The visitor center at Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site is open Sunday and Monday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, closed Tuesday and Wednesday, and open Thursday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
There is no entrance fee to visit the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site. Admission is free year-round.
From Denver, take US-285 South to US-40 East, then continue to County Road 54. Drive 23 miles southeast of Eads, immersing yourself in the poignant history of the Great Plains.
Parking is available for cars, buses, and RVs near the orientation area. No overnight parking is allowed, and there are no parking fees. Motorcycles are also accommodated.
Accessibility & permits
Emergency
- Cell service availability:Partial
Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site, located in the vast and solemn landscape of Kiowa County, Colorado, is a place of profound historical significance and natural beauty. This site, about 170 miles southeast of Denver, commemorates the tragic events of November 29, 1864, when Colonel John M. Chivington led an unprovoked attack on a peaceful village of Southern Cheyenne and Arapaho people along the banks of Big Sandy Creek.
The site spans 12,583 acres of rolling plains and dry creek channels, a landscape that remains largely untouched since the massacre. Visitors can walk along the trails that meander through the creek bed, where the desperate attempts of the Cheyenne and Arapaho to escape are etched into the earth. The area is dotted with sparse vegetation and the occasional cottonwood tree, standing as silent witnesses to the past.
Each November, the annual Sand Creek Spiritual Healing Run/Walk takes place, a 173-mile journey that follows the route of the soldiers back to Denver, offering a poignant reflection on the site’s history. The park offers basic facilities, including picnic tables, restrooms, and a water bottle-filling station, but it is the historical and interpretive information, presented by park rangers, that truly brings the site to life.
For those seeking a deeper connection to the area, nearby Eads and Chivington provide quaint stops with local charm. However, it is the site itself that commands reverence, a sacred place where the echoes of history linger in the wind-swept plains. This is a destination for those who seek to immerse themselves in a pivotal moment of American history, surrounded by the haunting beauty of the Colorado landscape.
- Area (mi²)
- 20
- Annual visitors
- 6 201
- Established year
- 2007
Top 3 Facts about Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site
The massacre involved the use of twelve-pounder mountain howitzers, a type of artillery that was rare in Civil War-era events in Colorado, highlighting the unusual scale of military force employed during the attack.
In this pristine grassland, native perennial grasses dominate the shortgrass prairie, while 62 plant species hold ethnobotanical and cultural significance for associated tribes. The landscape is home to 72 bird species, including the elusive Burrowing Owl, though its presence is rare since the decline of black-tailed prairie dogs. Sylvatic plague has significantly impacted the prairie dog population, a crucial ecological component. Exotic plants like non-native bromes are present but do not overwhelm the native flora, preserving the natural beauty of this historical site.
In the rolling plains of southeastern Colorado, the landscape is defined by the gentle flow of Big Sandy Creek, its waters a soft murmur through the valley. The surrounding terrain is dotted with bluffs that rise approximately 100 feet above the creek bed, casting long shadows in the late afternoon sun. The area’s semi-arid climate brings stark contrasts of hot summers and cold winters, adding to the rugged beauty of this historic site.
Family programs
- Junior Ranger
- Ranger-led Tours
- Self-guided Tours
- Workshops & Hands-on Activities
- Living History & Cultural Demos
- Scavenger Hunts
- Virtual Junior Activities
- Arts & Crafts
Travel Tips
Plan Ahead
Visit in the cooler morning hours to match the time of the historic event. Drive on dirt roads for the last 7 miles. Bring water and snacks; limited options on site. Wear comfortable shoes for the Bluff Trail and Monument Hill Trail. Plan for a reflective afternoon or a few days to absorb the history and somber atmosphere, especially during the anniversary of the massacre in November.
Pack Appropriately
Pack layers for variable weather, sturdy hiking boots, and a waterproof jacket. Bring a tent, sleeping bag, and camping stove if staying overnight. Don’t forget headlamps, water, and sunscreen. Check the season for specific gear needs.
Respect Wildlife
Respect the pristine landscape by staying on designated trails, avoiding disturbance of wildlife, and not removing any plants or artifacts. Be mindful of seasonal weather and wildlife habitats. Leave nothing behind but footprints.
Stay Informed
Check weather forecasts and trail conditions before heading out. Wear appropriate clothing and stay alert near ledges and water. Follow park rules and contact authorities at 911 for emergencies.
Seasons
In spring, visit as temperatures rise to the 60s and 70s, with mild weather. Attend the annual spiritual healing run in April, honoring the victims. A poignant time to reflect and connect with nature and history.
Visit in summer for daily programs at 10 am and 2 pm, amidst warm temperatures (70s-80s°F) and sunny skies. Open seven days a week, this site comes alive during Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day, offering a poignant and immersive historical experience.
Visit in fall, when crisp temperatures (40s-60s°F) and golden landscapes set a poignant backdrop. Attend the annual Memorial Day observance in May, but for fall, reflect on history during the cooler months. A somber yet beautiful season to honor the past.
Visit in winter for a serene, icy landscape. December to February, temperatures often drop below 20°F. Though it rarely snows, the stark beauty and historical solemnity are undiminished. Check local weather for road conditions before traveling. A unique, haunting experience awaits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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The closest city to the site is Eads, Colorado, which is located in Kiowa County. The site is also near the town of Chivington, about 170 miles southeast of Denver and 125 miles east of Pueblo.
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Dogs are allowed on trails and at ranger talks, but they must be leashed and under their owner’s control at all times. They are not permitted in park buildings. Owners must clean up after their dogs and be cautious of high summer temperatures and biting insects.
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Yes, parking is available, including spaces for autos, buses, RVs, campers, motorhomes, and trailers. The site is accessible year-round, except for federal holidays.
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The Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site commemorates the surprise attack by about 675 U.S. troops under Colonel John M. Chivington on a camp of Cheyenne and Arapaho people on November 29, 1864, in southeastern Colorado Territory. This attack, which occurred near Fort Lyon, resulted in the deaths of more than 230 Native Americans, including women, children, and elderly, despite the Cheyenne and Arapaho being under a white flag of truce. The site honors the victims and acknowledges the significant impact of this event on the Plains Wars and the history of Native American relations with the U.S. government.