View from Missouri River bottoms of Southwest bastion

Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site

National Historic Site ยท Montana, North Dakota

NPS Photo / Kris Baxter

๐Ÿ“ StateMontana, North Dakota
๐Ÿ›๏ธ TypeNational Historic Site
๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ EntryFree
๐Ÿƒ Activities14
Official NPS Website โ†’
Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site

National Historic Site of the United States in North Dakota

Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site is a partial reconstruction of the most important fur trading post on the upper Missouri River from 1829 to 1867. The fort site is about two miles from the confluence of the Missouri River and its tributary, the Yellowstone River, on the Dakota side of the North Dakota/Montana border, 25 miles from Williston, North Dakota.

WikipediaWikidataSource: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)

About Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site

Between 1828 and 1867, Fort Union was the most important fur trade post on the Upper Missouri River. Here, the Assiniboine and six other Northern Plains Tribes exchanged buffalo robes and smaller furs for goods from around the world, including cloth, guns, blankets, and beads. A bastion of peaceful coexistence, the post annually traded over 25,000 buffalo robes and $100,000 in merchandise.

Park Photos

View from Missouri River bottoms of Southwest bastion
Candles illuminate the Bourgeois House porch at dusk
Courtyard of Fort Union Trading Post with Bourgeois House, Tipis and US Flag
View of Fort Union and the Missouri River looking south
White canvas tipis in grassy area, Fort in background.

Activities

Operating Hours

Park Hours

The park grounds and visitor center share the same hours. Hours are in the Central time zone.

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9:00AM - 5:00PM9:00AM - 5:00PM9:00AM - 5:00PM9:00AM - 5:00PM9:00AM - 5:00PM9:00AM - 5:00PM9:00AM - 5:00PM

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to enter Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site?

Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site is free to enter.

What are the best activities at Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site?

Popular activities at Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site include: Arts and Culture, Craft Demonstrations, Cultural Demonstrations, Guided Tours, Self-Guided Tours - Walking, Living History, Reenactments, Historic Weapons Demonstration.

What is the weather like at Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site?

Weather in western North Dakota can be harsh, with extremes in temperature and sudden, violent storms. Be prepared for rapidly changing conditions. Summers are warm with average high temperatures in the 80s-90s May through September. Winters are cold with average lows in the single digits December through February. Wind is considerable year-round. Conditions can change quickly. Travelers should be aware of the potential for violent thunderstorms in the summer and the possibility of blizzards.

How do I get to Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site?

Located on North Dakota Highway 1804 right at the Montana and North Dakota state line. From Williston, ND, approximately 25 miles to the southwest via ND Highways 2 & 1804. From Sidney, MT, approximately 25 miles to the northeast, via MT Highways 200 & 58. Commercial flights and rental cars are available in both Williston, ND and Sidney, MT. Amtrak passenger train service and rental cars are available in Williston, ND.

Entrance Fees

Free Admission

Weather

Weather in western North Dakota can be harsh, with extremes in temperature and sudden, violent storms. Be prepared for rapidly changing conditions. Summers are warm with average high temperatures in the 80s-90s May through September. Winters are cold with average lows in the single digits December through February. Wind is considerable year-round. Conditions can change quickly. Travelers should be aware of the potential for violent thunderstorms in the summer and the possibility of blizzards.

Directions

Located on North Dakota Highway 1804 right at the Montana and North Dakota state line. From Williston, ND, approximately 25 miles to the southwest via ND Highways 2 & 1804. From Sidney, MT, approximately 25 miles to the northeast, via MT Highways 200 & 58. Commercial flights and rental cars are available in both Williston, ND and Sidney, MT. Amtrak passenger train service and rental cars are available in Williston, ND.

๐Ÿ“ View on Google Maps โ†’

Location

Coordinates48.0008, -104.0375

Official Resources

NPS Official Website