Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site
Designation: National Historic Site
Location: Montana, North Dakota
📘 Park Overview
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.
🌤 Weather Information
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.
Images
Viewing Fort Union Trading Post from the Missouri River bottoms one can imagine how grandiose the site would appear to weary steamboat travelers.
Credit: NPS Photo / Kris Baxter
Volunteer reenactors relax on the Bourgeois House porch
Credit: NPS Photo / Kris Baxter
Ranging from employee housing, workshops, storage warehouses, domestic animal pens and horse corrals, the courtyard housed the world at Fort Union.
Credit: NPS Photo
Visitors hiking the scenic Bodmer Trail experience a historical view of Fort Union, and the same view painted by Karl Bodmer in 1833.
Credit: NPS Photo / Leif Halvorson
During the height of the spring trade season camps from various Upper Missouri Tribes would fill the plateau around Fort Union.
Credit: NPS / EMILY SUNBLADE
Viewing Fort Union Trading Post from the Missouri River bottoms one can imagine how grandiose the site would appear to weary steamboat travelers.
Credit: NPS Photo / Kris Baxter
Volunteer reenactors relax on the Bourgeois House porch
Credit: NPS Photo / Kris Baxter
Ranging from employee housing, workshops, storage warehouses, domestic animal pens and horse corrals, the courtyard housed the world at Fort Union.
Credit: NPS Photo
Visitors hiking the scenic Bodmer Trail experience a historical view of Fort Union, and the same view painted by Karl Bodmer in 1833.
Credit: NPS Photo / Leif Halvorson
During the height of the spring trade season camps from various Upper Missouri Tribes would fill the plateau around Fort Union.
Credit: NPS / EMILY SUNBLADE
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
No entrance fees listed.
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Monday, May 4
Overcast
High: 51.6°F | Low: 39.4°F
Humidity: 41%
Wind: 22.4 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 3.7
Sunrise: 06:32 AM
Sunset: 09:14 PM
Moon: Waning Gibbous (95%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 34.9°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Tuesday, May 5
Partly Cloudy
High: 49.6°F | Low: 31.7°F
Humidity: 42%
Wind: 13.9 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 4.5
Sunrise: 06:30 AM
Sunset: 09:15 PM
Moon: Waning Gibbous (90%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 29.3°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Wednesday, May 6
Sunny
High: 56°F | Low: 31.8°F
Humidity: 32%
Wind: 8.7 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 5.4
Sunrise: 06:29 AM
Sunset: 09:16 PM
Moon: Waning Gibbous (84%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 30.6°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Park Alerts
Park Events
Fort Union Rendezvous
Fort Union Trading Post set to host its 43rd Annual Rendezvous.
Rendezvous is our largest annual event, hosted on the 3rd full weekend in June. Join us and celebrate a 19th Century Fur Trade Fair that includes a variety of period arts, crafts, and music.
This annual gathering is a time when Fort Union comes alive and best reflects the busy trade season. Re-enactors from across the country and Canada demonstrating traditional skills and lifeways.
This is a free event. Kids Day will be Thursday 6/18 from 10 a.m.-2p.m. CDT Last Day- Sunday, June 21st 10 a.m.-2p.m. CDT
Date: Jun 18, 2026 12:00am to Jun 21, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Rendezvous Kids Day
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure at Fort Union! Join us from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Central Time for a day packed with excitement, history, and hands-on fun. Watch skilled demonstrators bring the past to life with engaging programs and interactive activities the whole family will love!
Date: Jun 18, 2026 12:00am to Jun 18, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
15550 Highway 1804
Williston, ND 58801
🏤 Mailing Address:
15550 Highway 1804
Williston, ND 58801
📞 Voice Phone: 7015729083
📞 Fax Phone: 7015727321
✉️ Email: fous_socialmedia@nps.gov