Fort Union Association

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.

05/14/2026

Stay safe out there!

Fort Union Trading Post NHS will be closing early today Thursday, May 14 at 2 p.m. CST, due to deteriorating visibility. There is currently a blowing dust advisory until 6 p.m. CST tonight. If you need to travel in the NW North Dakota/NE Montana regions today, please be careful.

Current road conditions for North Dakota are available at https://travel.dot.nd.gov/ and for Montana at: https://www.511mt.net/ =6.169637215505238&lon=-109.64285858161821&lat=47.04112902986316&events&road-cond&rwis

Photo by: Emilee Franklin | NPS

Photo Description: The white bourgeois house is surrounded by a brown dust.

05/07/2026

Well, lookee here! We're the place to visit if you're looking for the most historic building in North Dakota.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/tripideas/the-most-historic-buildings-in-every-us-state/ss-AA22j1sF

America's past told through stories and secrets hidden in the most historic buildings in every US state.

05/04/2026

Come rain, sun, wind, or snow, our living historians bring the story alive every time!

On Friday, April 24, the Fort Union Association brought our keelboat, the Gen. Wm. Ashley to the Williston Community Library. Over 400 Williston Basin School District #7 fourth graders got to learn about the keelboat and its place in our history, as well as participate in a fun STEM activity!

Thank you to our volunteers from the Fort Union Muzzleloaders Association for joining us for the day, showing the kids the various furs and trade goods moved up and down the river on the keelboat.

Thank you to our Williston-area sponsors: Qdoba, Papa Johns, The Egg, Doc Holliday's, Bubba's Bubbles, and Williston Brewing Company.

04/29/2026

Apply now to join us at Fort Union this summer!

Have you always wanted to wear a flat hat 🤠 or have the title of Park Ranger?

Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site is looking to hire GS5/7 Park Rangers for our 2026 season!

Enjoy talking to people about history and natural resources? Love the outdoors? Obsessed with customer service? We have the job for you! Fort Union Trading Post NHS is on the hunt for friendly and enthusiastic Park Rangers to join our team for the summer.

Park Ranger of Interpretation: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/866533700

Make sure you select Fort Union Trading Post NHS or FOUS if you would like to work here while applying.

Applications will close on 05/03/2026, or when we have received the maximum amount of application which may be sooner than the closing date. We are on a job announcement with other parks.

What do you need to do?

If you don’t already have one, create a resume. Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. To receive credit for experience, your 2 page resume MUST clearly indicate the nature of the duties and responsibilities for each position, starting and ending dates of employment (month/year), and the 2 page resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40+ hours a week, rather than indicating full-time).

Create a USA jobs account:https://help.usajobs.gov/get-started?_gl=1*1qjjjk7*_ga*MTM4Njg4Mzk1NS4xNzc3NDkyMzk3*_ga_CLZB1LJ1VZ*czE3Nzc0OTIzOTYkbzEkZzEkdDE3Nzc0OTI4ODQkajYwJGwwJGgw

USA Jobs is where you will apply for the job, you can also build and save resumes.

More information on working for the National Park Service can be found on the Work With Us page: https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/workwithus.htm

When in doubt don’t hesitate to reach out to the park with questions.

We can't wait to work with you this summer. Please share the announcement with anyone who might be interested.

Photo by: NPS

Photo Description: Photo Description: nine park staff stand in front of a white house. Most are dressed in green pants, gray shirts, and brown boots., four wear tan flat hats.

04/23/2026

Critical fire weather conditions today into this evening over most of western and parts of southern North Dakota. Any fires that ignite will spread rapidly and be difficult to control.

03/31/2026

We are so grateful for Marv’s dedication to local history. He was a founding member of the Fort Union Association in the early ‘90s. He may be gone, but his legacy lives on.

Marvin Lee Kaiser died on the evening of Saturday, March 21, 2026.

03/30/2026

Thank you to LYREC Operation Roundup for their generous donation to the Fort Union Rendezvous! These funds will be used to sponsor the fantastic demonstrators that you will see at the Rendezvous held June 18-21.