Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site

Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site Welcome to the official page for Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site.

A trip to Fort Union takes you back in time to the mid-19th century, the heyday of Fort Union and the fur trade on the Upper Missouri river. Tour the partially reconstructed fort and walk where many famous folk from several countries and cultures walked, folk such as Kenneth McKenzie, Alexander & Natawista Culbertson, Father Pierre DeSmet, Sitting Bull, Karl Bodmer, and Jim Bridger. Fort Union Tra

ding Post was the most important fur trading post on the upper Missouri from 1828 to 1867. At this post, the Assiniboine, Crow, Cree, Ojibway, Blackfeet, Hidatsa, and other tribes traded buffalo robes and other furs for trade goods such as beads, guns, blankets, knives, cookware, and cloth. Today, the reconstructed Fort Union represents a unique era in American history, a brief period when two different civilizations found common ground and mutual benefit through commercial exchange and cultural acceptance. Fort Union Trading Post is open daily year around with the visitors center located in the Bourgeois House. Activities available at the fort include:

-Self guided map of reconstructed fort to explore site
-Bourgeois House/visitor center, museum, bookstore, film
-Reconstructed Trade House, living history programs in summer
-Junior Trader program for kids
-Bodmer Overlook hiking trail (open seasonaly)

This is a Call for Volunteers!Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site is looking for volunteers for the 43rd Annu...
05/29/2026

This is a Call for Volunteers!

Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site is looking for volunteers for the 43rd Annual Rendezvous taking place June 18-21st, 2026. It takes many hands to put on this amazing event, and we would love your assistance.

We are looking for assistance with:

🎪Welcome Tent: Greet visitors and orient them to the site and schedule of events

đźš—Parking lot attendant: Assist with parking

🚙Golf Cart driver: Drive visitors to and from the Fort from the parking lot

🎩Float: This position is flexible and could assist a variety of things

If you are interested in volunteering, please reach out to: [email protected] or call 701-572-9083.

For more information on Rendezvous check out: https://www.nps.gov/fous/learn/photosmultimedia/rendezvous-information-for-participants.htm

Thank you!

Photo by: NPS

Photo Description: four people dressed in traditional clothing.

Will you join us for Rendezvous? Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site is set to come alive with the sights, so...
05/23/2026

Will you join us for Rendezvous?

Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site is set to come alive with the sights, sounds, smells and excitement of the American Frontier during the annual Rendezvous taking place June 18-21, 2026. Visitors of all ages will have the opportunity to experience the rich history and vibrant culture of the fur trade era. Join us and take a step back in time by being immersed in the lifestyle and traditions of early explorers, trappers, and Native American tribes. This living history event has become a staple for history enthusiasts, families, and adventurers alike, offering a unique educational and entertaining experience for all.

Highlights of the Fort Union Rendezvous – Witness thrilling reenactments of significant events from the fur and trade negotiations. Discover the craftsmanship of yesteryear as artisans demonstrate traditional skills such as blacksmithing, pottery, and frontier cooking. Shop with our many historical vendors.

Rendezvous will take place June 18th-20th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., CDT and Sunday, June 21st from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. CDT. Admission and parking are free. Thursday, June 18th is Kids Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. CDT. Join us for a kid focused day filled with history, excitement, and hands on crafts and fun. Watch skilled demonstrators bring the past to life with engaging programs and interactive activities the whole family will love. Find more information and the full schedule of events at: https://go.nps.gov/rondy2026.

Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site is a treasured National Historic Site managed by the National Park Service. Located 26 miles southwest of Williston, ND, Fort Union preserves one of the most important fur trade posts on the Upper Missouri River.

The site offers visitors an opportunity to explore the history and culture of the fur trade era through exhibits, demonstrations, and events.

For more information about the Fort Union Trading Post NHS or Rendezvous contact the Visitor Center.

Photo by NPS

Photo Description: A reenactor dressed in period clothing shows the audience traditional items from the fur trade while standing behind a canoe. Surrounding him are members from the public. Behind him are a series of white tents with a blue sky with white
clouds and green grass.

Fort Union Trading Post NHS will be closing early today Thursday, May 14 at 2 p.m. CST, due to deteriorating visibility....
05/14/2026

Fort Union Trading Post NHS will be closing early today Thursday, May 14 at 2 p.m. CST, due to deteriorating visibility. There is currently a blowing dust advisory until 6 p.m. CST tonight. If you need to travel in the NW North Dakota/NE Montana regions today, please be careful.

Current road conditions for North Dakota are available at https://travel.dot.nd.gov/ and for Montana at: https://www.511mt.net/ =6.169637215505238&lon=-109.64285858161821&lat=47.04112902986316&events&road-cond&rwis

Photo by: Emilee Franklin | NPS

Photo Description: The white bourgeois house is surrounded by a brown dust.

All firing operations have been completed. Firefighters will remain on scene and will continue to patrol and mop up this...
05/05/2026

All firing operations have been completed. Firefighters will remain on scene and will continue to patrol and mop up this afternoon.

Smoke may be visible into tonight and potentially for the next few days.

Photo by NPS

Photo Description: A white and red fire truck sits in patches of black ground and vegetation are in the foreground. Behind it is expansive blue sky, trees and white clouds.

Fort Union Trading Post NHS has ignited a prescribed burn near the maintenance shop. The plan is to burn around 15 acres...
05/05/2026

Fort Union Trading Post NHS has ignited a prescribed burn near the maintenance shop. The plan is to burn around 15 acres today.

Smoke may be present near the visitor center and in the vicinity. Please use caution while traveling in the area.

Weather conditions will be monitored closely to ensure prescribed fire conditions align with management objectives for the burn.

Photo by: Daniel Neuenschwander| NPS

Photo Description: 6 firefighters wearing green pants, yellow shirts, black jackets and hardhats use drip torches to do a test fire on the burn unit. Orange flames, white smoke, and black ground are present.

The National Park Service has scheduled a prescribed fire on federal lands in Williams County this Spring depending on e...
05/05/2026

The National Park Service has scheduled a prescribed fire on federal lands in Williams County this Spring depending on environmental conditions. The current plan is to burn approximately 15 acres of grassland near the maintenance shop. This prescribed fire will reduce wildfire risks and enhance wildlife habitat and native plant restoration.

The prescribed burn is planned to start early May through mid June as conditions allow. Smoke may be visible during the burn. The NPS will provide community updates on social media and its website updating closures, reopening, and any smoke impacts. Prescribed fire operations represent many months and sometimes years of planning and preparation.

When optimal conditions exist for a safe burn, park neighbors, local fire departments, and law enforcement agencies will be notified prior to the burn. Signs will also be posted on the main road and impacted trails and areas. Visitors planning to visit during a prescribed burn are encouraged to stop by the Visitor Center at: 15550 Highway 1804 Williston, ND 58801, for current fire information and closures.

For more information about the park or planned prescribed burns contact the Fort Union Visitor Center at 701-572-9083 or visit http://nps.gov/fous, here, or Instagram pages.

Photo by: Emilee Franklin | NPS

Photo Description: a firefighter carries tools wearing a yellow shirt, green pants, and hardhat walks in the black while putting fire on the landscape.

Today is the last day to apply to be a Park Ranger of Interpretation at Fort Union Historic site this summer! Applicatio...
05/03/2026

Today is the last day to apply to be a Park Ranger of Interpretation at Fort Union Historic site this summer! Applications close tonight!

Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site is looking to hire GS5/7 Park Rangers for our 2026 season.

Enjoy talking to people about history and natural resources? Love the outdoors? Obsessed with customer service? We have the job for you! Fort Union Trading Post NHS is on the hunt for friendly and enthusiastic Park Rangers to join our team for the summer.

Park Ranger of Interpretation: https://ow.ly/A8y650YT0i7

Make sure you select Fort Union Trading Post NHS or FOUS if you would like to work here while applying.

Applications will close on 05/03/2026, or when we have received the maximum amount of application which may be sooner than the closing date. We are on a job announcement with other parks.

What do you need to do?

If you don’t already have one, create a resume. Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. To receive credit for experience, your 2 page resume MUST clearly indicate the nature of the duties and responsibilities for each position, starting and ending dates of employment (month/year), and the 2 page resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40+ hours a week, rather than indicating full-time).

Create a USA jobs account:https://ow.ly/QwQI50YT0ib

USA Jobs is where you will apply for the job, you can also build and save resumes.

More information on working for the National Park Service can be found on the Work With Us page: https://ow.ly/JVNY50YT0ia

When in doubt don’t hesitate to reach out to the park with questions.

We can't wait to work with you this summer. Please share the announcement with anyone who might be interested.

Photo by: NPS

Photo Description: two park rangers dressed in period clothing talks and does a hands-on activity with a group of kids.

Have you always wanted to wear a flat hat 🤠 or have the title of Park Ranger?Our seasonal WG5 and WG7 maintenance positi...
05/02/2026

Have you always wanted to wear a flat hat 🤠 or have the title of Park Ranger?

Our seasonal WG5 and WG7 maintenance positions for the 2026 season at Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site are now open!

WG5: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/855128600
WG7: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/852342700

Please share. These job announcements are scheduled to close on 05/29/26, or until the maximum number of applications are received—whichever comes first. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, meaning you have a better chance the sooner you apply.

Make sure you select Williston, ND if you are looking for working at Fort Union Trading Post NHS. This position is open to the public, meaning you do not need to be a current federal employee. We will share when we have more job openings.

More information on working for the National Park Service can be found on the Work With Us page: https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/workwithus.htm

More information about Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site: www.nps.gov/fous

Photo by: Emilee Franklin | NPS

Photo Description: Two maintenance workers dressed in green pants, grey shirts, and green hats stand in a field of green and brown with brown fence posts.

⏳Time is running out on a great opportunity! Don't delay, apply today. Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site is...
05/01/2026

⏳Time is running out on a great opportunity! Don't delay, apply today.

Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site is looking to hire GS5/7 Park Rangers for our 2026 season!

Enjoy talking to people about history and natural resources? Love the outdoors? Obsessed with customer service? We have the job for you! Fort Union Trading Post NHS is on the hunt for friendly and enthusiastic Park Rangers to join our team for the summer.

Park Ranger of Interpretation: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/866533700

Make sure you select Fort Union Trading Post NHS or FOUS if you would like to work here while applying.

Applications will close on 05/03/2026, or when we have received the maximum amount of application which may be sooner than the closing date. We are on a job announcement with other parks.

What do you need to do?

If you don’t already have one, create a resume. Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. To receive credit for experience, your 2 page resume MUST clearly indicate the nature of the duties and responsibilities for each position, starting and ending dates of employment (month/year), and the 2 page resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40+ hours a week, rather than indicating full-time).

Create a USA jobs account:https://help.usajobs.gov/get-started?_gl=1*1qjjjk7*_ga*MTM4Njg4Mzk1NS4xNzc3NDkyMzk3*_ga_CLZB1LJ1VZ*czE3Nzc0OTIzOTYkbzEkZzEkdDE3Nzc0OTI4ODQkajYwJGwwJGgw

USA Jobs is where you will apply for the job, you can also build and save resumes.

More information on working for the National Park Service can be found on the Work With Us page: https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/workwithus.htm

When in doubt don’t hesitate to reach out to the park with questions.

We can't wait to work with you this summer. Please share the announcement with anyone who might be interested.

Photo by: NPS

Photo Description: a park ranger dressed in period clothing wearing a pink shirt, gray vest, brown pants and hat talks to a group of kids.

Want views like these every day? Become part of the team that keeps this special place looking and operating at its best...
04/30/2026

Want views like these every day? Become part of the team that keeps this special place looking and operating at its best!

Our seasonal WG5 and WG7 maintenance positions for the 2026 season at Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site are now open!

WG5: https://ow.ly/KigX50YS32p
WG7: https://ow.ly/oykt50YS32n

Please share. These job announcements are scheduled to close on 05/29/26, or until the maximum number of applications are received—whichever comes first. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, meaning you have a better chance the sooner you apply.

Make sure you select Williston, ND if you are looking for working at Fort Union Trading Post NHS. This position is open to the public, meaning you do not need to be a current federal employee. We will share when we have more job openings.

More information on working for the National Park Service can be found on the Work With Us page: https://ow.ly/syMX50YS32q

More information about Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site: https://ow.ly/KoKn50YS32o

Photo by: Emilee Franklin | NPS

Photo Description: the white bourgeois house with green shutters and red roof stands tall with gray clouds behind.

Address

15550 Highway 1804
Williston, ND
58801

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+17015729083

Website

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