🌤 Weather at Fort Fetterman by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25–65 °F | 50–87 °F | 26–75 °F | 16–39 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Casper 1SW, 18 mi away, elevation 5,143 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Indian Wars Fort — Military post built in 1867 to protect the Bozeman Trail — key fort during Red Cloud’s War, the ONLY war the US clearly lost to Native Americans
Fort Fetterman was a military post built in 1867 on the North Platte River — a key installation during Red Cloud’s War (1866–1868), the only war the United States clearly lost to Native Americans! Named for Captain William Fetterman (killed with his entire command of 81 soldiers in the Fetterman Fight of December 1866 — the Army’s worst defeat on the Plains until Little Bighorn), the fort served as a staging point for campaigns against the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho. Red Cloud’s War forced the US to abandon the Bozeman Trail and sign the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Converse County, WY |
| Entry Fee | Free / Donation |
| War | Red Cloud’s War — US LOST! |
| Fight | Fetterman — 81 killed, worst until Bighorn! |
About Fort Fetterman
Fort Fetterman in Converse County was a key U.S. Army post during the Great Sioux War of 1876-77 — serving as the staging point for General Crook’s Bighorn and Yellowstone Expedition. Named for Captain William Fetterman, who was killed with 80 soldiers in the 1866 Fetterman Fight near Fort Phil Kearny (the Army’s worst defeat on the Plains until Little Bighorn). The fort’s restored officers’ quarters house a museum.
Things to Do
Touring the restored officers’ quarters museum, walking the parade ground, viewing the North Platte River valley, and studying the Indian Wars campaigns that shaped Wyoming’s history.
Insider Tips
Indian Wars base: Fort Fetterman (1867-1882) was the staging point for major campaigns against the Lakota and Cheyenne — including Crook’s 1876 Bighorn Expedition. Pro tip: Named for Captain William Fetterman, who died with 80 soldiers in the 1866 Fetterman Fight — the worst US Army defeat on the Plains until Little Bighorn. Bozeman Trail: The fort guarded the Bozeman Trail to Montana goldfields.
Best Time to Visit
Summer: Full access and interpretation. Fall: Quiet plains atmosphere. Year-round: Restored buildings. Spring: Green prairie.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Fetterman Fight?
On December 21, 1866, Captain William Fetterman led 80 soldiers from Fort Phil Kearny to relieve a wood train under attack. Crazy Horse and other Lakota warriors lured Fetterman over a ridge — all 81 soldiers (Fetterman included) were killed in minutes. It was the US Army’s worst defeat on the Plains until Custer’s Last Stand a decade later. The disaster led to the abandonment of the Bozeman Trail forts.
More parks nearby: Edness K. Wilkins State Park is a short drive away, while Wyoming Pioneer Memorial Museum lies within about an hour’s drive.
Wildlife & Nature
Fort Fetterman — an 1867 frontier military post — served as a staging point for the Great Sioux War of 1876 (including the campaigns leading to the Battle of the Little Bighorn). The fort’s North Platte River bluffs, sagebrush, and prairie support pronghorn, mule deer, and golden eagles.
Nearby Attractions
Douglas — 10 miles south. North Platte River — at the site.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Fort Fetterman
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in Wyoming state parks, historic sites and recreation areas, but must be in a vehicle or on a leash whenever outside a camping unit.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash no longer than 10 feet, physically controlled at all times (statewide rule)
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited on designated beach areas statewide
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited in public buildings, eating places and food stores; no statewide pet-lodging policy published
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Guide dogs are exempt; hunting dogs allowed where hunting is permitted; pets may not be left unattended longer than one hour; pets are prohibited in the reservoirs at Curt Gowdy State Park
Are dogs allowed at Fort Fetterman?
Pets are welcome in Wyoming state parks, historic sites and recreation areas, but must be in a vehicle or on a leash whenever outside a camping unit. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via wyoparks.wyo.gov. More: Wyoming state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
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