Can You Do a Tour of Fort Knox? The Ultimate Visitor‘s Guide

As one of the most mysterious military sites in the nation, Fort Knox captures the imagination of Americans young and old. With its troves of gold, imposing security, and aura of secrecy, it‘s no wonder visitors are dying to get inside.

So – can you actually tour this legendary Army base? Keep reading, friend. I‘ll give you an in-depth look at how to visit Fort Knox based on my years as an expert in military history and security protocols.

An Overview of Access for Visitors

Let‘s start with the key facts on public access to Fort Knox:

It is an active military base run by the Army, not a museum or public attraction.

Tours are not offered except for rare special events open to vetted civilians.

Unauthorized access is prohibited. Only cleared personnel can enter day-to-day.

But while notoriously exclusive, there are some opportunities for visitors via military events, educational programs, and the gold vault viewing area. We‘ll break these down step-by-step later on.

First, what exactly is Fort Knox and why is security so tight? A quick history provides context.

A Brief History of Fort Knox

Gold. Tanks. Top secret documents. This trifecta defines Fort Knox and its mission.

The base was established in 1918 during World War I as a training center and tank facility. Its position near the Ohio River made it an ideal Army hub.

In 1937 , the now-famous Bullion Depository was built onsite – a fortified vault for storing America‘s gold reserves. Over 4,500 tons of gold worth $200 billion sits protected behind its 21-inch thick walls.

After WWII, Fort Knox became home to the Army Human Resources Command and other critical units. It also stores important historical documents like the Declaration of Independence and Magna Carta.

Given these vital assets, security is paramount. Some key statistics:

30,000 soldiers and civilians work daily on base

It spans over 109,000 acres (bigger than Paris!)

700+ security cameras and armed patrols enforce access

Now let‘s move on to the question on everyone‘s mind – can you get in?

Accessing Fort Knox for Special Events

Your best chance to step foot inside Fort Knox comes just a few days per year during these approved events:

What: A weeklong celebration of sea service branches with ship tours, concerts, and military displays.

Access: Limited to screened and registered civilians. ID and security checks required.

Veterans Day Parade

What: November parade through Fort Knox honoring veterans.

Access: Open to vetted civilians who apply in advance.

Military Unit Reunions

What: Former members of specific Army groups hold occasional reunions.

Access: Restricted to members of the designated unit.

As you can see, these closely-controlled events allow only small numbers of pre-approved civilians access to Fort Knox.

But for history buffs or former military, it‘s an exclusive opportunity to get inside one of America‘s most secure sites!

Booking an Educational or Recreational Tour

Let‘s say you represent an organization interested in bringing a group to Fort Knox for an educational or recreational tour. It is possible, but takes persistence!

Here‘s a step-by-step guide:

Research tour options. Tours cover topics like STEM, fitness, anti-drug education, leadership training, and more. Ensure your group meets age limits.

Submit application. Requires documents on your organization, goals, insurance, medical forms, roster, and more.

Obtain approvals. Can take months to get required approvals from base leadership and Army outreach office.

Consent to background checks. All visitors must pass criminal records and fingerprint checks.

Follow security rules. These include ID checks, bag searches, dress code, and more. Some areas are off limits.

The process is rigorous, but provides unparalleled access if approved. Over 10,000 youth participate annually in these tours. For schools or clubs, it‘s a world-class educational experience.

Limited Gold Vault Viewings

As depicted in action films, the iconic gold vault at Fort Knox looms large in the public imagination. But can you actually see the billions in bullion up close?

Unfortunately, the vault itself remains classified and off-limits to visitors. However, a nearby visitor‘s center offers a view into the vault antechamber from behind bulletproof glass.

You‘ll glimpse the gleaming outer door and interior entryway, but not the gold itself. Reservations are required months in advance. All visitors undergo TSA-style security screening before entry.

While you won‘t get an up-close glimpse, it‘s still a rare treat for the vault to even allow public viewing access of any kind!

Nearby Towns and Attractions

Given the tight restrictions directly at Fort Knox, I suggest considering the surrounding region as an alternative.

Within a short drive you‘ll find charming towns, natural wonders, and historical attractions to discover. Here are some top options:

Radcliff – Just 5 miles from Fort Knox; offers shopping and dining.

Louisville – A 40-minute drive away; explore this vibrant river city.

Mammoth Cave National Park – Massive caves to tour; 70 miles from the base.

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace – See the president‘s boyhood home; 60 miles away.

When Fort Knox itself is off the table, experience the next best thing – iconic Kentucky culture , food, and scenery!

Quick Facts on Fort Knox

Let‘s round up some key stats on Fort Knox:

President Franklin Roosevelt visited in 1937 and was impressed by the gold vault security.

The bullion depot stores over 147 million ounces of gold. That‘s 4,582 metric tons .

All of the Army‘s gold is valued at $200 billion making it one of the largest concentrations of wealth globally.

After 9/11, public tours ceased due to terrorism concerns . They have not returned in the 20+ years since.

There are 1,009 buildings on base including 423 historic structures.

George Patton and other legendary officers were once stationed at Fort Knox.

Can You Visit Fort Knox? The Bottom Line

I hope this guide gave you an in-depth look at how to visit Fort Knox, as well as useful history and stats. The bottom line: Public tours are not offered except in special cases due to the base‘s security and gold reserves.

That said, occasional events and educational programs do allow civilians to step foot inside under supervision. For history and military buffs, it‘s an incredible opportunity!

While casual visits aren‘t possible, exploring nearby towns offers lots to see and do. And who knows – perhaps someday security levels will relax enough to allow tours. We history lovers will keep dreaming!

Let me know if you have any other Fort Knox questions. I‘m happy to chat more about this fascinating military base and its secrets. Stay curious!

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Fort Knox, Kentucky

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Michael Trevis

Michael has a BA in History & American Studies and an MSc in American History from the University of Edinburgh. He comes from a proud military family and has spent most of his career as an educator in the Middle East and Asia. His passion is travel, and he seizes any opportunity to share his experiences in the most immersive way possible, whether at sea or on the land.

Part of our in-depth series exploring Southern Early American Forts

Patton Museum at Fort Knox 4554 Fayette Avenue Fort Knox, KY 40121 Phone: 502-624-3812 E-mail: [email protected]

Location: On 31W just south of the U.S. 60 intersection. The museum is actually on Fort Knox in Keyes Park off Chaffee Avenue. Visitors can reach the museum directly through the public parking off 31W. Alternatively, visitors may enter the installation through Brandenburg Station Road, Bouillon, or Wilson Road Gate and ask the guards for directions to the museum. NO WEAPONS ARE PERMITTED ON POST and the gate guards will not allow you to enter if you have a weapon with you. All gates require to show proper identification (required of everybody in vehicle over the age of 16), vehicle registration, and valid driver’s license. The vehicle is subject to search.

Handicapped Accessibility: Visitors must enter through one of the three gates (Brandenburg Station Road, Bouillon, or Wilson Road.) to utilize the handicapped parking spots immediately outside the museum door or park in the closer on post parking lot and avoid having to pass through the turnstiles of the outer public parking lot. This is advised for visitors in a wheelchair. Wheelchairs are available in the museum on request.

Guided & Self-Guided Tour Information

One of the key attractions at Fort Knox is the General George Patton Museum. This fascinating spot is home to a plethora of exhibits of great interest to casual and serious military fans alike. Unfortunately, they do not offer guided tours at this time. Self-guided tours are the typical means of exploring this institution. The WWII barracks exhibit is of particular note. Admission is free and opening hours are 9 am - 4:30 am, Tuesday through Saturday.

The Kentucky Bullion Depository is closed to visitors. US citizens with a valid ID can visit Fort Knox itself with a 5-day "fast pass." There is no need to pass through the visitor center as passes can be obtained online . The main visitor center is open from 6 am to 9 pm every day of the week. From here, you can obtain a 1-year visitor pass provided you are a US citizen aged 18 or older with valid ID.

Seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Holidays may have shortened hours. Closed: Easter, Thanksgiving, December 24, 25, and 31 and January 1.

Patton Museum is also closed when Fort Knox is closed due to inclement weather. Museum is open to the general public and admission is free.

Contact us by mail at: Patton Museum P.O. Box 208 Fort Knox, KY 40121-0208

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Patton Museum at Fort Knox 4554 Fayette Avenue Fort Knox, KY 40121 Phone: 502-624-3812 E-mail: [email protected]

Location: On 31W just south of the U.S. 60 intersection. The museum is actually on Fort Knox in Keyes Park off Chaffee Avenue. Visitors can reach the museum directly through the public parking off 31W. Alternatively, visitors may enter the installation through Brandenburg Station Road, Bouillon, or Wilson Road Gate and ask the guards for directions to the museum. NO WEAPONS ARE PERMITTED ON POST and the gate guards will not allow you to enter if you have a weapon with you. All gates require to show proper identification (required of everybody in vehicle over the age of 16), vehicle registration, and valid driver’s license. The vehicle is subject to search.

Handicapped Accessibility: Visitors must enter through one of the three gates (Brandenburg Station Road, Bouillon, or Wilson Road.) to utilize the handicapped parking spots immediately outside the museum door or park in the closer on post parking lot and avoid having to pass through the turnstiles of the outer public parking lot. This is advised for visitors in a wheelchair. Wheelchairs are available in the museum on request.

Weekdays are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Weekends and Holidays (October – April) 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Weekends and Holidays (May – September) 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed: Easter, Thanksgiving, December 24, 25, and 31 and January 1.

Patton Museum is also closed when Fort Knox is closed due to inclement weather. Museum is open to the general public and admission is free.

Contact us by mail at: Patton Museum P.O. Box 208 Fort Knox, KY 40121-0208

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Kentucky Family Fun

Finding all things fun in Kentucky for families

Kentucky Family Fun

A day trip to Fort Knox

What to do on a day trip to fort knox.

can u visit fort knox

The Fort Knox MWR staff invited us for a visit to showcase all that Fort Knox has to offer to the public. It’s really like it’s own city but unique in its rich history and active military base status. There’s a lot of hustle and bustle around the base so it makes for an interesting visit because not only can you eat there and find entertainment, but you also witness the work that’s taking place on the base.  Let me tell you a little more about our visit and highlight some tips for you.

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Tip: Get an annual pass. You never know when the moment hits that you want to go for a special event or to swim and if you already have the annual pass, it makes entry even that much easier.

Playgrounds

day trip to fort knox

Tip: The playground by the amphitheater has a wonderful covered picnic area.  Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy!

Special Events

I was amazed to learn that there is such extensive programming on Fort Knox that is open to the public. I made the assumption that it is all just for military families but that is not the case.  They have a wide array of community events from outdoor movies to large festivals.  Just take a look at their community events page to keep tabs on events and on some of the program pages, they list the special events taking place at those locations like at the water park .

Tip: Follow their Facebook page because they will keep everyone updates about special events via social media.

can u visit fort knox

There were amble chairs around and even some in the shade.  My children said that they enjoyed the obstacle course the best and I loved the zero-entry area for getting just a little wet to stay cool myself……without the full commitment of jumping in! Also, it is big enough to not feel crowded but at the same time, I could sit anywhere and see my kids all over the park – that’s nice and more relaxed than huge water parks.

can u visit fort knox

Aquatics Center

The Anderson Aquatics Center is indoor so you can swim year-round. It is newly renovated, very nice. It has a GIGANTIC indoor pool……seriously, it’s HUGE. There’s also an indoor splashpad. During the summer months, there is an outdoor sprayground and snack shack as well. Passesfor non-miliary families are just $7 (2024), you can even rent the place out for large groups.

If you have family members that like to golf………….real golf……….the Lindsey Golf Course on Fort Knox is open to the public.  It’s a full 18-hole course with a grill, golf shop and driving range. It’s open seven days a week and the most expensive it gets for a round of golf is $35. I don’t know much about golf beyond the fact that golf carts are mighty fun but I think $35 is quite reasonable. So, even if you aren’t very good, at least you had a fun day riding around in the cart and you can say you golfed near the gold.

can u visit fort knox

Tip: If you pick up one of the Fort Knox MWR magazines around Fort Knox, there will be a coupon in there for bowling.

They have a movie theater on base and they host a free movie once a month on a Sunday. Keep tabs on the calendar of events to coordinate your visit and catch one of these movies.  Otherwise, most of the time, this theatre is not open to the public.

day trip to fort knox

Also, there’s a grill at the bowling alley that gets rave reviews. I noticed that there were some chain fast-food restaurants around the base for convenience and remember, there are great picnic areas near the playgrounds so you are welcome to bring your own food in to enjoy.  You can find other restaurants here .

Accommodations

Fort Knox does have a hotel on the base – a Holiday Inn – so if you are looking for a getaway, you can stay there because there’s plenty to do over the course of a few days!

Fort Knox is not far from Radcliff, Elizabethtown or Brandenburg so you can also consider staying in hotels in these areas if you are planning a day trip or longer to visit Fort Knox. Then, you can also enjoy what these other areas have to offer. 

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can u visit fort knox

I was stationed there '58-'61. Got married their. Is the post closed, or can visitors get a pass.???

9 replies to this topic

' class=

Given the current level of security around most government facilities, I'd imagine getting in would be tougher than it used to be. Call the post and ask.

http://www.knox.army.mil/

My brother in law lives in Radcliff and I ask him about Ft Knox entrance and here is his unedited reply.

Fort Knox is open to visitors using the Chaffee Gate which is next to the Gold Vault. All must have a picture ID and the guard will run a quick check to insure no warrants exist and no physical pass is needed.

Patton Museum is only accessible from post after you enter, guard will give you direction. Patton Museum is now the Leadership Museum or something close to that name.

I have not been over there since the Armor Museum as moved to Fort Benning. As far as the restoration and items returned I have no idea since I have not been there in a long time.

Knox has changed so much that he will not even recognize the

places he may be looking to find.

' class=

In addition to the above: When you do not have a US Passport, things are a bit different.

The first question you get if you when you show your foreign Iin my case European) passport is whether you know any military in the US. When your answer is no, the visit ends. Too bad, as I was planning to visit the Patton museum

No hard feelings. I do undertand the procedure.

The Patton Museum has a separate "tourist" entrance that does require you to go through base security.

Are you allowed to walk in front of the gold vault building to take a photo?

You can drive by and see it from 31W (Dixie Hwy) or see it from Chaffee Gate entrance. You cannot stop and take pictures. The Treasury police are vigilant, you won't get near it.

When i go on the 5 day pass website it only offers Fort Benning. Does Fort Knox not offer the 5 day pass anymore and if they do what is the site?

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27 OF THE BEST FORT KNOX KENTUCKY THINGS TO DO

can u visit fort knox

Introduction

Suggested Read

COVID-19 Notice

25 of the best fort knox, kentucky things to do.

Parks, Rivers and Lakes

Parks, Rivers and Lakes

Brandenburg, 1. otter creek outdoor recreation area, 2. saunders springs nature preserve, 3. tioga falls trail, 4. fort duffield park & historic site, falls of rough, 5. rough river dam state resort park, mammoth cave, 6. nolin lake state park.

Fort Knox Golf Course

Fort Knox Golf Course

7. lindsey golf course at fort knox, 8. lincoln trail golf course, shepherdsville, 9. heritage hill golf club, fort knox shooting range, 10. knob creek gun range.

Fishing and Hunting

Fort Knox Fishing and Hunting

11. hunt control office, fort knox sports and fitness centers, 12. intramural sports, 13. anderson indoor aquatics center.

Fort Knox Bowling

Fort Knox Bowling Alley

14. houston bowling center at fort knox.

Fort Knox Gyms

Fort Knox Gym

15. smith fitness center, 16. otto fitness center, 17. gammon fitness center, 18. natcher fitness center.

Fort Knox Attractions

Fort Knox Attractions

19. leisure travel office, 20. fort knox water park, 21. long recreation center, 22. united states bullion depository, 23. louisville zoo, 24. kentucky kingdom and hurricane bay, fort knox museums, 25. general george patton museum of leadership, 26. kentucky derby museum.

Fort Knox Distilleries

Distilleries

27. distilleries.

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  • Plan Your Visit

GetTing here:

Visitors may enter our parking lot through the entrance gate on 31W.

The General Patton Museum is located in Fort Knox, KY, just off of Highway 31W. Visitors may enter our parking lot off of the gate just north of the Museum. Visitors do not need to enter through Fort Knox or obtain a visitor pass at the Chaffee Gate.

Entering the museum

Getting to the Museum is easy! Simply come in the main gate off of Highway 31W aka Dixie Highway.When approaching on northbound 31W, the entrance is on your right next to our sign.

Do not enter Fort Knox through the Chaffee Gate. If you have visited in the past, and have used the Chaffee Gate to enter Fort Knox, this is no longer the way to access the Museum. Visitors no longer need to worry about securing a visitor pass to get onto Fort Knox so it’s never been easier to visit the Patton Museum! Simply pull into our parking lot and we will see you here!

NOTICE OF UPCOMING CLOSURES:  

Nov. 10 — Closed for Veterans Day

Nov. 18  — Closed 

Nov 23 – MON 27  — Closed Thanksgiving Weekend

Dec. 16 – Jan. 1 — Closed for Holiday Season

9:00am – 4:30pm — Tuesday thru Saturday

Admission to the museum is always free and open to the public. If you’d like to contribute, donations can be dropped in our donation box in the lobby. You can also donate online by clicking here .

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q:  I visited the museum over 12 years ago and there were way more tanks – what happened? WHO DID THIS? HOW COULD YOU LET THIS HAPPEN?? HOW DARE YOU!!!

A: First of all, lighten up Francis. The museum staff get this question almost daily and often are accused of somehow being personally involved in this decision (our curator was a 2nd Lieutenant at the time!). A little over ten years ago, the US Army Armor Center and School moved from Fort Knox to Fort Benning (Now Fort Moore), Georgia. This decision was made at the highest levels of the US Government and the Defense Department. Because official US Army Museums exist primarily to support the training of Soldiers, the majority of armor artifacts moved with the Armor School where they continue to train the next generation of tankers. The Patton Museum took on the mission of Leadership Education for the thousands of Senior ROTC Cadets attending training each year at Fort Knox. Our museum continues to use vehicles in our exhibits to teach leadership. The Armor and Cavalry Collection is in good hands and continues to grow with vehicles being moved from other Army Museums. While not normally open to public, the US Army Armor and Cavalry Collection hosts several open house days per year. Information about these open house days and the collection can be found here:

(4) The U.S. Army Armor & Cavalry Collection | Fort Benning GA | Facebook

Q: Where is the King Tiger / Royal Tiger / Tiger II / “Big German Tank I saw in 1998”?

A: It’s safe in the US Army Armor and Cavalry Collection – see link above.

Q: How do I get to the museum? My GPS took me on to Fort Knox and now I’m at a closed gate .

A: If you’re at the closed gate on Fayette Ave there is a sign on the gate telling you how to get to the museum. After over two years of trying to contact Apple Maps and Waze, only Google Maps updated their GPS to the new museum gate located on US 31W.   If you have a direct line to someone at Apple or Waze to get our GPS directions updated, please help us.

Link to Google Maps:

https://goo.gl/maps/NcQ7hFxsaFzNUzf59

Q: Was General Patton murdered or assassinated?

A: No, his car accident in 1945 had far too many unplanned stops to be anything other than an accident that resulted in General Patton’s injury. Patton’s accidental death at the height of his fame is no different than many other celebrities who died at the height of their fame – it continues to draw conspiracy theories and sell publications.

Q: My ancestor served with General Patton, can you look up their records?

A: The museum does not own or have access to individual service records.   Contact the National Personnel Records Center at National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) | National Archives    Also – when Soldiers from World War II were discharged, they were often given an extra copy of their discharge paperwork to put on file with their County clerk. Try contacting the County Clerk of the County the veteran resided in when discharged, this may be easier than requesting the file from the NPRC listed above.

Q: I’m doing research on General Patton and need access to your archives.

A: Due to limited museum staff, our archives are generally closed to outside research. The majority of our Patton-related paperwork is manuals and certificates owned by the General.   Patton’s complete military personnel file can be viewed / downloaded from the National Archives here:

National Archives NextGen Catalog

General Patton’s papers and diaries are held by the Library of Congress, some of the papers are digital:

George S. Patton Papers: Diaries, 1910 to 1945, Available Online | Library of Congress (loc.gov)          

Q: Do you appraise or authenticate artifacts?

A: The museum staff will not appraise any items. The staff is happy to collaborate with our peers at other museums about artifacts, but we do not authenticate items for private or commercial entities – ie we won’t certify that it’s really General Patton’s toothpick holder so it does better at the next “Questionable Collectables” auction.    

Q: I have potential artifact(s) I’d like to donate, how do I do that?

A: Army Museums are fairly selective in artifacts they agree to take as donations due to limited storage space and having multiple examples already in the museum system. The first step is always sending photos and a description to [email protected]    DO NOT SEND ITEMS DIRECTLY TO THE MUSEUM WITHOUT PRIOR STAFF PERMISSION. ITEMS RECEIVED WITHOUT NOTICE WILL BE RETURNED TO SENDER OR MAY BE DISPOSED OF IF THE SENDER CANNOT BE REACHED. Seriously, don’t. We lose half a day re-packing it and it costs taxpayer money to ship it back. Send a photo via email first.    

Q: Do you take loans for exhibit?

A: Only in very rare circumstances. Sending a photo and description of the item to [email protected] is the first step.

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Take a journey to the past at the most renowned historic forts in Maine.

Don’t let the name fool you – the original Fort Knox is not a US Army base in Kentucky. This “gold housing” namesake may be more known, but the original is actually the Fort Knox, Maine Forts version. Even though it has never been involved in any active battles, the amazing architecture and masterful craftsmanship make it the most visited historic site in the entire state.

Anyone looking to explore some of our country’s past should consider taking the 36 minute drive to the most distinguished of the Maine forts. When visiting  Fort Knox , discover why this granite wonder is a true icon of living history in the United States with these quick tips:

Since 2007, Fort Knox has served as an entry site to the Observation Tower of the Penobscot Narrows Bridge. From here, it’s onward to one of the most impressive structures of engineering across the globe – The Penobscot Narrows Observatory. Since its opening, this tower has become one of the more popular state-wide attractions, particularly due its 360 degree view of the entire Pine Tree State landscape!

Begin at the Visitor and Education Center

Learn the history of the site, grab a snack, and get ready to set out on your journey to the past!

Take a short walk along the river to the Main Entrance.

Taking over 25 years to construct, the fort is a symbol of Maine’s initial struggles for freedom from our Northern neighbors.

Visit the lower areas – “A” and “B” Batteries.

Having been built to protect the Penobscot River Valley from British naval attack, this area offers the only glance at the original wharf.

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United States Mint

Fort Knox Bullion Depository

U.S. Bullion Depository at Fort Knox

No visitors are permitted in the facility.

Fort Knox Facts

  • Amount of present gold holdings: 147.3 million ounces. About half of the Treasury’s stored gold (as well as valuables of other federal agencies) is kept at Fort Knox.
  • Highest historic gold holdings: 649.6 million ounces (December 31, 1941).
  • The only gold removed has been very small quantities used to test the purity of gold during regularly scheduled audits. Except for these samples, no gold has been transferred to or from the Depository for many years.
  • The gold is held as an asset of the United States at book value of $42.22 per ounce.
  • Size of a standard gold bar: 7 inches x 3 and 5/8 inches x 1 and 3/4 inches.
  • Weight of a standard gold bar: approximately 400 ounces or 27.5 pounds.
  • The actual structure and content of the facility is known by only a few, and no one person knows all the procedures to open the vault.
  • The first gold arrived at Fort Knox in 1937…by U.S. Mail! View photos of the shipment on the History of the U.S. Mint page.

Mint-held gold reserves in troy ounces as of January 2023: 248,046,115.696 ounces total; 147,341,858.382 ounces Fort Knox; 54,067,331.379 ounces West Point; 43,853,707.279 ounces Denver; 2,783,218.656 ounces working stock (all locations).

History of the Fort Knox Bullion Depository

The timeline below includes this facility’s important moments. Learn more about where the Fort Knox Bullion Depository fits in the Mint’s story, at  History of the U.S. Mint .

1935 - Present

August - Congress authorizes the transfer of land in Fort Knox, Kentucky from the military to the Treasury. The Act designates the land for use as a depository to store the country's precious metal bullion reserves.

December - Construction of the bullion depository is complete.

The building needs 16,000 cubic feet of granite; 4,200 cubic yards of concrete; 750 tons of reinforcing steel; and 670 tons of structural steel. The cost of construction is $560,000.

January 13 - Fort Knox receives its first shipment of gold from the Philadelphia Mint and New York Assay Office.

Fort Knox stores the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights during World War II to protect them from danger. In 1944 the documents are returned to Washington, DC.

Fort Knox has stored valuable items for other government agencies, including the Magna Carta, and the crown, sword, scepter, orb, and cape of St. Stephen, King of Hungary before being returned to Hungary in 1978.

September 23 - Fort Knox breaks from its strict no-visitors policy to allow a group of journalists and a Congressional delegation into the vaults to view the gold reserves. The Treasury Secretary allows the visit when rumors persist that all the gold had been removed from the vaults.

Previously, President Franklin D. Roosevelt was the only person other than authorized personnel to access the vaults.

August 24 - Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin, and Congressional representatives visit the vaults. The vaults open to non-authorized personnel for the first time since 1974.

Other Mint Facilities:   Denver   |   Philadelphia  |   San Francisco   |   Washington, DC   |   West Point

A list of linkable tags for topics mentioned on this page.

  • Mint History
  • Privacy Policy
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  • Accessibility

© United States Mint All Rights Reserved.

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COMMENTS

  1. Visitor Information :: U.S. Army Fort Knox: Gold Standard Army Installation

    Fort Knox is a certified Kentucky city, covering 108,955 acres in three Kentucky (Hardin, Meade and Bullitt) counties. It is the fifteenth most populated city in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with a long and rich history . Fort Knox is adjacent to the city of Radcliff, fifteen miles north of Elizabethtown, and approximately thirty-five miles ...

  2. Can You Do a Tour of Fort Knox? The Ultimate Visitor's Guide

    George Patton and other legendary officers were once stationed at Fort Knox. Can You Visit Fort Knox? The Bottom Line. I hope this guide gave you an in-depth look at how to visit Fort Knox, as well as useful history and stats. The bottom line: Public tours are not offered except in special cases due to the base's security and gold reserves.

  3. Fort Knox, Kentucky (2024 Season)

    Part of our in-depth series exploring Southern Early American Forts Patton Museum at Fort Knox 4554 Fayette Avenue Fort Knox, KY 40121 Phone: 502-624-3812 E-mail: [email protected] Location: On 31W just south of the U.S. 60 intersection. The museum is actually on Fort Knox in Keyes Park off Chaffee Avenue. Visitors can reach the museum directly […]

  4. Fort Knox

    Fort Knox is adjacent to the city of Radcliff, 15 miles north of Elizabethtown, and approximately 35 miles south of Louisville. The surrounding communities house hundreds of military retirees and active duty families. The base aautomated operator phone number is 502-624-1000. Directions.

  5. Fort Tours

    Fort Knox, KY 40121. Phone: 502-624-3812. E-mail: [email protected]. Location: On 31W just south of the U.S. 60 intersection. The museum is actually on Fort Knox in Keyes Park off Chaffee Avenue. Visitors can reach the museum directly through the public parking off 31W. Alternatively, visitors may enter the installation through ...

  6. New 5-day Fast Pass allows for quick access to post for qualified

    U.S. Citizens without a DoD/military ID card who rarely visit the installation can now obtain a Fort Knox 5-day Fast Pass online in a matter of minutes -- a first for Army installations. The 5-day ...

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    Fort Knox Map, Note: the use of cell phones while driving on Fort Knox is prohibited click the [ ] icon to see map in full page view. Recent Articles/Posts. Paws and Camouflage: Bohac and Stokes discuss their paths to veterinarian medicine ...

  8. A day trip to Fort Knox

    Fort Knox Visitor's Center is open Open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week. You can get a day pass or an annual pass. The passes are free. We gave our drivers licenses to check in and there was no line. Anyone 16 years old or older has to check in with a proper ID. Younger children check in with the adults.

  9. Authentic WWII-era barracks on display at Patton museum, open to the

    FORT KNOX, Ky. - A window into Fort Knox history has reopened as part of the General George Patton Museum. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held May 8 for the museum's newest exhibit, housed ...

  10. Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit In Fort Knox, Kentucky

    The General George Patton Museum is a must-visit. It showcases the history of armored warfare from World War I to the present day. You can see tanks, weapons, and other military artifacts up close. Another museum worth checking out is the Fort Knox Human Resource Center of Excellence Museum.

  11. New 5-day Fast Pass allows for quick access to post for qualified

    Fort Knox is offering a new 5-day Fast Pass via an online registration process for qualified visitors who seldom visit the installation - a first for Army installations. It takes just a couple of minutes to complete.

  12. Fort Knox

    Fort Knox is a United States Army installation in Kentucky, south of Louisville and north of Elizabethtown.It is adjacent to the United States Bullion Depository (also known as Fort Knox), which is used to house a large portion of the United States' official gold reserves, and with which it is often conflated.The 109,000-acre (170 sq mi; 440 km 2) base covers parts of Bullitt, Hardin and Meade ...

  13. Visiting Ft. Knox

    271 posts. 2,141 reviews. 965 helpful votes. 3. Re: Visiting Ft. Knox. 8 years ago. My brother in law lives in Radcliff and I ask him about Ft Knox entrance and here is his unedited reply. Fort Knox is open to visitors using the Chaffee Gate which is next to the Gold Vault. All must have a picture ID and the guard will run a quick check to ...

  14. A Peek Inside Fort Knox: the Most Heavily Guarded Military Base

    Fort Knox, Kentucky, is a 109,000-acre military base that encompasses the United States federal gold reserve and the Fort Knox Human Resource Center of Excellence. The resource hub is a complex that houses ~4,000 civilian and military personnel. This makes it the 6th largest urban community in its Commonwealth.

  15. 27 OF THE BEST FORT KNOX KENTUCKY THINGS TO DO

    268 N. Knox St. Fort Knox, KY 40121 1 (502) 626-3033 Long Recreation Center offers the ultimate gaming and entertainment experience for all valid DOD ID card holders over 18. The Long Recreation Center is the perfect spot to meet up with friends to socialize, relax, play video games, surf the web, watch movies, shoot a game of pool or play ...

  16. Gate Access :: U.S. Army Fort Knox: Gold Standard Army Installation

    If you have been denied access and/or BARRED you may contact the Installation Debarment Manager at (502) 624-4335 or the Visitor Control Center at (502)-624-7011/7019 for further installation access status. You may be required to validate your criminal history by providing a notarized copy of your criminal history. Gate Access.

  17. Plan Your Visit

    The General Patton Museum is located in Fort Knox, KY, just off of Highway 31W. Visitors may enter our parking lot off of the gate just north of the Museum. Visitors do not need to enter through Fort Knox or obtain a visitor pass at the Chaffee Gate. Address 4554 Fayette Avenue Fort Knox, Kentucky 40121-0208

  18. Historic Fort Knox

    Take a journey to the past at the most renowned historic forts in Maine. Don't let the name fool you - the original Fort Knox is not a US Army base in Kentucky. This "gold housing" namesake may be more known, but the original is actually the Fort Knox, Maine Forts version. Even though it has never been involved in any active battles ...

  19. Fort Knox Bullion Depository

    Fort Knox Facts. Amount of present gold holdings: 147.3 million ounces. About half of the Treasury's stored gold (as well as valuables of other federal agencies) is kept at Fort Knox. Highest historic gold holdings: 649.6 million ounces (December 31, 1941). The only gold removed has been very small quantities used to test the purity of gold ...

  20. About :: U.S. Army Fort Knox: Gold Standard Army Installation

    About. Mission and Vision. LEADERSHIP. VISITOR INFORMATION. GARRISON. Share this page: Page Last Modified: 7/22/19, 6:05 PM. Details about Fort Chowder and it's history.