Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site
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FamilyOutdoorVisitor CenterFreeMust-SeeLive DemonstrationImmersiveEducationalOld WestHistoric BuildingRiver
Overview
Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site is a partial reconstruction of the most important fur trading post on the upper Missouri River from 1829 to 1867. The fort site is about two miles from the confluence of the Missouri River and its tributary, the Yellowstone River, on the Dakota side of the North Dakota/Montana border, 25 miles from Williston, North Dakota. In 1961, the site was designated by the Department of Interior as one of the earliest declared National Historic Landmarks in the United States.
Practical Info
MonClosed
Tue9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wed9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thu9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
SunClosed
Suggested Duration2-3.5 hours
Best TimeMay through October represents the prime seasonal window, with late July hosting the famous historic fur-trade Rendezvous fests. Tour the living history site between 9:30 AM and 1:00 PM; this morning window ensures the massive, full-scale reconstructed 1829 timber-and-stone fortress palisades and stone bastions are lit under crisp light.
Getting ThereCommanding the historic Missouri riverfront 25 miles southwest of Williston near the Montana line. Driving a personal vehicle is essential: travel straight west from the city via the scenic highway ND-1804 W to its western terminus; the massive white palisade fortress and its enormous free paved surface lot will unfold clearly on your right.
Travel Tips
- Straddling the state line under federal management, civilian drone flights are totally banned; collecting or displacing any historic hardware or brick fragments triggers immediate prosecution.
- The reconstructed historic wooden palisade features rough-hewn timber layout with steep stairs and sharp splinters; continuous direct adult supervision of children is mandatory.
- The historic perimeter grass serves as natural habitat for prairie rattlesnakes; hikers moving towards the Missouri River banks must stay centered on cleared trails and avoid tall weeds.
Reviews
Positive
- The upper Missouri's premier authentic 19th-century fur trading post! The towering white-brick timber palisade castle looks grand and powerful.
- The restored Bourgeois House is immaculate, packing priceless Native American beaded pelts and trade items of rich historical value.
- Completely free entry pairs with friendly costumed clerks who demonstrate antique fur weighing scales, maximizing educational fun.
- Uniquely located on the ND-MT state line with expansive paved lots and clear traffic order; smooth accessible ramps cover the whole fort loop.
Heads up
- To ensure 100% historical accuracy, the large central fort courtyard utilizing raw dirt gravel kicks up blinding sand dust on windy days.
- The location is highly isolated, deep in the river bottom flats past Williston, with zero modern fast food diners or shopping amenities near.
- The wooden steps climbing up the bastions and palisade walkways are tight and steep, failing wheelchair access rules and limiting frail seniors.
- Harsh plains winter freezing blizzards force all outdoor live crafting re-enactments to cancel, leaving off-season winter tours dry.