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. 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.
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.
- Guided Tours
- Self-Guided Tours - Walking
- Living History
- Reenactments
- Junior Ranger Program
- Park Film
- Museum Exhibits
- Shopping
- Bookstore and Park Store
- Gift Shop and Souvenirs
- Archeology
- Commerce
- Trade
- Forts
- Native American Heritage
- Reconstruction
River View of Fort Union
Viewing Fort Union Trading Post from the Missouri River bottoms one can imagine how grandiose the site would appear to weary steamboat travelers.
Twilight View of the Bourgeois House
Volunteer reenactors relax on the Bourgeois House porch
Fort Union Trading Post Courtyard
Ranging from employee housing, workshops, storage warehouses, domestic animal pens and horse corrals, the courtyard housed the world at Fort Union.
Fort Union and the Missouri River Valley
Visitors hiking the scenic Bodmer Trail experience a historical view of Fort Union, and the same view painted by Karl Bodmer in 1833.
Tipis fill the fields around at Fort Union
During the height of the spring trade season camps from various Upper Missouri Tribes would fill the plateau around Fort Union.