fort union trading post

I did a solo ND tour in February a number of years back and this was the furthest point north I went to. it was interesting to see the sites just as spring was about set to come on, there was some snow on the ground but not a lot. when you visit ND in February you pretty much have everything to yourself. a great site to see for the historian

Fort Union is a little out of the way so I think it gets missed by many. This is really something to see. The fort is accurately reconstructed to reproduce the original Fort Union of the early 1800's. You can really go back in time and picture what it must have been like for those early day traders. Take the time to see this historical sight, it's well worth it!

I didn't expect to find much considering we went in November but most of the structures were open and the ranger was on site to answer our questions. I neglected to get his name but he was extremely knowledgeable about the fort, the fur trade and the surrounding area

I have read a book regarding The North West Mounted Police in which they mentioned this Trading Post and was thrilled to visit it.The staff were very helpful.I especially enjoyed how the artifacts are kept and would love to see a re-enactment.

Very knowledgeable staff on site. Learned about a piece of 1800s history I was unfamiliar with. It had very little military history, more of a story about the American Fur Trading Co.

In following the route of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, we happened on this reconstructed fort and trading post on the Missouri River. It is well done and a fascinating place to visit. Photographers will enjoy the many views of the site that are available. Caution: it is smack dab in the middle of the Bakken oil patch. Expect a lot of oil related traffic. Expect to see a lot of man camps. Expect to not find a place to stay overnight. Reserve your room before coming.

The post operated for fewer than 40 years but during its time it at a major effect on opening the west to commerce, and interactions between the USA and Indian nations of the northern plains and norther Rocky Mountains.

They did a great job replicating this site. You'll have to go to find out what happened to the original buildings. The trade room was nicely done with hand hewed walls - ask how they knew how wide the boards were so they could reconstruct it as close as possible to the original. Nice little museum inside the house but great views from atop the fort. If you're interested in this time period, you'll like Ft. Union. No admission but donations are accepted.

Located smack dab on the North Dakota/Montana border about 20 minutes north of Sidney, Montana lies the site of the Fort Union Trading Post. This site contains the historic compound of a frontier trading post in the height of the fur trade era. I refer to it as a compound because this was not a military fort in its heydey. Fort Union is a mostly restored fenced in compound rich in the history of early America and especially the frontier era when the fur trade was in full swing. Western made supplies were shipped in on the nearby Missouri River and the natives would trade furs and skins for European and Eastern Seaboard American made goods. Staff is made up of volunteers who dress and play the part of the era residents as well as park service staff all ready to answer your questions. The old "fort" sits distinctly out on the prairie and you will see it several miles off as you approach. Once again, I find myself touting these "off the beaten path" park service sites which are very worth a visit for those interested in America's, as well as the North Dakota's and Native American history. Like I was told by one of the volunteers, North Dakota is not the "Siberia" it often gets labeled and has many fine places to visit.

Fort Union Trading Post was the major facility on the Missouri River for the American Fur Company in the mid-19th century. The Park Service has reconstructed it. There is a small visitor center in the reconstructed main house, a costumed interpreter in the Indian Trade Room and a short video in the VC. The site is otherwise self-guided. It was lightly visited when we were there and probably for a reason. This is not worth a detour of more than an hour unless you are really interested in this small slice of western history. The Bodmer Overlook Trail is not maintained and not worth the hour it takes to walk it. Staff is very friendly and eager (I can see why) to share what they know with any interested visitor.

We thoroughly enjoyed our FREE visit. Well maintained grounds, nice little museum, personnel in period dress. Explains how the fur trade played an important role in the expansion and settlement of America.

Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site, 23 miles from Williston, North Dakota on the Montana border, is a beautiful and educational place to spend a fall afternoon with the family.We made the trek over on Sunday afternoon with our four children and had a good time exploring the buildings, checking out the displays in the Bourgeois House, and roaming through the grounds.A trading post that operated from 1828 to 1867, Fort Union was one of the most vital on the Missouri. Seven Northern Plains Indian tribes traded furs for goods such as cloth, blankets, guns, blankets, cookware, and beads. The post traded over 25,000 buffalo robes and $100,000 of merchandise each year of its operation.We shared more about our trip here: http://wellwornsuitcase.blogspot.com/2012/10/fort-union-national-historic-site.html(By the way, it is nowhere near Wild Rose, hopefully no one finds that confusing!)

It was out of the way, but near Fort Buford and The Confluence Center. We visited this site first and liked it better than the other two. The parking lot and picnic area are actually in WY so we can say we ate lunch in WY. With the oil traffic in the Williston area I wouldn't go out of my way to visit this area if I had it to do again, but we did enjoy it once we were there. The interpreters in their costumes would be good for children to see. The history of this fur trading post was interesting and the interpreters did a good job of telling about it.

Visited here last month while vacationing in North Dakota. I love visiting historical places and learning about the areas I visit. This is a beautifully reconstructed fort which details the fur trade on the upper Missouri River from 1828-1867. I learned that this was considered the most important trading post on the upper Missouri River during this time period. There is a visitor center at the Bourgeois House which also includes a museum. I enjoyed seeing the exhibits and also the number of different furs that could be handled. A book store, gift shop is also inside the Bourgeois house. Inside the trade house a volunteer provided information on how items were traded and there were examples of traded items. This is definitely a must see when traveling in this part of North Dakota. The fort is well maintained and a great learning experience for all. There was no cost for visiting the fort.

we walked around and got to take our time reading the info there. It was very nice.