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National Historic Site · Montana and North Dakota

Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site

National Historic Site in Montana and North Dakota. No entrance fee.

By The Green Adventures · Updated · How we check

TypeNational Historic Site
StateMontana, North Dakota
Entrance feeNo entrance fee
CampgroundsNone
Nearest national parkTheodore Roosevelt (76 mi)
Closest airportSDY (22 mi)
View from Missouri River bottoms of Southwest bastion
Viewing Fort Union Trading Post from the Missouri River bottoms one can imagine how grandiose the site would appear to weary steamboat travelers. Photo: NPS Photo / Kris Baxter

Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site is a national historic site run by the National Park Service in Montana and North Dakota.

In the park service’s words

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 (public domain).

Things to do

  • Tour Fort Union Trading Post (30 to 120 Minutes): Tour through history as you explore Fort Union Trading Post NHS. .
  • Watch the Fort Union Trading Post Orientation Film (9 to 9 Minutes): 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 (5 to 30 Minutes): 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 terms of the trade and also where stories were told, and small feasts were held. Today it is open seasonally as a stage for third person livin
  • Become a Jr. Ranger and Jr. Trader at Fort Union (30 to 90 Minutes): 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 Visitor Center. The program typically takes around 1 hour to complete.

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

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.

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.

Airport City Drive to the park Straight-line miles Type
Sidney - Richland Regional Airport (SDY) Sidney, MT No road route 22 Regional
Williston Basin International Airport (XWA) Williston, ND No road route 22 Regional
Dawson Community Airport (GDV) Glendive, MT No road route 70 Regional
Minneapolis, Saint Paul International Airport / Wold, Chamberlain Field (MSP) Minneapolis, MN No road route 558 Large hub

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

  • Bourgeois House Visitor Center: Mon Closed; Tue 9:00AM - 4:30PM; Wed 9:00AM - 4:30PM; Thu 9:00AM - 4:30PM; Fri 9:00AM - 4:30PM; Sat 9:00AM - 4:30PM; Sun Closed. 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 close-captioned 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.

Weather

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.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Theodore Roosevelt, about 76 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

Last checked 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee at Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site?

No entrance fee.

Where is Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site?

In Montana, North Dakota. The closest airport with scheduled flights is Sidney - Richland Regional Airport, about 22 miles away.

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