Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is a park located in Vancouver, Washington, USA, situated in a former trading post and fort. The site offers self-guided tours and 19th-century blacksmith demonstrations. It encompasses a reconstructed Hudson's Bay Company's fort, a visitor center, a playground, and a gift shop, making the experience a perfect blend of education and entertainment. The center also presents historical artifacts and offers access to multiple exhibitions highlighting the region's history and culture. The fort is a landmark that dates back centuries, with traces of the fur trade era and a connection to the Oregon Trail's history. The park's architecture and landscape demonstrate a blend of cultural influences from British, French-Canadian, Scottish, Hawaiian, American, and Indigenous people. It is a perfect destination for families, history enthusiasts, and nature lovers seeking an informative and visually appealing experience.
![](https://static.where-e.com/United_States/Washington/Fort-Vancouver-National-Historic-Site_a4cb7c7698c28863403f72f81135b955.jpg)
Reviews
Fort Vancouver is a fun and educational experience suitable for all ages. In fact, the entire surrounding areas have a vibrant cultural past that I am grateful is being preserved.
You will learn much about the orgins of the Pacific Northwest early settlers here. It was first a fur trading post (Hudson Bay Company), and then the United States Army later took over this abandoned area, and in 1948, it became a national monument.
It's not only interesting, but as you will see from my photos/videos, it is beautiful too! The whole area along the Columbia River is amongst my favorite spots to visit. I know in the Pacific Northwest we don't see much sun this time of year, but if you happen to be here on a day that is at least partially sunny, the sunsets are a sight to behold!
If you have not been to this area, I highly recommend putting it on your list of places that are a 'must see'.
Thank you to all who keep this area in the pristine condition it is in, because I know it is not an easy job. Thank you also to those who respect this land and allow others to enjoy the beauty here as well. 🙏🏼
Interesting recreation of the original fort and n the original site. The original fort was burned to the ground the army due to the dilapidated state of the ruins. It feels historic and the building are really interesting though a lot of “see it “ stuff if you have visited similar museums of the era. I’d like to have seen more of the artifacts recovered from the site and surrounding area though the military rarely gives thought to the destruction of historical interest when building a base.
The volunteer in the fur and trading building was great to chat with.
The blacksmith doing a demonstration of hand forged iron was a great entertainer and skilled blacksmith. What good to have a volunteer capable and having both skills.
We did the self guided tour which was really what we like. Spend more time with the things that interest you and move on when it’s less interesting.
It was amazing to go through. The traditions upheld here were incredible to see. The volunteers had a wealth full of knowledge and were so passionate about sharing it. Especially Matt the blacksmith - watching him work was very impressive, his engaging story telling was so enjoyable and his level of knowledge was incredible. That’s so much for the great experience!
Tully + Dylan :)
This fort was great. They had extensive grounds where you could walk the perimeter. There was a huge, well maintained garden and a good number of buildings to go into. Workers there dressed in period time and would tell you about what went on in said building. I recommend a walk through.
Good visitor center with much information. We strolled inside the Fort itself where we saw more artifacts on display and staff to explain them. If you're interested in the military history, you'll like this stop. We spent about and hour there touring the visitors center and inside the main Fort. There's more to see if you have time.
This is a beautiful area with so much military history. Be sure to see the officers' housing along with the barracks. Afterward, walk down to the fort area and stroll through the vegetable garden and learn the history of the gardens. There are a lot of interesting facts inside the fort.
Really cool place! The staff were very knowledgeable about the area and the times. It was really neat to see them dressed up and show us how things worked and what people did back then. The buildings were well maintained and I think it was a really good history lesson for all of us. We went on a Saturday and it was not busy at all. The kids got to get their Junior Ranger badges and got to keep a nail made right in front of us by the blacksmith! We were able to get in for free because we have a 4th grader and they told us about the "Every Kid Outdoors Program" (which we did not know about beforehand). So if you have a 4th grader in your family, make sure you ask!
You don't have to visit the museum to enjoy the area. Officer's Row and the park across the street are beautiful, historic places to walk dotted with large oak and apple trees, with views of the Fort and Pearson Airfield, and connected to the waterfront by the Vancouver Land Bridge. We love walking from here to the river to downtown and back along Evergreen Blvd
Fort Vancouver is a fun and educational experience suitable for all ages. In fact, the entire surrounding areas have a vibrant cultural past that I am grateful is being preserved.
You will learn much about the orgins of the Pacific Northwest early settlers here. It was first a fur trading post (Hudson Bay Company), and then the United States Army later took over this abandoned area, and in 1948, it became a national monument.
It's not only interesting, but as you will see from my photos/videos, it is beautiful too! The whole area along the Columbia River is amongst my favorite spots to visit. I know in the Pacific Northwest we don't see much sun this time of year, but if you happen to be here on a day that is at least partially sunny, the sunsets are a sight to behold!
If you have not been to this area, I highly recommend putting it on your list of places that are a 'must see'.
Thank you to all who keep this area in the pristine condition it is in, because I know it is not an easy job. Thank you also to those who respect this land and allow others to enjoy the beauty here as well. 🙏🏼
Interesting recreation of the original fort and n the original site. The original fort was burned to the ground the army due to the dilapidated state of the ruins. It feels historic and the building are really interesting though a lot of “see it “ stuff if you have visited similar museums of the era. I’d like to have seen more of the artifacts recovered from the site and surrounding area though the military rarely gives thought to the destruction of historical interest when building a base.
The volunteer in the fur and trading building was great to chat with.
The blacksmith doing a demonstration of hand forged iron was a great entertainer and skilled blacksmith. What good to have a volunteer capable and having both skills.
We did the self guided tour which was really what we like. Spend more time with the things that interest you and move on when it’s less interesting.
Location
1001 E 5th St, Vancouver, WA 98661
Hours
- Monday Close
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Tuesday
09:00 AM - 04:00 PM
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Wednesday
09:00 AM - 04:00 PM
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Thursday
09:00 AM - 04:00 PM
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Friday
09:00 AM - 04:00 PM
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Saturday
09:00 AM - 04:00 PM
- Sunday Close
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