Reconstructed 19th-century fur trading post where Native American tribes and traders exchanged goods along the Upper Missouri River.

General Information

Hours:

Summer (Memorial Day–Labor Day): Daily 8am–8pm
Rest of year: Wednesday–Sunday 9am–5pm
Closed Monday–Tuesday (Oct–Mar)

Fees:

Free admission and parking

Pet Policy:

Pets allowed on leash outdoors; not permitted inside buildings

Closest cities with hotels:

Williston, ND (25 mi)

Seasons:

Late spring through early fall for full access and events

Location:

15550 Highway 1804, Williston, ND 58801nps.gov/fous

How to Get There

From Medora, ND (140 mi): Take I-94 E to US-85 N, then follow ND-1804 W to the site near the Montana border.

Overview

The Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site preserves the legacy of one of the most significant fur trading posts on the Upper Missouri River. From 1828 to 1867, Fort Union served as a vital hub where Assiniboine and other Northern Plains tribes traded buffalo robes and furs for goods like beads, blankets, and firearms. Operated by the American Fur Company, the post was a model of peaceful commerce and cultural exchange in a turbulent era.

Today, visitors can explore a reconstructed fort, interpretive exhibits, and a museum store offering Native American crafts and historical reproductions. The site hosts annual events like the Fort Union Rendezvous, bringing history to life with reenactments and demonstrations. With sweeping views of the Missouri River and a rich cultural narrative, Fort Union offers a compelling glimpse into the frontier economy and diplomacy of the 19th century.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0