National Historic Site · MT, ND

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.

nps.gov ↗

Photos

View from Missouri River bottoms of Southwest bastion
Viewing Fort Union Trading Post from the Missouri River bottoms one can imagine how grandiose the site would appear to weary steamboat travelers.
Candles illuminate the Bourgeois House porch at dusk
Volunteer reenactors relax on the Bourgeois House porch
Courtyard of Fort Union Trading Post with Bourgeois House, Tipis and US Flag
Ranging from employee housing, workshops, storage warehouses, domestic animal pens and horse corrals, the courtyard housed the world at Fort Union.
View of Fort Union and the Missouri River looking south
Visitors hiking the scenic Bodmer Trail experience a historical view of Fort Union, and the same view painted by Karl Bodmer in 1833.
White canvas tipis in grassy area, Fort in background.
During the height of the spring trade season camps from various Upper Missouri Tribes would fill the plateau around Fort Union.

Activities

  • Arts and Culture
  • Craft Demonstrations
  • Cultural Demonstrations
  • Guided Tours
  • Self-Guided Tours - Walking
  • Living History
  • Reenactments
  • Historic Weapons Demonstration
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Park Film
  • Museum Exhibits
  • Shopping
  • Bookstore and Park Store
  • Gift Shop and Souvenirs