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 now58°F Sunny
- Alerts No active alerts
Overview
Topics
- Archeology
- Commerce
- Forts
- Native American Heritage
- Reconstruction
- Trade
Things to Do
14 activities. 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.
Weather
58°F
Sunny · feels like 47°
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Today
64° 39°
Sunny3% rain
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Tomorrow
72° 49°
Overcast6% rain -
Saturday
67° 52°
Overcast5% rain
Updated 3 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.
Contact the park
Photos
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Visitors hiking the scenic Bodmer Trail experience a historical view of Fort Union, and the same view painted by Karl Bodmer in 1833. — NPS Photo / Leif Halvorson -
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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