Fort Leaton State Historic Site

Fabulous Fort! History is told in museum attached to office and store as well as in the rooms of the Fort themselves. The Fort has been replicated and rebuilt very well with some furnished rooms. Corral, stables, and cemetary were a bonus. Fort is inside Big Bend State Park, Texas.

From the moment I pulled into the parking lot and there was only one other vehicle in the parking lot, I knew this was going to be a relaxed stop.
Stopped twice, once to check in for Big Bend camping, and again to tour the fort.
Of note for me was the cart located in the cort yard. The wheels were made from planks two deep and three across. No big deal, right, except the wheel was taller the 6 feet, and I don't recall there being any trees of that size.

Sometimes a State gets things right. This is one of those cases. This site was falling apart from what I understand. The State did a marvelous job restoring it, setting up a self-guided tour and charging only $5 which also allows full-day entry into the State Park. I highly recommend it. Plan on about an hour here and the rest of the day in the State Park.

Loved this fort! Hearing the bats in the ceiling was a little bit of a surprise but was very cool. I enjoyed seeing the rooms furnished and walking through them. It has a very informative walk through to learn about the history of the fort. The park ranger was a big help also as I planned on going into Big Bend the following day. She helped with the roads and suggestions on some of the trails.

Great stop before starting our Big Bend Ranch State Park and Big Bend National Park drive. We drove in from Presedio, Tx. We had a tour guide, free of charge. I think his name was Sabastian. Very informative! Very polite! Made us feel comfortable. We asked questions and he was on top of his game with answers! Honestly without the guide we would of left without so much info. They give you info of course. The guide was really helpful! There is a small museum with tons of historical information, gift shop, and clean bathrooms.

The Lady Ranger Sara did a Awesome job! She was so nice and very helpful with our tour.
Thank you Sara!
It was so nice to meet you,keep up the good work!👍

Beautiful Posada Christmas celebration, great hosts, well organized event. Wonderful traditional foods and spectacular cultural events. We took the Spanish tour of the fort and got to sing the Posada response from inside. Don't want to ever miss it.

Very interesting place! Not a military fort but a fortified family home. Very friendly and knowledgeable staff.

Built in the 1830s as a residence, Benjamin Layton converted the this adobe structure into a trading post and fortress in 1848. In 1967, it was deeded to the state of Texas and opened to the public in 1978 as a Texas State Historic Site. We happened to visit after a scenic drive on FM 170 from Lajitas, TX. It's easy to miss as you're coming down the road so watch for signs. In addition to the historic ruins, there are nature trails, exhibits with artifacts, a picnic area, a gift shop, and public restrooms. There's a $5 per Adult entry fee that applies to both the fort and to Big Bend Ranch State Park. Kids 12 and under are free and the off-peak season price is $3. They also have tours, but we just did the self-guided tour. Overall an interesting historical place to visit. There is even a Pokemon Go stop nearby to please the kids and the young at heart.

Nice little gift shop and history room. Walk around and see the fort/home. Get ur park permit here too. Very friendly staff

Interesting historic site near Presidio. Hard to believe they were able to survive... and even thrive... so many years ago. Worth the stop on your way to Big Bend.

Not a military fort. This was a Mexican trading post fortified against Indians. Privately owned by a wealthy Mexican family who lived in Texas.

Very cool place. It was well taken care of and staffed. Awesome stop to relax and take a short walk.

What I loved about Fort Leaton was they didn’t whitewash its history. Straight up facts on what transpired, and you are left to make your own conclusions. The people that work there are quick to answer any questions and help with your understanding of its past. The nature trail is a gorgeous desert experience which will lead you to the bat house. Whoa! Kinda cool. I wasn’t all that thrilled about stopping here, because ,well, there are forts everywhere. I am really glad I did.

It is historic and fascinating. The largest wheel barrel that I have ever seen.

Its a super quiet place to visit . Great history and the staff is knowledgeable. They can also tell you if River Road is good to drive.

Great place to stop for an hour and experience early local history. Friendly staff, interesting exhibits all in beautifully maintained trading fort. Small fee to enter, included with Texas State Parks Pass. With it.

Staff was helpful to provide me directions to Big Bend Ranch State Park. Fort Leaton State Historic Site is well kept and clean.

We visited during a Thanksgiving desert event. The staff was dressed in costumes and there was food drinks and lots of things to do and learn.

Much more than a State Park Visitor's Center! The old fort has been restored, and is an excellent bit of history for the area. Worth a stop to look around and get some merch or day/access passes to the park.