A Patriotic Day Trip: Fort Union’s Old-Time 4th of July Fun Near Williston, North Dakota

If you’re looking to shake things up this Independence Day and create some memories that go beyond the backyard barbecue, why not head west of Williston and celebrate at Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site? This hidden gem is pulling out all the stops to make your 4th of July extra special, and yes, they’ll be open on the holiday!

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Kid’s Crafts and Hidden Treasures: Fort Union’s 4th of July Fun for Everyone

Pack up the kids, your sense of adventure, and maybe a picnic basket, and join in the fun. From 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the fort’s volunteers are inviting young pioneers-in-training to roll up their sleeves for a Kid’s Craft session. Ranger Kristin will be waiting on the porch, ready to help kids of all ages decorate small treasure boxes. It’s the perfect keepsake to remember a day of history and family fun. Plus, who doesn’t love a box to stash secret treasures?

Read More: Independence Day Means Parades And Fireworks Across Our Area

Declaration of Independence Reading at Fort Union’s Bourgeois House

At high noon, gather around the historic Bourgeois House for a true blast from the past. One of the site’s talented interpreters will climb the balcony and give a rousing reading of the Declaration of Independence. There’s something inspiring about hearing those famous words echo across the same prairie that fur traders and explorers once crossed centuries ago.

End Your Fort Union Visit with a Bang: Flintlock Firing Demo Thrills Williston Families

But don’t rush off just yet! Save your oohs and aahs for the grand finale at 1:30 p.m., when they’ll wrap things up with a literal “bang.” Witness a flintlock firing demonstration on the fort’s front bank, the crack of the musket and the puffs of smoke are sure to thrill history buffs and kids alike.

So this year, trade the fireworks for a taste of frontier history, and let Fort Union Trading Post remind you why our independence is worth celebrating, one craft, reading, and musket shot at a time.