Between 1828 and 1867, Fort Union was the most important fur trade post on the Upper Missouri River. Here, the Assiniboine and six other …
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4.5/5 · 165 reviews
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Sep 1, 2024
Enjoyed exploring the fort and learning about the native american culture and trading traditions that took place on this land. Start your visit in the small museum and watch several short films. We t… Full review by K I
Sep 2, 2023
Excellent recreation of the old fort. On the day we visited a blacksmith , a tailor and a storyteller were in residence. As well as children in period clothes running and playing. The museum is thank… Full review by msjulie22
Aug 26, 2023
This is a great recreation of a very important trading post. The exhibits inside the fort are nicely done, and the small museum inside the house in the fort is really cool. This is well worth the tri… Full review by Jon H
Approximately how much time is needed for this site? Should we allow a full day, or would a few hours be sufficient? Thanks in advance.
A:
One full day's visit at Fort Union is sufficient. We were there during the annual festival in June and there are lots of activities and demonstrations during that time so if you go during …
One full day's visit at Fort Union is sufficient. We were there during the annual festival in June and there are lots of activities and demonstrations during that time so if you go during the festival you might need more than one day.
Hi all, I will traveling to the Dakotas and Yellowstone in may for 10 days, something I’ve always wanted to do. The Fort Union trading post is about 3 hours out of my way. Is it worth the detour? Can you recommend any other awesome sites that I shouldn’t miss besides the obvious ones? I’ve posted a link to my current trip map below (Oops, that’s not allowed, so let me know if you want more info) Any help would be much appreciated! Thank you from Fairbanks, Alaska
A:
If you can, plan your trip through Fort Union during a weekend rendezvous when "traders, trappers and explorers" congregate to "do business." That's June 14-17. It's the best time to …
If you can, plan your trip through Fort Union during a weekend rendezvous when "traders, trappers and explorers" congregate to "do business." That's June 14-17. It's the best time to make a deal with the "traders" on things such as flintlock guns to birchbark canoes to hides and fabrics. If history is your thing, about 5 miles is Fort Buford and the Missouri Yellowstone River confluence. Museum, walking trail and cemetery are excellent. Fort Buford has a "colorful" past as you can see from the cemetery. About 15 miles further is amazing 1920 architecture -- a hand dug 1/4 mile long railroad tunnel. (It's dark, so bring your flashlight.) The tunnel empties in to a joint-use train/car 1/4 mile long lift-bridge from 1930. Called the Fairview Lift Bridge, it is no longer used. It spans the Yellowstone River and has a fenced in catwalk across the bridge deck, complete with benches. It's twin, the Snowden lift bridge is about 15 miles away on the Missouri River. Other options, depending on when you are traveling are powwows. They are traditional, non-commercial powwows of the Three Affiliated Tribes. They love to have guests and spectators, very welcoming. Will even feed you!
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Frequently asked questions
Q:
Was this a military fort?
A:
Union Trading Post was a commercial trading post, established in 1828, for trade with Upper Missouri tribes especially the Assiniboine people. The only tie the fort had with...
Sep 1, 2024
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