Fort Buford State Historic Site/Missouri Yellowstone Interpretive Center

05/30/2026

Join us today at MYCIC as we learn about how fish have adapted to better survive the water ways of North Dakota. Not only will you get to learn about the cool adaptations of our native fish like the sensors in a Paddlefish's nose or the sleek body of a Northern Pike, but at the end you can try your hand at designing your very own fish as well.

Image: Timothy Knepp, Image of American paddlefish (Polyodon spathula), US Fish and Wildlife Service, 2001, https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/44/Paddlefish_Polyodon_spathula.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=index&utm_content=original&fbclid=IwY2xjawSH0xZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF1STY0a0JMODhJdnlFOTVNc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHs-n81zr_q-pM78-o04cXC_rhXxiPaprSk38uqHH2w3zOuPrT6rhIwUOBIyD_aem_c0xjisbTJQTE7D0tYrnK7w

05/30/2026

Our sites may be a few miles apart, but they share a common history rooted in the Confluence. Consider helping our friends at Fort Union make this year's Rendezvous a success!

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

Today is a solemn day as we remember the brave men and women who have fight and died to protect our nation. At this time, we would like to remember the soldiers who died at Fort Buford during its 30-year history.
The early years at Fort Bufford were filled with conflict due to the fort’s location at the confluence of the Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers. This combined with the fact that the fort was built in the middle of Hunkpapa territory made it a prime target for Sitting Bull who vowed to destroy the fort to prevent further loss of land to the United States.
The first death at Fort Buford happened in July of 1866, just a month after construction of the fort began. Surprisingly it was not due to enemy action but rather dysentery. Disease would claim the largest proportion of those who passed away at Fort Buford. When compared to disease relatively few soldiers died at Fort Buford from combat. With the majority being killed in action within the 1st five years of the fort being built.
The final deaths at the fort occurred in 1894 just a year before the fort was abandoned in 1895. The graves of the soldiers buried at Fort Buford were exhumed and brought to the Custer Battlefield Military National Cemetery. Though you can still pay your respect to them as tombstones for these soldiers are still located at the Fort Buford Cemetery.
Image: Barry Swackhamer, Photograph, Historic Marker Data Base, August 16, 2019, https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=143203.

05/21/2026

Walleyes are one of the Missouri River’s most popular fish, prized by anglers for their great taste and the challenge of catching them. But these fish are more than just a favorite sport fish, they are an important part of the river ecosystem. Walleye help maintain balance in the food chain by feeding on smaller fish and aquatic species, helping keep populations healthy and diverse.

Conservation plays a major role in protecting walleye populations for future generations. Clean water, healthy spawning habitats, and responsible fishing practices all help ensure that the Missouri River continues to support strong walleye populations. Following fishing regulations, practicing selective harvest, and protecting river habitats can make a big difference.

The Missouri River has supported wildlife and people for centuries, and caring for species like the walleye helps preserve this incredible resource. Whether you fish, boat, or simply enjoy the river’s beauty, conservation helps keep the Missouri thriving for generations to come.

Image: Timothy Knepp, Walleye , Painting, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service https://www.fws.gov/media/walleye-2.

05/18/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/18du8EodwC/

Fort Buford Sixth Infantry Leads Solemn Memorial Day Tribute Through Williston Streets

05/15/2026

I know we're the land of the smoky water, but this is ridiculous.
A special thanks to the kids from Fairview who not only got to learn about the history of North Dakota but also experienced what the Dust Bowl was like firsthand. Despite the dust storm they were able to learn about North Dakota's past, build travois and take part in an indoor obstacle course and even get to build their own Indigenous inspired clay pots.
It really shows that with enough grit and ingenuity there is nothing we can't do. (And there was definitely enough grit in the air.)

05/14/2026

Due to the high winds and dust storm MYCIC and Fort Buford will be closed for the remainder of the day. We will reopen tomorrow.

05/14/2026

In the summer of 1876, Fort Buford played an important role in supporting military operations across the Northern Plains during the Black Hills War. Although hundreds of miles away from the fighting at the Battle of the Little Bighorn, the fort served as a vital supply and transportation hub for members of the 7th Cavalry moving through the region. Fort Buford world supply the 7th Cavalry with food ammunition and the medical services of Post Surgeon Lord who would also lose his life with Custer.
Image: Nicholas Kusnierek, Army Wagon, Photograph, May 13, 2026.