Visiting the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

The Fort Vancouver National Historic Site offers incredible scenery with a rich history. It consists of four different sites: the Pearson Air Museum, (reconstructed) Hudson’s Bay Company’s Fort Vancouver, the McLoughlin House, and the U.S. Army’s Vancouver Barracks. While the McLoughlin House is located in Oregon City, Oregon, all the others are set in Vancouver, Washington. Each site has something special about it, for example, the Pearson Air Museum is one of the oldest operating air fields in the United States. That’s just the beginning of some of the history and information you’ll learn about. Let’s talk a little more about visiting the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site and help get you started on planning your trip.

Schedule and Fees
If you’re thinking of visiting the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site on a major holiday, you’re going to want to rethink your plans. They’re closed on major holidays and they’re also closed on Sundays and Mondays. The McLoughlin House is also closed from the middle of December to the middle of February, and when they are open it’s only on Fridays and Saturdays. As far as fees, there is a $5 charge for adults to enter the reconstructed Fort Vancouver (children 15-years old and younger don’t pay an admission charge) and there are no fees to enter the other areas. Should you want to get an annual pass to Fort Vancouver, it’s $30.

Lantern Tour
If you would prefer going at night to the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, you’ll be able to take a lantern tour of either the reconstructed Hudson’s Bay Company’s Fort Vancouver, the Vancouver Barracks, or the McLoughlin House. You’ll get to take a guided tour while carrying a candle lantern and learn all about the fascinating history. The tour starts in the evening and prices range depending on which tour you take. The tours, which are about an hour and a half long, only take place on specific dates so make sure to choose the right one when you’re making your reservation.

Being Prepared
Considering how much time you’re likely going to spend outside when you’re visiting the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, you’re going to want to be prepared. For example, during the hot weather you may want to consider slathering on the sunscreen and wearing sunglasses, if it’s cold you’ll want to dress warmly and make sure you’re wearing shoes that you won’t slip in, and if you think there’s a chance of rain, put on some rain gear. Check the weather before you go, wear comfortable and safe clothing, follow directions when you arrive, and above all, make sure to have a good time!

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask before you arrive. It can allow you to make sure you have all your plans in place and won’t have any last minute surprises. While you can bring service animals, all other dogs aren’t allowed in the national park facilities, so keep that in mind if you were planning on bringing your four-legged family member.