Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

One of the first permanent settlements west of the Rocky Mountains, Fort Vancouver is a 191-acre area situated on the north bank of the Columbia River and is home to three sites with their own stories: a frontier fur trading post at the Hudson's Bay Company, a powerful military legacy at the US Army's Vancouver Barracks, and the magic of flight at Pearson Field.

Our favorites at Fort Vancouver

  • Step back and explore the 19th-century fur trading post at Fort Vancouver. Walk through historic buildings and experience history up close in this reconstructed village.
  • Relax in the park’s open spaces, or let the kids burn off some energy at the fun playground near the Visitor Center.
  • Watch skilled history interpreters like blacksmiths forge tools and metalwork just like they did in the 1800s at Fort Vancouver. 
  • Pack a picnic and enjoy a meal in the park. With plenty of tables and scenic views, it’s the perfect spot to relax.
  • Wander through the Fort Vancouver Garden in the summer to see fresh produce, colorful flowers, and lush greenery.
  • Hop on your bike and ride along the Vancouver Land Bridge trail, a mile-long path offering views and a unique connection between Fort Vancouver and the land.
  • Bring your dog along for a stroll on the Spruce Mill Trail, and discover World War I history through a self-guided tour.
  • Join the Junior Ranger program for a fun, interactive experience and earn up to three Junior Ranger badges.
  • Explore Pearson Air Museum. Known as the birthplace of West Coast aviation, Pearson Field promises a wealth of activities for airplane enthusiasts and history buffs.

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

Make the Most of Your Visit to Fort Vancouver

Explore the people and places of Fort Vancouver National Historic Site through the links below, and uncover the stories that shaped the history of the American Pacific Northwest. 

The Legacy of the Cowlitz Tribe at Fort Vancouver

by The Cowlitz Indian Tribe on November 26, 2024

Fort Vancouver Facts You Might Not Know

by Shara Burton on December 13, 2024

How to Visit Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

by Shara Burton on December 11, 2024

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