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.
Photo: NPS Photo / Kris Baxter / NPS
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.
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Driving times from Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.
Hours
Park 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
Activities
Getting there
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.
Frequently asked questions
- What is there to do at Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site?
- Popular activities include Arts and Culture, Bookstore and Park Store, Craft Demonstrations, Cultural Demonstrations, Gift Shop and Souvenirs, Guided Tours.
- Which national parks are within a day's drive of Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site?
- Within about a day's drive you can reach Theodore Roosevelt National Park (2 h 3 min), Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site (3 h 33 min), Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument (4 h 41 min), Devils Tower National Monument (5 h 42 min), Mount Rushmore National Memorial (6 h 3 min), Jewel Cave National Monument (6 h 23 min).