National Historic Site

Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site

Midwest

About Fort Union Trading Post

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.

From the National Park Service.

Region: Midwest
States: Montana and North Dakota
Designation: National Historic Site
Entrance fee: None listed

Trail data for this park is still being added.
Places for this park are still being added.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, weather and getting to Fort Union Trading Post.

Entrance fees

The National Park Service lists no entrance fee for this park.

Hours

Park Hours

Mon: Closed
Tue: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Wed: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Thu: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Fri: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Sat: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Sun: Closed

Hours are in the Central time zone.

Weather and when to go

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.

Getting there

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.

Directions from the National Park Service

Contact the park

Address: 15550 Highway 1804, Williston, ND 58801
Phone: (701) 572-9083
Email: fous_socialmedia@nps.gov
Official site: nps.gov/fous

From the National Park Service, checked weekly. Fees, hours and road conditions change: confirm with the park before you go.

Trip planner

A day-by-day plan for Fort Union Trading Post

Tell us your dates and what you are into. We group the stops by where they are, so each day is one part of the park, not a zigzag.

Plan your park trip Free. No account needed.

Things to do in Fort Union Trading Post

The park service's own list, with how long each takes.

Tour Fort Union Trading Post

Self-Guided Tours - Walking · about 1 hour

Tour through history as you explore Fort Union Trading Post NHS. .
Watch the Fort Union Trading Post Orientation Film

Park Film · about 15 min

Learn how Fort Union Trading Post became an epicenter for trade between the Assiniboine and other Northern Plains Tribes and Euro-American fur traders.
Visit Fort Union's Trade House

Living History · about 15 min

The Trade House was one of the most important buildings at Fort Union. It was in the Reception Room where Tribal leaders met with the American Fur Company Traders to discuss the t…
Become a Jr. Ranger and Jr. Trader at Fort Union

Junior Ranger Program · about 50 min

Kids of all ages are invited to explore Fort Union Trading Post NHS through the Junior Ranger & Junior Trader programs! Pick up a free Junior Ranger booklet at the Bourgeois House…