One of the most fascinating periods in Western American folklore is the mountain man era. The names such as Jim Bridger, Peter Skene Ogden, Jedediah Smith, Etienne Provost, and Hugh Glass, bring to mind strong, independent and rugged men who fearlessly lived in the Rocky Mountains. There they traded with the Indian tribes, married the Indian women, trapped the rivers for beaver, and lived off the land. The legendary rendezvous, where mountain men gathered annually to trade furs for supplies and to eat, drink, and tell stories and demonstrate their skills, have become as famous as the men themselves.

At Fort Buenaventura, located just west of the city center, that exciting era is brought back to life, where authentic artifacts are on display. Even the famous rendezvous’ are re-enacted on special occasions.

Fort Buenaventura has been constructed on the original site of the fort that was built in 1845 by Miles Goodyear and his wife. It has been reconstructed according to archaeological and historical research. The recreated fort’s dimensions, height of pickets, method of construction, and number and styles of log cabins are all based on documented facts. There are no nails in the stockade; instead historic wooden pegs and mortis and tenion joints hold the wall together. Fort Buenaventura offers a wide range of amenities for outdoor recreation. We gladly accept reservations for the use of our campsites and picnic facilities, particularly for large groups. Boy Scout groups, family reunions, corporate picnics and RV clubs will find our facilities suitable for a wide variety of activities (please call for group rates).

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