Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site

Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site

This was the most important fur trading post on the upper Missouri until 1867. Visitors included John James Audubon, George Catlin, Father Pierre DeSmet, Sitting Bull, Karl Bodmer, and Jim Bridger.

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.

Between the fort gates through the south entrance is the Trade House. Historically when tribes came to trade, the main trading sessions were done here.

Location

Williston, Williams County
North Dakota
USA

Getting There

The Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site is located in northwestern North Dakota, near the Montana border, and is relatively remote. The closest town with public transportation is Williston, which is about 40 miles away.

There is no public transportation that directly serves the historic site. The best option would be to rent a car in Williston or arrange for a taxi or shuttle service to take you to the site. Another option would be to join a guided tour that includes transportation to and from the site.

Nearby Airports

This is a list of primary airports in North Dakota that have scheduled passenger service on commercial airlines.