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The Grandest Fort on the Upper Missouri

Fort Union Trading Post was the most important fur trading post on the upper Missouri from 1828 to 1867. At this post, the Assiniboine, Crow, Cree, Ojibway, Blackfeet, Hidatsa, and other tribes traded buffalo robes and other furs for trade goods such as beads, guns, blankets, knives, cookware, and cloth.

 
Bourgeois House/Visitors Center

Explore the reconstructed trading post

This partial reconstructed trading post serves as a stage for living history interpretation. During the summer various fur trade personnel are portrayed within the courtyard of the trading post.

 
living history interpreters doing historic trading in trade house.

Visit the Trade House

Between the fort gates through the south entrance is the Trade House. Historically when tribes came to trade, the main trading sessions were done here. Come learn the stories and history of this unique place.
 
ranger program

Ranger Talks

Fort Union in partnership with James Memorial Art Center in Williston ND and Mondak Heritage Center in Sidney MT will sponsor Ranger Talks.

The program talks will be given on selected days. Follow link or contact visitor center for details.

 
 

Write to

Fort Union Trading Post NHS
15550 Hwy 1804
Williston, North Dakota 58801

Phone

Visitor Information
(701) 572-9083

Fax

(701) 572-7321

Climate

Summer weather starting in June usually runs 80-95, with late July to mid-August 85-100 degrees F., overnight in the low 60s. Winter tempertures beginning mid-October to mid-March range from low 40s to -20s degrees F. The extreme lows coming between late December to early February.
Communities Surrounding Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site
Note: The times listed below are approximate driving times to the park.
Lakeside, MT (17 min. ) Pop. 1,679
Trenton, ND (18 min. ) Pop. 524
Fairview, MT (21 min. ) Pop. 709
Bainville, MT (25 min. ) Pop. 153
Cartwright, ND (26 min. )
Sidney, MT (36 min. ) Pop. 4,774
Williston, ND (40 min. ) Pop. 12,512
Alexander, ND (45 min. ) Pop. 217
Culbertson, MT (45 min. ) Pop. 716
Crane, MT (49 min. )
Froid, MT (1 hr.  0 min. ) Pop. 195
Arnegard, ND (1 hr.  0 min. ) Pop. 105