Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site

"Between the years of 1828 and 1867, the Upper Missouri River's most important fur trade post was the Fort Union Trading Post. This historical site was where the Assiniboine and six other Northern Plains Indian tribes gathered to exchange buffalo robes and other goods for trade items like beads, blankets, guns, and cloth. "

Recommended For

History Buffs: Learn about the fur trade and Native American history through interactive exhibits and artifacts.
Families: Experience a living history museum where you can engage with reenactors and see traditional crafts and skills.
Culture Enthusiasts: Explore the important cultural and historical exchanges between Native American tribes and fur traders.
Event Seekers: Attend the annual Rendezvous, the largest fur trade fair in the upper Missouri region, held every June.

Highlights

Rendezvous: Participate in or watch the annual Nineteenth Century Fur Trade Fair, featuring over 100 reenactors demonstrating traditional crafts, music, and skills.
Excavation and Artifacts: Discover artifacts such as tools, bones, beads, and trade goods uncovered by excavators that offer a glimpse into life at the trading post.
Reconstructed Fort: Explore the restored Fort Union, including the southwest bastion, providing a window into the past of this historic site.
Interactive Exhibits: Watch blacksmiths at work, speak with traders, and see how the fur trade shaped the region’s history.

Visitor Tips

Visit in June for the Rendezvous to experience the fort's most popular event, featuring reenactments and period crafts.
Take a guided tour or explore the site on your own to see the remains of the fort and the artifacts found during excavations.
Make sure to stop by the museum’s gift shop for unique souvenirs and historical items related to the fur trade.
Consider bringing binoculars for birdwatching, as the area around Fort Union offers a beautiful natural landscape.

Local Vibe

Fort Union Trading Post offers visitors a rare opportunity to step back in time and learn about the fur trade, Native American cultures, and the early American frontier. .

Location