Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Yes
Historic Fort Phantom Hill in Abilene
Categories
Location on the map
Abilene, Taylor County, Texas, US
Accessibility
Amenities
Good for kids
Yes
Comments (192)
It was just cool and you can walk anywhere see any building you want I cant believe it still around and that lake is sweet I almost jumped in but all that history wow
Love the history here! Cool place to learn something new.
History still standing. 170 year old Army fort from the frontier days. Pre-dates the railroad in this area. Great way to explore at your own pace and take in the past.
I expected only a few stone chimneys and nothing more. There are also a few complete buildings and some old signs that named the remaining structures.By walking the pathways you see how large this Fort once was.There are restrooms at the parking area. I do hope the old signs are renewed or replaced as they are showing their age and the effects of the sun and weather. Maybe an Eagle Scout will take it on as a project.
Great History, well documented, clean toilets, lots of great places to take pictures, clean because people use the trash cans
Not very much to see, and it doesnt really draw a crowd. My dog (Grace) and I were the only ones there for our entire visit (about 40 minutes). If youre taking a road trip, I wouldnt make this your primary destination, but rather a neat stop along the way.
Its incredible seeing all of this. All thats left are the chimneys and and any other stone structures, but the map provided at the entrance really helps you understand what it is youre walking through and why what you see is all that remains. The history is amazing. We didnt get to see it all only becauase it start to rain. I want to go back though
Very beautiful trail to hike and explore with family. My young and older kids all enjoyed every bit of it. Well kept , mowed, clean place. Would love to visit again
This is always a great place to spend a couple of hours! I wish there were more places like this around Abilene.
It was quite interesting to learn the history of this fort and how much hardship went into it since it was only occupied as a fort for a few years. But used for other reasons later. Amazing that anything is still standing. We went during a weekday and where almost the only people there.
Great historical location with easy walking trails. Restroom available as well. It takes about 20 minutes to see all the structures.
Cool walk through remnants of history. The trail could be easily improved into a path that is much safer and easier to walk, or even developed for wheel chairs.
I got to walk around the fort and see what it wouldve looked like from a little pamphlet that they had. I took lots of pictures and really enjoyed walking around!!
Wow! This place is definitely somewhere you wanna check out if youre a history buff! Loved it!
I want to go back and walk the grounds now that I have the brochure explaining the layout. The sandals I was wearing werent conducive to hiking even a small trail.
Large remains of a fort from 1851. Too bad all the wooden structures burned. Still nice.
This place is very educational for kids... we walked around and discussed what could have taken place there. My kids loved it. Our only complaint was the spiders (black widows). They are everywhere. Standing under the awning with all of the information, we looked up on our way out and there are hundreds of spider eggs and spiders above your head. Of course the kids thought it was cool, I had to inspect every one before we got back in the car. It is basically in the middle of wildlife and nature, but I feel like the common area needs pest control.
Did a quick stop by this historic site. Not a lot to see but seeing the ruins and learning the history from the visitors center is quite an experience.
I enjoyed this a lot more than I expected. Definitely grab a map on your way in. It helps you to understand what you are looking at. Neat history and a serene place to visit!
This stop was a relaxing walk around the remaining parts of the buildings. Very important to read the history and get a sense of what life was like for the soldiers stationed here.
Wish there was a way to remake that place as accurate as possible when rebuilt. The kids are fascinated, as so am I about what it must have been like for the people then.
Was very interesting to go and know it was a part of history not much to see but great to read about and know you are there!
First time visiting interesting but kind of felt it was unsafe because of all the tall grass no telling what all critters are hiding out there
Very interesting, a nice little spot for a history lesson, watch out for rattlers!
Very impressive that the stone chimneys are still standing after 160some yrs. Just picturing all the cattle coming through the area and how quiet it is now.
Wonderful piece of history! Everyone should take time to visit.
Very nice place. Quick side trip.
This is a truly stunning historical landmark. The Fort Phantom Hill ruins are dispersed through a vast field of vibrant wildflowers and lush trees that accentuate the beauty of the remaining stone structures. The ruins themselves are surprisingly widespread, allowing plenty of space for visitors to enjoy the quiet of the encroaching nature while they examine the history or wildlife of this place. Definitely worth a visit!
Fantastic!! Beautiful and well maintained. Clean bathrooms and good place to walk around and experience an old fort
Visited June 2021.At the parking area there are public bathrooms. And there is a brochure for a self-guided tour. Unfortunately we didnt notice the brochure until we were leaving. Dont be like us 😊NOTE: There is a big sign telling patrons to be aware of snakes.The historic site consists of a couple of buildings and a bunch of ruins. The paths between buildings is mown down but is still grass. There are signs at the buildings and ruins indicating the purpose of the building. Some of the buildings had cellars, so be careful. We enjoyed our time at the site.On a side note, the area has a lot of wild melon vines.
Great place to walking around and learning about the early settlers around West Texas. Go early morning or later in the evening during summer.
Service a little slow for fast food. However, they were busy. Chicken sandwich was really good.
Great Stop. Suggest to all Americans its our History
It is great to walk around and be right in the middle of Texas history. Several foundations are still largely intact and the ammo magazine is complete. I am definitely going to volunteer to work on repairing and replacing broken and missing signage. This is a unique place and it is important to maintain it so future generations can experience it.
Historical site now open to the public with site explanations.
If you love history, then you will love this small rest area. While only consisting of an building and the remnants of few others, it is still an fantastic stop. Walk around in breath in the past. Just watch out for rattlesnakes lol. Also has clean restrooms and an nice pamphlet/map showcasing how the fort look like back in the the 1800s
Will come back in cooler weather so I can see it all.
What an experience. Looking back in history was inspiring!
Just a little part of History to stop and see if youre in around Abilene Texas and wants something to see
Interesting history Glad I did not have to live thru that era.7
A pretty neat place to take photos.
I love getting the heebee jeebees here lol
Really cool place. We had 4 little kids so couldnt explore the whole complex as you have to walk through cut grass paths to get around.
Very interesting place . Pretty well kept.
Ft. Phantom always looks good and is well kept. Mr. Sanchez takes great care of Ft. Phantom.
It is so nice that they are preserving this fort
Great place to go if you love looking and learning about our history. It could use some updating to the signs and labeling more information about the actual buildings other than what they are. Kids loved walking around and looking.
Pretty amazing standing on the soil of so much history!They left remnants of their life they had lived at the fort, from buildings, canons, wagons and even garden plants of watermelon, grapes and squash!It’s an honor to get to visit and be thankful for what we have now!
My favorite place in the world. It is so beautiful there especially when the bluebonnets are in bloom. Great history there and the walk around to see everything is so peaceful. And yes they now have a public restroom. The caretaker is so sweet and kind.
Just beautiful first thing in the morning. Sunrise and quiet
Awesome place! The free self-tour was great. The old chimneys from the mid-1850s reached up to the blue Texas sky like bones reminding us of lives gone before. Well worth the trip!
Love the history. Larger grounds than I had imagined. Would like to have been able to walk around to all the building sites without worrying about getting too many chiggers, but enjoyed it just the same.
Not crowded, peaceful, clean. Much history. Wish they hadnt burned it when they abandoned it back in 1854. So glad we went there before we visited Frontier Texas.
OMG I had the most amazing time with my husband learning all about the place. It was a lot of walking but I enjoyed every minute of it. AWESOME AWESOME
Nice stop to step back in time.
Small fort ruins between Fort Griffin and Fort Chadbourne in west central Texas near Abilene. Mostly chimneys with a couple of reconstructed buildings. Picturesque.
Its a nice historical place that is well kept. There are bathrooms onsite that are nice for being outdoors. There is not a whole lot to look at but if you enjoy history it is a nice place to visit.
Nice place for history buffs to walk around. Really enjoyed my time there. Great picture opps as well!
Needs the grass mowed and weedeated horribly couldnt really get back to see the other stuff cause the vegitation was so thick and tall
Its really nice that you can walk around and get up close to each building. Its interesting to see how much work they put into making this Fort.
Awesome, off the beaten path. A nice and secluded place to enjoy OUR history.
Nice historical site but not very well maintained.
Lots of history.
Restrooms unclean, massive spiders everywhere as well as giant wasps all over. We got spooked and grossed out and left quickly. Beautiful area, though.
Beautiful place . its a self guided tour . Opened my eyes as to how rough things were and how lucky we are to live in this generation.
This place is pretty cool, its best to visit in the winter months. That way you dont have to worry so much about it being over grown with weeds and such.
Excellent place if you like history or the outdoors. Gotra check it out.
It was great to view a part of history.You just have to keep your eyes open for rattle snakes.
Great place to walk around, highly suggest close toed shoes. Beautiful overall, rich in history.
Great walking around experience
Pretty dull to be honest. A whole lot of brush, spiders and nothing else. Area isnt maintained at all from the looks of it. Mens room was overflowing and leaking.
The historical site was very cool. The map gave a good description of the fort
Great historical area to take the family to. Just watch out for snakes and other wildlife!
Nice place to just walk around and take a step back into history. No tour guides needed; a free brouchure available as you enter.
Free and educational good Pathways to walk on might bring a bottle of water
This was a great place. I really enjoyed the walk and just looking at the old structures.
Fun short visit walking around this old fort. Good self guided tour materials.
Really cool ruins of the old fort. Mostly chimneys, but a few standing structures as well. Restrooms too!
It is so worth the trip! perfect place to get a feeling of the old west. creepy yet awesome
Great historical site. Well maintained. Try to stay on the trail as there are rattlesnakes throughout.
No frills, just a great glimpse of Texas history.
I love historical sites and this one was great. I got my exercise and saw some cool stuff!
Realy nice historic place,Paths clear n clean
A must do when in Abilene area. Pretty good history lesson. You really do get lost in the moment while walking around here.
Great scenery and alot of walking to find hidden gems. Careful for snakes though!
Part of history and educational
Neat old site to look at. Restrooms were clean.
Wonderfully piece of our history. Definitely worth seeing if you live history and are in the area.
Great history, very well maintained! Definitely worth a visit!
I was rather disappointed as all thats left is an odd wall or chimney here and there. The scenery is pretty in the spring time.
Fun times
Its free! And its well taken care of and just a really cool way of spending an hour or 2. Especially being in Abilene.
Awesome history, you can here them calling!!
This was interesting and we enjoyed seeing the sight just wish the grass around the place was mowed better
Fascinating historic site! There are still many ruins of the fort still standing.
I was finally able to go and i thoroughly enjoyed my visit. It is a must see!
Great little piece of history. Self guided tour with a pamplet. Great place for the family.
Very interesting. Wish there was more to see but for a history buff it was time well spent
Lovely historic park. No admission fee. You can see it all in under an hour.
Restrooms map of the area, plenty of parking- great for flying
Cool place to take the family for a history lesso.
Great piece of Texas history, well maintained grounds, watch out of cactus though, it is West Texas.
Worth a short stop to walk around if the weather is nice.
So much history. Such a cool name. I wonder why they called it that?
Great place to visit and learn the history.
This was a cool little off the beaten path fort you can really feel the presence of the past
Awesome place to go and visit. Get a. Idea of the wild wild west.
Good self-service history. unattended but bathroom clean and it was pretty cool.
Pretty neat, theres a good amount of interesting information here.
I love going here. It feels so peaceful.
Wow, this was a massive fort. The ruins are beautiful
Self guided tour through Fort Phantom Hill. Bathrooms available.
The spirit of the Old West lives here.
Love this place its own heritage.
Alot of history out wesr texas. Fort was used by the Army to protect settlers out west
Nice for a quick visit but not much there.
Interesting site--worth going to see for sure. The old structures are marked as to what they were.
Intersting place. a lot of history here. the lake is awesome!
It a very fun play park and lake
Nice historical place not much to see though
Learning American history its a lot easier visiting where all it happened.
Excellent historic site...recommend for Texas history buffs!
Great walk. History is cool kids!
Was a cool place to visit on my Texas excursion
Theres not a lot out here. But it is interesting to stop at if your close by.
Super cool, except for the giant yellow spider that showed up!
Great historic war information and some remaining structures.
Educational and great photo ops
A nice place to visit in Abilene, Texas. Not crowded.
Great history learned.
This place has some amazing facts... check it out
Good place to understand early plains development.
Lovely place. Super peaceful.
Great staff. Caretaker is extremely nice and helpful
Shhhh..this is a secret. A wonderful place to explore with kids or friends
I just love learning history.
Great place to have a photoshoot
Great outdoor historical experience
Interesting historic site
Very interesting, new additions were great
Civil war history. Very good information
Very good historical center
A hidden treasure.
Neat and peaceful place.
Always enjoy looking at history!
I so want to go back. Love it
Love history stops like this one
It has very interesting history
Simple, and that makes it even more perfect.
Its really nice place
Lots of historical things to see
Self guided experience. Peaceful
Cool place to visit
Interesting check it out
A great piece of history.
We had fun
Awesome
Beautiful
Lovely little place,
Great history info
Love peaceful
Wildflowers are blooming :-)
Very nice!
Amazing
Very interesting.
Cool place
Neat place!
Calm place to walk
Very interesting
Fun
A look into our history
Great
History
A must to visit
This place is great........
Very interesting
Historic
Loaded with history
Interesting
Arrowheads
Educational
Amazing history and self guided tour. Great stop for road tripping through Texas!
Total reviews rating 4.6
192 Reviews for Historic Fort Phantom Hill 2023:
Review №1
2021-11-28The park was well maintained and very enjoyable. I was born in Abilene but moved away in grade school. Although I had visited Fort Phantom lake as a child, I had never seen the fort ruins. I would highly recommend a visit to anyone interested in historical sites and Texas history.
Review №2
2021-12-28Very cool. Short walking trail that winds through the fort. Old hospital and blacksmith labeled by signs. Very neat.
Review №3
2021-06-13This was a beautiful old site for a fort that once stood here. It had many trails to walk and some of the structure is still there. It was so pretty in the spring time with all the wildflowers blooming. They also had very clean bathrooms. Highly recommended.
Review №4
2021-07-30My husband and I enjoyed this stop bit our kids were less impressed. They wanted to go inside everything, which, of course, we did not let them do due to a host of safety concerns (snakes, building age, cacti, etc.). They did enjoy seeing the canon and the remains of the covered wagons.
Review №5
2021-03-12Peaceful and tranquil place. Looks very authentic. Even old wooden ramshackle signs are perfectly matching to the old fort ruins. The brochure with map and descriptions provided in the tourist kiosk was pretty helpful on self-guided tour around the territory. I spent about two hours just walking and enjoying the weather, views around and leaning some history of course.
Review №6
2022-02-06Very Historical site in texas. UN restored interesting
Review №7
2021-09-20Needs some landscaping done, but very beautiful historical place to visit.
Review №8
2022-07-02Remnants of the historic military fort and buildings. Cicidas and black widows galore but I still loved it. My bug phobic 16 year old couldn’t handle it and went back to the car. Parking was easy and walking trails guide your way.
Review №9
2021-06-16An amazing place to visit to learn about the history of the Gettysburg. I thoroughly enjoyed going to this place and learning more about the history.
Review №10
2020-02-02We visited on a warm, clear winter afternoon and had the place pretty much to ourselves. The ruins are free of charge, open sunrise to sunset. A brochure is available in the pavilion beside the parking lot that leads you though a self-guided tour. Restrooms are in the pavilion. Grounds are rustic but paths are well kept. Pets on leashes welcome. A wheelchair could probably navigate the area. Great family outing with a history emphasis. Would definitely go again.