Public Tours

A Frontier Legacy at Fort Lancaster
Timing: 1 hour, Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Families $8, adults $5, seniors, veterans, and teachers $3, youth $2, ages 5 and under free

Begin your self-guided experience of this 19th-century military fort in the Visitor Center, where you’ll learn about the daily lives and the difficult duties of the troops who lived and worked here in the mid-1800s. Fort Lancaster, originally operated by the U.S. Army before the Civil War, hosted three military camel expeditions, was briefly occupied by Confederate Texans during the American Civil War, and later served as a sub-post for the U.S. Army, including the Buffalo Soldiers. It also holds the distinction of being the only U.S. Army fort in Texas to come under attack by Native Americans. After touring the exhibit, head out on foot or by golf cart (first-come, first-served) to explore the remnants of over 30 structures, surrounded by stunning panoramic views.

A Guided Tour of the 1867 Battlefield
Timing: 1 hour, Thursdays and Saturday, 10 a.m.
Cost: Families $8, adults $5, adult groups of 10+, seniors, veterans, and teachers $3, youth $2, ages 5 and under free

Embark on a guided tour of Fort Lancaster, where you'll explore the fort's role in the frontier defense system, its unique connection to the U.S. Army Camel Experiment, its involvement in the Civil War, and the battle between Buffalo Soldiers and Native Americans—the only such attack on a U.S. Army fort in Texas. The tour will begin in our modern Visitor Center and will continue through the fort’s expansive remains where key buildings and locations of the battle will be highlighted. Prepare to immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of the West Texas frontier.

A Soldier's Life Presentation
Timing: 30 minutes, Thursdays, 1-4 p.m.
Cost: Free with guided or self-guided tour; call for availability

This engaging 30-minute presentation will showcase the uniforms, equipment, and firearms that were vital to the frontier survival of Soldiers in the mid-1800s. More than just military gear, these items served as lifelines, helping soldiers endure the harsh conditions and accomplish their mission to secure the West Texas frontier. Discover how the tools of the trade played a crucial role in shaping the daily lives and duties of troops garrisoned at Fort Lancaster.

Reveille to Taps 
Timing: 30 minutes
Cost: Free with guided or self-guided tour; call for availability

Explore the pivotal role of the snare drum and the influence of field music on the daily routines of soldiers stationed on the frontier. This 30-minute program demonstrates how drum calls structured a soldier's day from dawn to dusk. Through live demonstration and historical interpretation, visitors will learn how drummers served as vital communicators in an age before modern technology. This program also highlights the discipline, training, and musical skill required of young field musicians, offering a deeper understanding of military life in the 19th century.

School Tour

A Day in the Life of a Frontier Soldier
Timing: 2 hours, Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Grades: 4th-12th 
Capacity: 5-30 students
Cost: $1 per student

Upon their arrival at Fort Lancaster, students will take an oath of enlistment, sign a replica muster roll, then receive a hands-on lesson about military uniforms and equipment. The group will then tour the exhibit in the Visitor Center, then head outside to participate in practice military drill on the parade grounds, where they'll learn basic formations and drill commands. Finally, they'll tour the ruins of over 30 historic fort buildings before returning to the Visitor Center for their discharge ceremony.

Tour Reservations

School and group tour reservations should be made at least two weeks in advance by calling 432-836-4391, emailing ft-lancaster@thc.texas.gov, or completing this tour request form.

Gift Shop 

A Museum Store is located inside the Visitor Center. A large assortment of books, t-shirts, caps, and period toys are available for purchase. 

Accessibility 

The site is not wheelchair accessible, although a majority of the site can be navigated by wheelchair. A golf cart is available (first come, first served basis) for touring the fort grounds, which are gravel and not ADA-approved for wheelchairs. 

Pets 

Dogs are welcome and must be on a leash.  

Facilities 

Visitors are encouraged to bring food and drinks to enjoy in our picnic facility. Drinks are also available in the Visitor Center and restrooms are provided on site.  Visitor parking is available on site.

Nearby Attractions 

While you're in the area, visit these nearby sites: 

For additional travel and history information, see the following resources: