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.
Quick Facts
Operating Hours
The park grounds and visitor center share the same hours. Hours are in the Central time zone.
Activities
Getting There
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.
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Topics & Themes
Things To Do
Tour Fort Union Trading Post
Tour through history as you explore Fort Union Trading Post NHS. .
Historically the fort was a bustling hub of activity, especially in the spring when steamboats arrived to resupply the fort…
Watch the Fort Union Trading Post Orientation Film
Learn how Fort Union Trading Post became an epicenter for trade between the Assiniboine and other Northern Plains Tribes and…
Watch the orientation film and learn how Fort Union Trading Post became an epicenter for trade between tribes and European…
Visit Fort Union's Trade House
The Trade House was one of the most important buildings at Fort Union. It was in the Reception Room where Tribal…
Upon entering the Trade House you will be greeted by an interpreter in Living History Clothing, a fire will be…
Become a Jr. Ranger and Jr. Trader at Fort Union
Kids of all ages are invited to explore Fort Union Trading Post NHS through the Junior Ranger & Junior Trader…
Junior Ranger program is self-directed and consists of filling out a certain number of activity booklet pages per age group.…
Visitor Centers
Bourgeois House Visitor Center
Located in the center of the fort's courtyard is the Bourgeois House Visitor Center. The reconstructed building documents Fort Union's life and history through exhibits…
Hours: Located in the center of the fort's courtyard is the Bourgeois House Visitor Center. The reconstructed building documents Fort Union's life and history through exhibits and close-captioned videos. The exhibits include artifacts recovered during the extensive archaeological excavations. The information gained in these excavations made the fort's reconstruction possible. This fully accessible building includes a ranger-staffed information desk, brochures and Jr. Ranger program.
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