Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site
Williston, ND
A reconstructed fur-trade fort on the Missouri River, once the principal trading post of the upper Missouri. The site straddles the North Dakota-Montana line, but the fort itself stands on the North Dakota side; it is remote, so fill the tank in Williston.
Fort Union Trading Post was founded in 1828 and operated until 1867. It was the most important fur-trading post on the upper Missouri, close to the confluence of the Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers. Traders of many backgrounds met here with the tribes of the upper Missouri. Congress made it a historic site in 1966; reconstruction began in the winter of 1986, and the reconstructed Bourgeois House (the post manager's house) has served as the visitor center since 1987.
You can tour the reconstructed fort and use the exhibits and interpretive signs. Allow one to two hours. The area is sparsely populated; Williston, North Dakota, is the nearest larger town, so fill up on fuel and supplies there. The site lies on the North Dakota-Montana border; check hours and programs in advance with the National Park Service.
- Nearest town
- Williston, ND
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 47.9994, -104.0406
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- First Responders City ParkCampsite21 mi from Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site · 6 pitches
- Bagnell RV ParkCampsite21 mi from Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site
All campsites in North Dakota · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site?
Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site is in Williston, ND, at GPS 47.9994, -104.0406. It is about 38 mi from Watford City.
Can you camp near Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is First Responders City Park, about 21 mi away; within 25 mi there are 2 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site?
Places worth a stop nearby: Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Unit (46 mi), Makoshika State Park (70 mi), Chateau de Mores State Historic Site (78 mi) and Medora (79 mi).
When is the best time to visit Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)