Fort Richardson State Park

Things?to?Do
Fort site structures include seven of the original buildings which have been restored:? the post hospital; the officer's quarters (commanding officer); a powder magazine; a morgue; a commissary; a guard house; and a bakery, which baked 600 loaves per day. There are also two replicas:? officers' and enlisted men's barracks. The officers' barrack houses the Interpretive Center.
Activities include historical study, picnicking, camping , hiking, biking, day-use equestrian , nature study, wading in the creek (seasonal), swimming (accessible via Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway or by road), and fishing. For anglers, Quarry Lake is stocked with catfish, bass and trout periodically during the year. If you plan to swim at the park, read through our swimming safety tips before you come.
Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway: The Lost Creek Trailway was funded through the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act, with Texas Parks and Wildlife, the city of Jacksboro and Jack County as partners,?sharing in the matching funds for this grant program. It was authorized for construction in 1994. The cost for the trail was $442,000. The grand opening ceremony?was held on National Trails Day, June 6, 1998.
Located at Fort Richardson and Jacksboro, this approximately 10-mile hike, bike and equestrian trail runs adjacent to Fort Richardson and along Lost Creek, which is the main watershed for the two city lakes. The trail follows scenic Lost Creek and travels the east side of Lake Jacksboro and Lost Creek Reservoir. The trail crosses the dam at Lost Creek Reservoir and winds along the west side until it reaches the trailhead. This is a linear trail system that winds with the terrain and abounds in scenic beauty. It travels through the park with many shaded areas of pecan and oak trees. Most of the trail travels by the creek or lakes which provide numerous opportunities to fish and swim. This is a beautiful trail, abundant also in wildlife and wildflowers. There is a trailhead at Fort Richardson State Park & Historic Site and a trailhead on Lost Creek Reservoir.
This trail is 10 feet wide and has an improved surface of base material with a topping of approximately 4 inches of screening materials. This?surface creates a smooth trail for many uses.
Ranger Programs
A ranger-guided walking tour of Fort Richardson State Historic Site is offered Monday through Friday. The tour takes about two hours and is approximately one mile in length. The terrain is mostly level but exposed to the elements, and the historic buildings are not climate controlled. Be prepared to stay outside for about two hours. The morning tours are highly encouraged in the summer months due to the cooler morning temperatures. The historic buildings are open for self-guided tours only on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and park interpretive staff are on site to answer questions. All tours are free of charge. Special events held throughout the year include military reenactments, a barbecue cook-off, a trout fishing tournament, and living history presentations. Check the calendar for upcoming events and programs.
Interpretive Guide to Fort Richardson State Historic Site
Walking Tour
Ask about the Junior Ranger Explorer Packs available for free checkout at the park! Area?Attractions
Nearby attractions include Possum Kingdom State Park , Lake Arrowhead State Park , and Lake Mineral Wells State Park , Jack County Museum, Lake Jacksboro and Lost Creek Reservoir (both within four miles of the park), the city of Wichita Falls, and the Fort Worth/Dallas Metroplex area.