On November 29th, 1864, Chiefs Black Kettle, White Antelope, Left Hand and others were encamped with around 750 Arapaho and Cheyenne people in a valley by the Big Sandy Creek. A hope for peace, brought forth by Black Kettle was in the balance. It was a tragic day where the blood of the Cheyenne and Arapaho was shed, an
Free — you won’t need your pass here.
Free entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
- Fee type No fee — No fee is charged here.
- HoursThe park is located 23 miles outside of the town of Eads, Colorado and is open five days a week. Please view the directions tab for more information.
- Source National Park Service ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Confirmed
- Official pagewww.nps.gov ↗
- Contact 7194385916 · sand_information@nps.gov
The Sand Creek Massacre is located in Kiowa County, Colorado. To visit the site, follow Colorado State Highway 96 east off Highway 287 near Eads, or west off Highway 385 at Sheridan Lake. Near Chivington, turn north onto County Road 54/Chief White Antelope Way or at Brandon, turn north onto County R
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
No Is there a fee at Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site?
No — it’s free to enter, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
Yes Are there hiking trails?
Yes — trails here include Bluff Trail. Check length and difficulty before you go.
Yes Can you watch wildlife or birds here?
Yes — Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site is a spot for wildlife and bird watching. Keep your distance and never feed animals.
Depends Can you bring a dog?
Usually only leashed and in developed areas, campgrounds, and paved paths — not on most trails or in buildings. Pet rules vary by park, so check first.
No Are drones allowed?
No — launching, landing, or operating drones is prohibited on National Park Service land.
Depends What are the hours?
The park is located 23 miles outside of the town of Eads, Colorado and is open five days a week. Please view the directions tab for more information.
Nearby sites
NPS Photo / Stuart West National Park Service Amache National Historic Site
ConfirmedFree entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
Jaywm / CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons U.S. Army Corps of Engineers John Martin Reservoir
CheckArmy Corps site — the pass gives 50% off day-use fees only and never covers camping. Confirm at the gate.
