Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site travel guide

Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site travel guide: Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site, located in North Dakota, offers visitors a unique glimpse into the history of the fur trade in the American West.

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North Dakota, US
6:18 am, Jun 8, 2025
temperature icon 11°C
overcast clouds
Humidity 64 %
Pressure 1004 mb
Wind 24 mph
Wind Gust Wind Gust: 43 mph
Clouds Clouds: 93%
Visibility Visibility: 10 km
Sunrise Sunrise: 5:43 am
Sunset Sunset: 9:35 pm

What to do in Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site

Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site travel guide.
Here is a list of all the activities in Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site.

Take a guided tour in Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site
Take a guided tour in Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site
Explore the Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site
Explore the Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site
Attend living history demonstrations in Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site
Attend living history demonstrations in Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site
Hike the trails in Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site
Hike the trails in Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site
Attend special events in Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site
Attend special events in Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site
Visit the Visitor Center and Museum in Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site
Visit the Visitor Center and Museum in Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site
Picnic and relax in Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site
Picnic and relax in Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site

Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site travel guide

National Airports

The Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site is located in North Dakota, and while it does not have its own airport, there are several national airports in the surrounding area that visitors can use to reach the park. These include:

Hector International Airport – Located in Fargo, North Dakota, approximately 280 miles east of the Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site.

Bismarck Municipal Airport – Located in Bismarck, North Dakota, approximately 180 miles west of the Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site.

Minot International Airport – Located in Minot, North Dakota, approximately 150 miles north of the Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site.

Dickinson Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport – Located in Dickinson, North Dakota, approximately 120 miles south of the Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site.

Visitors can rent a car or arrange for other transportation from any of these airports to reach the Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site.

Trains in Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site

There are no passenger trains that run directly to the Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site. However, visitors can take an Amtrak train to a nearby city and then drive or arrange for other transportation to reach the park. The closest Amtrak station to the Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site is in Minot, North Dakota, which is approximately 150 miles north of the park. From there, visitors can rent a car or arrange for other transportation to reach the site. Other nearby Amtrak stations include Fargo, North Dakota and Williston, North Dakota, which are both approximately 250 miles from the park.

Buses in Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site

There are no public transportation buses that run directly to the Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site. However, visitors can arrange for a bus tour or shuttle service through private companies or tour operators. Some of these companies offer guided tours of the park and may include transportation to and from the park in their packages. Additionally, visitors can rent a car or arrange for other transportation from nearby cities to reach the Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site.

How to get to Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site

The Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site is located in western North Dakota, near the Montana border. Visitors can reach the site by car or by arranging for other transportation from nearby cities. Here are some options:

By car – Visitors can reach the park by car using US Highway 85. The park is located approximately 25 miles south of Williston, North Dakota, and approximately 30 miles north of Watford City, North Dakota.

By bus tour or shuttle service – Visitors can arrange for a bus tour or shuttle service through private companies or tour operators. Some of these companies offer guided tours of the park and may include transportation to and from the park in their packages.

By air – The closest airports to the Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site are in Minot, North Dakota, Bismarck, North Dakota, Fargo, North Dakota, and Dickinson, North Dakota. Visitors can rent a car or arrange for other transportation from any of these airports to reach the park.

By train – The closest Amtrak station to the Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site is in Minot, North Dakota. Visitors can rent a car or arrange for other transportation from the station to reach the park.

Visitors should note that while the park is located in a remote area, it is accessible by car and other transportation options.

What is the best time to travel to Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site

The best time to visit the Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site depends on personal preferences and what activities visitors are interested in. Here is some general information about the seasons and weather in the area:

Spring (March – May) – Spring in the area can be unpredictable with occasional snowfall and chilly temperatures, but it can also be a great time to see the park’s wildflowers in bloom.

Summer (June – August) – Summer is the busiest time of year at the park with warm temperatures and long days. This is a great time to explore the park’s outdoor attractions, but visitors should be prepared for crowds.

Fall (September – November) – Fall is a quieter time at the park with cooler temperatures and changing foliage. This can be a great time to visit if you prefer less crowded conditions.

Winter (December – February) – Winter in the area can be harsh with snow and cold temperatures. However, the park is open year-round and offers unique winter activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Overall, the best time to visit the Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site is during the summer months when the weather is warmer and the park’s outdoor attractions are at their best. However, visitors should be prepared for crowds during this time.

How to get around Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site

The Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site is a relatively small park, and visitors can easily explore it on foot. Here are some tips for getting around the park:

Walking – The park’s walking trails are well-marked, and visitors can easily explore the park on foot. Visitors can pick up a park map at the visitor center and plan their route.

Ranger-led tours – The park offers ranger-led tours that provide visitors with a guided experience of the park’s history and attractions. These tours are a great way to learn more about the park while getting around.

Bicycles – Bicycles are allowed on the park’s roads and trails, and visitors can bring their own or rent them from nearby vendors.

Car – The park’s parking lot is located near the visitor center, and visitors can park their cars there and explore the park on foot. However, visitors should note that cars are not allowed on the park’s walking trails.

Overall, visitors can easily get around the Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site on foot or by using a combination of walking and other methods like ranger-led tours or bicycles.

Accommodations in Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site

There are no accommodations available within the Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site itself, but there are several options for lodging nearby. Here are some options:

Williston, ND – Williston is located about 25 miles east of the park and offers a range of lodging options including hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts.

Sidney, MT – Sidney is located about 30 miles north of the park and also offers a variety of lodging options.

Watford City, ND – Watford City is located about 45 miles southeast of the park and offers a range of lodging options.

Camping – The park has a campground with 20 sites that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground is open from mid-May through mid-September and offers basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings.

Visitors should plan to make reservations for lodging in advance, particularly during peak travel seasons.

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