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Trip Planner:   USA  /  North Dakota  /  Williston  /  Fort Union Trading Post

Fort Union Trading Post, Williston

4.5
#5 of 30 in Historic Sites in North Dakota
Historic Site · Tourist Spot
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A trip to Fort Union takes you back in time to the mid-19th century, the heyday of Fort Union and the fur trade on the Upper Missouri river.

Tour the partially reconstructed fort and walk where many famous folk from several countries and cultures walked, folk such as Kenneth McKenzie, Alexander & Natawista Culbertson, Father Pierre DeSmet, Sitting Bull, Karl Bodmer, and Jim Bridger.

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.

Today, the reconstructed Fort Union represents a unique era in American history, a brief period when two different civilizations found common ground and mutual benefit through commercial exchange and cultural acceptance.

Fort Union Trading Post is open daily year around with the visitors center located in the Bourgeois House.

Activities available at the fort include:

-Self guided map of reconstructed fort to explore site

-Bourgeois House/visitor center, museum, bookstore, film

-Reconstructed Trade House, living history programs in summer

-Junior Trader program for kids

-Bodmer Overlook hiking trail (open seasonaly)
Our Williston trip planner makes visiting Fort Union Trading Post and other Williston attractions simple, and helps you make a travel plan personal to you.
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Fort Union Trading Post reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
158 reviews
Google
4.7
TripAdvisor
  • We visited on Labor Day weekend, and it was mobbed! We hadn’t checked their website to know that there was a big reenactment, and as a result we were surprised by how crowded it was. There were... 
    We visited on Labor Day weekend, and it was mobbed! We hadn’t checked their website to know that there was a big reenactment, and as a result we were surprised by how crowded it was. There were...  more »
  • Great trip. We arrived at approximately 9:30 am and made our way towards the entrance of the trading post in order to start exploring. There were several informational plaques leading up to the... 
    Great trip. We arrived at approximately 9:30 am and made our way towards the entrance of the trading post in order to start exploring. There were several informational plaques leading up to the...  more »
Google
  • The Fort Union Trading Post National Sight was great. The fort is well presented and beautifully reconstructed. While we were there they had Native dancers from Canada doing a presentation. They were cool but should have been outside the fort. They took up most of the interior and prevented guests from seeing the whole fort. The staff were also great and very friendly. I highly recommend a visit. The sight is two hours north of Medora, one hour from Roosevelt North Unit Park, and maybe an hour and a half or less from Glendive.
  • Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site is a must-visit destination for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The historic site offers a unique glimpse into the rich cultural and commercial history of the American West. The reconstructed trading post provides visitors with a sense of what life was like for traders, trappers, and Native Americans in the mid-19th century. The museum exhibits are well curated, providing insight into the daily operations of the trading post and the individuals who worked and lived there. The park also offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, with trails for hiking and birdwatching, as well as picnic areas for visitors to enjoy a scenic lunch break. The park is well-maintained, and the staff is knowledgeable and friendly, making for an enjoyable and educational experience. In conclusion, Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site is a great place to spend a day, whether you're interested in history, the great outdoors, or a combination of the two. With its unique blend of historical significance and natural beauty, this historic site is a must-see for anyone visiting the area. Highly recommended!

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