Fort Garland interior ceiling covered in papel picado

Plan Your Event at Fort Garland Museum

Built in 1858, ten years after the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, during American expansion into the west, Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center was an active US Army outpost from 1858 to 1883. Today the site includes large parade grounds surrounded by restored adobe buildings which contain reconstructed 19th-century army quarters and exhibits. Perfect for outdoor celebrations under the stars in the beautiful San Luis Valley!

Call 719-379-3512 to discuss your event with us today!

Built in the San Luis Valley of southern Colorado, Fort Garland was a active US Army outpost from 1858 to 1883. It was originally constructed to establish the authority of the United States in the recently acquired territory, which had already been settled by Hispano pioneers from Mexico.

In 1945, the site was acquired by the Colorado Historical Society, now History Colorado. By that time all but five of the original twenty-two buildings had either been demolished or deteriorated. The remaining buildings were restored and the newly refurbished site opened as Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center in 1950. Today the site includes a parade grounds surrounded by several restored adobe buildings which contain reconstructed 19th-century army quarters, several exhibits, and a large gift shop which features locally-crafted goods and an excellent selection of books on Colorado and the West.

Included in rental: 

  • A/V equipment including Smartboard for powerpoint/video
  • Wifi/internet for presenters and guests
  • Online/Zoom meeting capability
  • Tables (round and rectangle) and chairs
  • Clean restrooms
  • Commercial kitchen
Fort Garland Museum Rental Information
A crowd inside Fort Garland watches 2 traditional folklorico dancers.
Large open green space inside Fort Garland surrounded by tall trees. The adobe buildings of the fort sit in the background.
Interior of barracks at Fort Garland Museum.
The silhouettes of 3 individuals looking at a historical portrait hung on the walls of Fort Garland. It is a young indigenous man.
Interior of Fort Garland museum filled with benches, a tv monitor, and hanging papel picado