Located at the confluence of the Arkansas and Purgatoire Rivers, this historic county was founded in 1870 and is named in honor of frontier trader and rancher William Bent. Bent was an important mediator between the Cheyenne and several other Native American tribes and the U.S. government and was a pivotal figure in shaping the history of the American West. Immerse yourself in this rich past by spending time at the Boggsville Historic Site, Fort Lyon, the Memorial Kit Carson Chapel, and the Santa Fe Trail. As you cruise Bent County, you will absorb the tranquil agricultural landscapes and dramatic changes in geology.
Bent County is a gem of southeastern Colorado’s Canyons and Plains. Visitors and locals alike boast about the John Martin Reservoir State Park. It truly is a “sapphire on the plains.” As the second largest body of water in Colorado, it not only provides year-round aquatic and watersport recreation, it also serves as an important migratory and nesting crossroads for hundreds of species of birds. Ornithologists and casual birders will enjoy seeing avian species from the most common to the most rare.
