Public Tour
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, 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 our 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.
School and Adult Group Tours
Available with advanced reservation only. School groups are $1 per student and adult groups are $3 per person. Call 432-836-4391, email ft-lancaster@thc.texas.gov, or complete this form to request a specialized tour experience.
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:
- Historic Fort Stockton
- Annie Riggs Memorial Museum
- Caverns of Sonora
- Balmorhea State Park
- Historic Fort Concho
- Alley Oop Park Museum
- Crockett County Museum
- Independence Creek Preserve
For additional travel and history information, see the following resources: