Fort Union Association

06/12/2026

Rendezvous is right around the corner! We hope to see you there! ⛺️☀️🤝

The 43rd Annual Rendezvous is only 6 days away! Today we are featuring presenter, Doug Epperly.

Doug Epperly has been volunteering at Fort Union for several years and has been an amazing addition to our presenters during Rendezvous. His presentation on Plains Indian Sign Language brings history alive. This type of sign was used by tribes on the Northern Plains during trade at Fort Union. Most tribes would have their own languages, and it made communication difficult with the American/European traders at times. With the use of Plains Indian Sign Language, it became more manageable for both sides due to its simplicity and straightforward meanings.

Doug has been involved with living history for more than 30 years. He is a member of both the American Longrifle Association and American Mountain Men, two premier living history organizations. Doug’s primary focus has been on U.S. material culture from the French and Indian War through the Rocky Mountain Fur Trade era. Doug is also a student of Plains Indian Sign Language, an ancient language used by many tribes to communicate using “hand talk”.

Curious to know more? Visit: https://go.nps.gov/rondy2026

Rendezvous is taking place Thursday June 18 through Sunday June 21. Demonstrations run daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Demonstrations will run from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. The park is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. All times are Central Daylight Time (CDT).

Photo Description: Doug Epperly (on right) with Ron Garritson: Two men dressed historically with book

Photo provided by: Doug Epperly

06/09/2026

The 43rd Annual Rendezvous is only 9 days away! Today we are also featuring presenter, Chris Floyd.

Chris Floyd has been a living historian for over 40 years and is a member of the American Mountain Men and several other organizations. He has been portraying a hunter at the fort and other historic figures throughout his time at the Rendezvous. The job of a fort hunter is important in the story of Fort Union because they were literally in charge of feeding the fort. Without their contributions, life wouldn’t be sustainable. Out in camp, prepare for a riveting tale of a fort hunter and his everyday life on the prairie.

Curious to know more? Visit: https://go.nps.gov/rondy2026

Rendezvous is taking place Thursday June 18 through Sunday June 21. Demonstrations run daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Demonstrations will run from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. The park is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. All times are Central Daylight Time (CDT).

Photo Description: Man holding basket with tools

Photo provided by: Chris Floyd

06/09/2026

Join us at Rendezvous!

The 43rd Annual Rendezvous is only 9 days away! Today we are featuring presenter, Amanda Watson.

Amanda is a living historian that has been coming to our Rendezvous for several years. Her interest in spinning and weaving has brought more than fort history to life, it has brought the past into the present. From spinning wheels to inkle looms, fiber arts include the process of creating threads and yarns that have been used in many ways. Fabrics for making blankets and belts are just a few of the amazing things that spinning and weaving have been developed throughout the years and create fashion trends.

Curious to know more? Visit: https://go.nps.gov/rondy2026

Rendezvous is taking place Thursday June 18 through Sunday June 21. Demonstrations run daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Demonstrations will run from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. The park is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. All times are Central Daylight Time (CDT).

Photo Description: Woman uses spinning wheel to create yarn

Photo provided by: Amanda Watson

06/08/2026

The 43rd Annual Rendezvous is only 10 days away! Today we are featuring presenter, Darian Kath!

Darian is currently a park ranger at Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site in Stanton, ND. He has presented many different subjects throughout the years at Rendezvous from Native plants to Historical medicine. This year he will be presenting on Willow backrests. Also called a Lazyback, willow backrests take tipi living to the next level in style and comfort. The ultimate in nomadic portability, a backrest is just what is needed to relax around the fire after an exhausting day chasing bison. Ranger Kath will be demonstrating its basic construction.

Curious to know more? Visit: https://go.nps.gov/rondy2026

Rendezvous is taking place Thursday June 18 through Sunday June 21. Demonstrations run daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Demonstrations will run from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. The park is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. All times are Central Daylight Time (CDT).

Photo Description: A man dressed up in fancy historic clothing and is wearing a top hat.

Photo provided by: Darian Kath

06/07/2026

Join us at Rendezvous, Thursday through Sunday, June 18-21!

Fort Union Trading Post NHS is excited for our 43rd annual Rendezvous taking place Thursday, June 18 through Sunday, June 21.

Demonstrations run daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. The park is open from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. daily. All times are Central Daylight Time (CDT).

Throughout the next few weeks, we will be highlighting some of our demonstrators that will be presenting throughout the course of the weekend.

New to our lineup this year is Marvin Dawes, a retired Park Ranger from Little Bighorn Battlefield. Marvin worked for the National Park Service for 22 years and is presently a Crow Indian private tour guide. He will be presenting on Crow and Hidatsa history, including tribal history and place names. Look forward to this enriching and engaging exposition: Crow Hidatsa Relation, From Minnesota "Land of Many Lakes" to the Missouri" on Saturday and Sunday of Rendezvous.

For more information check out: https://go.nps.gov/rondy2026

Photo description: A man wearing cowboy hat and sunglasses

Photo provided by: Marvin Dawes

05/29/2026

Join us at Rendezvous as a volunteer! Knowledge of history is not necessary, just a willing attitude. Many hands make light work!

This is a Call for Volunteers!

Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site is looking for volunteers for the 43rd Annual Rendezvous taking place June 18-21st, 2026. It takes many hands to put on this amazing event, and we would love your assistance.

We are looking for assistance with:

🎪Welcome Tent: Greet visitors and orient them to the site and schedule of events

🚗Parking lot attendant: Assist with parking

🚙Golf Cart driver: Drive visitors to and from the Fort from the parking lot

🎩Float: This position is flexible and could assist a variety of things

If you are interested in volunteering, please reach out to: [email protected] or call 701-572-9083.

For more information on Rendezvous check out: https://www.nps.gov/fous/learn/photosmultimedia/rendezvous-information-for-participants.htm

Thank you!

Photo by: NPS

Photo Description: four people dressed in traditional clothing.

05/25/2026

Thank you to those who have served our country!

05/24/2026

Will you join us for Rendezvous?

Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site is set to come alive with the sights, sounds, smells and excitement of the American Frontier during the annual Rendezvous taking place June 18-21, 2026. Visitors of all ages will have the opportunity to experience the rich history and vibrant culture of the fur trade era. Join us and take a step back in time by being immersed in the lifestyle and traditions of early explorers, trappers, and Native American tribes. This living history event has become a staple for history enthusiasts, families, and adventurers alike, offering a unique educational and entertaining experience for all.

Highlights of the Fort Union Rendezvous – Witness thrilling reenactments of significant events from the fur and trade negotiations. Discover the craftsmanship of yesteryear as artisans demonstrate traditional skills such as blacksmithing, pottery, and frontier cooking. Shop with our many historical vendors.

Rendezvous will take place June 18th-20th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., CDT and Sunday, June 21st from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. CDT. Admission and parking are free. Thursday, June 18th is Kids Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. CDT. Join us for a kid focused day filled with history, excitement, and hands on crafts and fun. Watch skilled demonstrators bring the past to life with engaging programs and interactive activities the whole family will love. Find more information and the full schedule of events at: https://go.nps.gov/rondy2026.

Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site is a treasured National Historic Site managed by the National Park Service. Located 26 miles southwest of Williston, ND, Fort Union preserves one of the most important fur trade posts on the Upper Missouri River.

The site offers visitors an opportunity to explore the history and culture of the fur trade era through exhibits, demonstrations, and events.

For more information about the Fort Union Trading Post NHS or Rendezvous contact the Visitor Center.

Photo by NPS

Photo Description: A reenactor dressed in period clothing shows the audience traditional items from the fur trade while standing behind a canoe. Surrounding him are members from the public. Behind him are a series of white tents with a blue sky with white
clouds and green grass.