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.
Photo: NPS Photo / Kris Baxter
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.
- LocationWilliston, ND
- Entrance No fee listed
- HoursToday: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
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Weather now46°F Overcast
- Alerts No active alerts
Overview
Topics
- Archeology
- Commerce
- Forts
- Native American Heritage
- Reconstruction
- Trade
Things to Do
4 experiences from the National Park Service, plus every activity offered in the park. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
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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 programs! Pick up a free Junior Ranger booklet at the Bourgeois House Visitor Center. The…
Learn more about Become a Jr. Ranger and Jr. Trader at Fort Union on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Tour Fort Union Trading Post
Tour through history as you explore Fort Union Trading Post NHS. .
Learn more about Tour Fort Union Trading Post on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
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 leaders met with the American Fur Company Traders to discuss the terms of the trade…
Learn more about Visit Fort Union's Trade House on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
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 Euro-American fur traders.
Learn more about Watch the Fort Union Trading Post Orientation Film on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
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Activities in the park
Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
- Guided Tours
- Junior Ranger Program
- Museum Exhibits
- Arts and Culture
- Bookstore and Park Store
- Craft Demonstrations
- Cultural Demonstrations
- Gift Shop and Souvenirs
- Historic Weapons Demonstration
- Living History
- Park Film
- Reenactments
Show 2 more activities
Facilities & Services
Find visitor services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Other Visitor Services
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Bourgeois House Visitor Center
Facility
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…
Williston, ND (701) 572-9083 Directions
Details
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 park 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.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Today: 9:00AM - 5:00PM · Park Hours
Hours details
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Park HoursToday: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Hours are in the Central time zone.
Monday Closed Tuesday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Wednesday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Thursday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Friday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Saturday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Sunday Closed
Entrance fees
No entrance fees listed.
Address
15550 Highway 1804Williston, ND 58801
Contact the park
Weather & conditions
46°F
Overcast · feels like 43°
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Today
51° 38°
Overcast14% rain
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Tomorrow
60° 39°
Sunny7% rain -
Thursday
51° 40°
Sunny3% rain
Updated 4 hr ago
What to expect by season
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.
Photos
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Ranging from employee housing, workshops, storage warehouses, domestic animal pens and horse corrals, the courtyard housed the world at Fort Union. — NPS Photo -
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Getting There
Williston, ND 58801
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.
Full directions
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.
Mailing address: 15550 Highway 1804, Williston, ND 58801
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