During the Fort Union Rendezvous, and historical re-enactments, the front porch is a popular place to mingle.
This Weekend
This weekend, June 17-19, 2022 is the biggest event at Fort Union. It’s the Fort Union Rendezvous.
Trappers and traders from all over Canada and the US descend on the historic site, much like they did in 1830.
Fort Union Trading Post was not a military post, it was a private enterprise to enhance fur trade. It became, in effect, sort of shopping mall for at least five American Indian Tribes, voyageurs, trappers and mountain men.
Reenactors bring that period of time back to life when they move in, set up camp and conduct business just like it was 1830.
Learn and Participate
A temporary town with stores and stories from buckskinners outside the Fort Union Trading Post.
Take the time to dive in. You can participate in several activities.
You can also take in presentations that will give you and idea of what life was like right here in what we now call North Dakota.
For more information, here’s the schedule.
Or click here to learn more.
It’s Free!
There is no charge.
From Watford City
To get in on the Fort Union Rendezvous, head west of Watford City on Highway 200. Then follow the brown signs. Head north on Highway 58. At highway 1804 turn left (or west) and you’ll go by the post. You’ll actually dip into Montana for a few yards, then into the parking lot in North Dakota. The site is in North Dakota.
Trappers and traders set up camp outside the stockade of Fort Union Trading Post
From Williston
Or head west from Williston on Highway2, then turn south on Highway 1804. It’s a scenic drive, and this time of year, when it’s so green, its very pretty.
We’ll be there, again this year, like we have other years. We wrote this story about the visit.
McKenzie County Activities
It’s a big weekend in McKenzie County, this weekend. Besides the Rendezvous, there’s a rodeo, a demolition derby and the annual McKenzie County Fair.
While you are in the Fort Union area, look north across the road to see the remnants of one of the wildest towns in the west, MonDak. There was a reason it sat on the border between North Dakota and Montana.
Make a day of the trip. It’s a good way to save on gas money, when you can see all these things in one trip instead of making separate trips.
- The Missouri River and Yellowstone River Confluence Center,
- Fort Buford,
- Cartwright Tunnel and the Fairview Lift Bridge.
#American Indian Tribes
#voyageurs
#trappers
#mountain men
#Williston
#Fort Union
#Watford City
