Self-Guided Tour

Life on a Texas Frontier Fort
Timing: 1-2 hours, Monday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Families $8, adults $5, seniors, veterans, and teachers $3, youth $2, ages 5 and under, free

Explore the lives and times of United States and Texas soldiers on the frontier as you head out on your self-guided tour by foot or by golf cart to visit the historic post, including the original barracks, headquarters, schoolhouse, and several officer’s quarters. Take a short hike to the original lime kiln, stone quarry, and Government Springs. Learn about the importance of Fort McKavett in the Visitor Center, housed in the original 1874 hospital and take in the beauty and isolation of a frontier fort. Walk-ins only, no advanced reservations required.

Guided Tours

Group Tours

  • Timing: Two to 2.5 hours, Monday through Sunday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • Availability: Advanced Reservations preferred, walk-in tours subject to staff availability
  • Cost: Group Rates ($3/adult, $2/child) apply for parties 10+. One-time tour fee paid in addition to admissions, based on party size.
  • Tour Fees: 

    One to 10: $15
    11 to 30: $25
    31 to 60: $50
    61 to 100: $75

Join one of our tour guides to explore Fort McKavett in this guided tour experience on the Texas Frontier! Hear the stories of the soldiers, citizens, ladies, and residents of Fort McKavett and learn how their lives helped shape modern Texas. These tours can be personalized for your group’s area of interest. Some spaces at Fort McKavett are limited and larger groups will need to be split up with additional guides.

School Tours

  • Timing: 1.5 to 2 hours, Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • Availability: Advanced reservations required
  • Cost: $1/person. Minimum 10:1 student-to-chaperone ratio required.

Take your students on a Texas Frontier Adventure and learn how the U.S. Army and the Buffalo Soldiers of Fort McKavett forged the Texas we know today! See how life on an Army Post differed from our modern lives and how the soldiers lived, worked, and fought to settle Western Texas. These tours cover many Texas and U.S. History TEKS and we have special programs that cover many STEAM-based subjects available upon request.

Call 325-396-2358, email ft-mckavett@thc.texas.gov, or complete this form to request a specialized tour experience.

Gift Shop 

Step into Sam Wallick’s Post Trader Store for all your Texas Frontier needs! From caps and shirts, cups and mugs, rifles, swords, canteens, and more — Wallick’s Store has you covered! Visit Wallick’s Store in the Visitor Center.

Accessibility 

Most of the Site is NOT wheelchair accessible. The Visitor Center, Museum, and Gift Shop may be accessed by wheelchair.

Fort McKavett has golf carts available for rent and can be used to access several areas of the Site. Golf cart rentals are $5 and can be rented at the Visitor Center upon the completion of a rental contract.

Facilities 

Visitors are encouraged to use the site’s picnic areas. Drinks are available for purchase on site and restrooms are also available.  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: