Well worth the stop if you like forts! We found the history interesting and the buildings well maintained. That it was a trading post made it a little different from the military forts we have normally visited. Also, the ranger was nice and knowledgeable. Climb up to get amazing views of the prairie. read more

Fort Union Trading Post - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Williston, North Dakota

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The Fort Union Trading Post sits right on the boundary line between North Dakota and Montana. You'll actually cross back and forth over the line as you enter and leave the Post. In the 1800s Fort Union was alongside the Missouri River and steamboats were a common sight. But the River has changed course since those days and now flows about a mile further away. It's easy to see the old, dry riverbed right next to the Fort. This is an out of the way historical site. It's quiet and peaceful and here you'll hear the whispering of the North Dakota winds. For us Fort Union is very evocative of the early days of the frontier, and WELL WORTH A VISIT. read more

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What a great step back in time! The river has changed course but at one time riverboats were a regular. You can stroll around the area and read about the history. It boasts a small museum and gift shop as well. Don't forget to leave a donation! read more

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One of the sightseeing detours I've done on this recent trip to Billings, MT in September 2017 was that of the Fort Union Trading Post monument. I saw the signage while on I-94 and thought that it may be a good thing to see it. It was a cold and rainy Friday afternoon when I was driving back to Billings, MT from Williston, ND and decided to make a short stop. I wasn't sure if it was the weather that made it seem like the tourist attraction was deserted, but I arrived here around 1:30pm. The fort itself is reconstructed with the modern improvements. It is pretty cool to see this in person and to see how the Us Government forces lived amongst the Native Americans and others in the 19th century. The fort itself was basically a sanctuary from the harsh realities along the frontier, where many settlers pushed west to find a home and freedom. Only problem was the fierce Native American tribes, that may or may not trust the white settlers or the government, stood in their way. I've learned a lot by visiting the Fort Union trading post monument, of how whites settlers traded western made stuff for Native American furs, among most things. The overall experience here at the Fort Union trading post monument was very educational, positive, and definitely rewarding. From the stuff you study in school, you can see history come alive when you visit a monument, such as this one at Fort Union. You get a sense of how these people lived, against the elements and against hostile native Americans. As it was a cold rainy day in September, nobody was around on the grounds, so I wasn't sure if it was closed or not. Luckily, someone from the parking lot walked behind me and I found the entrance to the visitor center. It was cool to see the exhibits inside the visitors center and relive the lifestyle and raw true grit these early American frontier heroes dealt with in their time at the fort and adventures thereafter in the mid 1800's. This Fort Union trading post is located off I-94. Follow the signage to exit and follow the road. You will see it when driving in. Follow the road to the parking area, where you would need to walk a few to the foot of the fort itself. The best part of the experience was that there is no admission fee accessed. They will gladly accept donations, but Fort Union trading post is free, for the most part. They have a small gift shop with books and stuff for sale, if you are are interested in reading about the history surrounding Fort Union. The main parking area is small, with maybe 5-6 stalls. They have a secondary parking area nearby. The coolest thing I saw after I parked the car was that Fort Union and the immediate surrounding area sits on the Montana / North Dakota state lines, so you will see signage there. For me though, it was nice to relive the history that surrounds the Fort and to see how these brave Americans risk their lives for the betterment of the country. The fort itself had 30 or so year run before Fort Bufort was built at the western edge of North Dakota nearby. History comes alive here at Fort Union trading post monument. If you are nearby and want to experience this place, come on over. While it is out of the way, it is a good rest stop option. 5.0 stars. Support local! A read more

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Nice small NPS site. Does a fine job replicating a trading station on the frontier. Well executed and informative visitors center (but small). Very friendly rangers. Junior Ranger program is geared towards older children (I.e., kids that can read and write well). Not a place you could spend more than an hour or two at, but worth checking out if in area. read more

This is a well created replica of the original fort that stood here in the 1800s--they had the original footings and stonework (according to the employee). The park rangers were helpful and knowledgeable and great at answering our questions! We spent about an hour exploring and talking with staff. The museum area inside has modern bathroom facilities and videos about the area, as well as some fort union souvenirs for purchase. It's isolated, but worth a trip if you are in the vicinity--we had come to North Dakota for Theodore Roosevelt Park, so we made a point to check this out, too. read more