Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site

Long nice parking area for vehicle

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.

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.

Trade House Prepared for Guests

Before trading began at Fort Union the Trade House's reception room was prepared for feasting. Traditionally a meal was shared between the Upper Missouri Tribes and American Fur Company employees

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.

Long nice parking area for vehicle

Large tent and table area surrounded by trees

RecAreaDirections

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.

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Facilities

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 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.

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