

At the park

• Wildlife & bird watching scenic feature

Shows and experiences

• Historic sites & museum

Events

• Ranger Talk 10:00 AM–11:00 AM · Overlook OR Orientation Area The location of the Sand Creek ranger talk can vary depending on the weather. Check with the ranger in the Contact Station prior to the talk for the current location. Monument Hill Overlook: The overlook can be accessed via the Overlook parking area, or by walking the half-mile Trail from the Picnic Area. Orientation Area: Approximately 150 feet from the parking area near the Contact Station.

Before you go

Limits

Yes, service dogs are legally permitted anywhere in a park that visitors can go

⚠ Caution: 8 Miles of Unpaved Road to Reach Park

In order to reach the Sand Creek Massacre Site, visitors must travel on at least 8 miles of unpaved roads. We are not able to guarantee road conditions of county roads 54 or W after spring storms.

Park alert: Visitor Services Available Only at the Site

All visitor Services are available at the Historic Site, 23 miles northeast of Eads, Colorado. The Center for Sand Creek Massacre Studies located in Eads, Colorado is available for appointment only research requests.

Getting there

The Sand Creek Massacre is located in Kiowa County, Colorado. To visit the site, follow Colorado State Highway 96 east off Highway 287 near Eads, or west off Highway 385 at Sheridan Lake. Near Chivington, turn north onto County Road 54/Chief White Antelope Way or at Brandon, turn north onto County Road 59. Follow these roads to their intersections with County Road W. The park entrance is along CR W a mile east (right) of CR 54 or several miles west (left) of CR 59.

Weather & when to go

Weather conditions at the park vary considerably. Temperatures range from over 100°F in summer to under 20°F in winter. Visitors can expect blowing dust and sand year-round, especially during infrequent storms. Some of these storms produce violent tornadoes or large blizzards, so prepare accordingly, and contact the on-duty Ranger to ask about road conditions at (719)-438-5916

Visitor center

Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site

Visitor center

Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site, the Santa Fe Trail

Facilities on the park map

5 bench, 3 picnic area, 5 restroom, 2 visitor information.

History

Opened

2007

Heritage status

Listed heritage / protected status

• Park opened