Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Fort Larned National Historic Site is offering a scaled down Candlelight Tour this year. The National Park Service (NPS) is working servicewide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis.
Guarding the Santa Fe Trail, escorting mail wagons, patrolling the area to keep it safe, and helping to hunt down bad guys. It was all in a day’s work for the soldiers at Fort Larned. For the most part, the military and civilian authorities kept to their own separate areas, but sometimes civilian law enforcement authorities needed some help from the Army. Like when a U.S. Marshall came to the fort asking for help to hunt down a dangerous criminal. The post commander offered him the assistance of post soldiers. This year, Fort Larned’s Candlelight Tour, highlights the occasional cooperation between the military and civilian law enforcement as everyone gets involved in hunting down an outlaw.
The tour will be on Oct. 10 with reservations beginning on Monday, Sept. 28 at 8:30 am. Reservations may only be made by phone at 620-285-6911. The first tour will leave at 7:30 pm and then every 15 minutes after that until the last tour leaves at 10:15 pm for a total of 12 tours. Each tour has space for 20 people and reservations will be taken on a first come, first served basis.
The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. Keeping public health in mind, this year’s tour will be take place outside the historic buildings with social distancing guidelines in place. Although not required, participants are highly encouraged to wear a mask for the duration of the tour.
The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19 and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.
Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted on our website www.nps.gov/fosc and social media channels. Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.
Fort Larned National Historic Site is located six miles west of Larned on Kansas Highway 156. Information on visiting is on the internet at www.nps.gov/fols, or by calling 620-285-6911, or email to [email protected]. For information on area tourism partners, lodging, dining, and community services go to www.larnedks.org or call (620) 285-6916.