Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site
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Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site at a glance
- Best time
- June–September
- Trip length
- 2–4 hours to 1 day
- Don't miss
- Visit Fort Union's Trade House
- Nearby city
- Williston, ND
Explore this park
About Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site
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.
Weather Information
Weather in western North Dakota can be harsh, with extremes in temperature and sudden, violent storms. Be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.
- Summer
are warm with average high temperatures in the 80s-90s May through September.
- Winter
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.
Operating Hours
Park Hours
The park grounds and visitor center share the same hours. Hours are in the Central time zone.
- MondayClosed
- Tuesday9:00AM - 5:00PM
- Wednesday9:00AM - 5:00PM
- Thursday9:00AM - 5:00PM
- Friday9:00AM - 5:00PM
- Saturday9:00AM - 5:00PM
- SundayClosed
Common questions
Planning Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site
The summary above covers timing and highlights. These go deeper on reservations, crowds, and logistics.
Reservation rules vary by season and activity for Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site. See Overview on this page for fees, timed entry, and campground details before you travel.
