Interesting historical site of fort settlement from the 1850s about 15 miles south of I-10. The last few miles as you get closer to the fort wind down through a beautiful canyon with epic views. It has a nice museum with clean restrooms and small gift shop. Entrance for me and 17 yo was $5. They take visa. Interesting story of Camel Brigade and Buffalo Soldiers. Due to pandemic they got rid of the golf carts that I heard were nice and included for price of admission. read more

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Our family of five (two toddlers and a pit/boxer mix) really enjoyed it. We were driving and we saw a brown sign for a "scenic loop" so we followed it. We didn't see anything too scenic but we did find historic Fort Lancaster. We got off the 10 hoping to find a place to stretch our legs and instead found ... amazing! Amazing points: They allow dogs INSIDE the museum. They let you check out a golf cart to tour the fort ruins for free. They have a great video that explains how the fort was the only one ever attacked and how the Buffalo Soldiers defended it. They have an interactive dress up area for kiddies WITH accessories. They have a cute camel that kids can climb on because the arm actually brought camels to use. The bookstore is bananas with a great selection of books and a TON of cute toys. The guy that works there LOVES his job and told us the story of the battle with a little diorama and emphasis on the dramatic parts. It was only $4 per adult and kids under 6 are free. The golf cart rental is free. We had a great time. The kids really enjoyed it and it was wonderful to be able to enjoy the museum with our pup. I'm sure he enjoyed the air conditioning. read more

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Great little sidetrack to get off the interstate! We stop by frequently just for a break to get out of the car and walk around. Love the history you get and they have some great books in the store! The employees are always so nice and enjoyable as well. If you have the time for the less beaten path, enjoy the scenic loop and check out the Fort. read more

If you're driving through West Texas and see the sign that says Fort Lancaster, do yourself a favor and exit. The drive from the interstate to the fort is beautiful. The two lane road doesn't get much traffic so you feel like you're the only person around for miles. During the 20 or 30 minutes it took to drive to the fort I didn't see any other cars and actually wondered if I missed my turn. As I got closer and closer what was a flat road with prairie all around turned into a twisting and turning mountain road. The view from the roadway into the valley was absolutely beautiful. The drive itself was worth the detour. The fort itself is basically piles of rubble with a few fireplaces left standing. Considering I had two kids in tow, I almost considered skipping the tour of the ruins until my kids heard the ranger mention a golf kart. That's right.....a golf kart. included with your admission to the fort is the keys to your very own lifted golf kart. My kids couldn't of cared less about the history of the fort, Indian attacks or any of it. All they wanted was for me to go fast and hit the bumps. It was damn near perfect. I got to view the fort and learn its history all while thrilling my kids with my driving skills. This was one of our favorite stops on our trip. I strongly recommend a stop at Fort Lancaster if you're passing through. read more

There is a lot of history hidden across Texas for those who will take the side road, off the side road, off the interstate. There is beautiful countryside to be seen on this side loop from the interstate. Yes it is a little slower, but you will get there, and the interesting visions on the old bridge, the forgotten town of Sheffield are clues to where the main flow of life might have been in some time gone by. The Site at Fort Lancaster really a set of ruins, that are now simply foundations and a few chimneys. To read the history and imagine the past and what life was for the soldiers and the travelers is a trip in one's mind that could need the guides from the visitor center to help understand what was, especially from what is now. For the history buff this will be enjoyable and entertaining. For others maybe not so interesting. there is one picnic table at the Visitor Center and one at the day use area. They always seem to be available, so there is a magic hint. Come prepared with everything you might need as you step into Texas history read more