Learn At Fort Buford State Historic Site
Some travelers argue that Fort Buford State Historic Site is the most interesting historic site in Williston. The historic site tells the story of this fort and the life of the soldiers who called it home. In 1866, soldiers under the command of Brevet Lieutenant Colonel William G. Rankin started building Fort Buford State Historic Site near the confluence of the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers. Its purpose was to protect overland and river routes that settlers used when traveling to the West and serve as a major supply depot for military field operations.
A few original buildings still stand, like the cemetery and officers quarters. The most impressive place is the room where Sitting Bull gave his rifle to his son to give to the US Army as he surrendered in 1881.
Head To Fort Union Trading Post
Exploring slices of American history is one of the top things to do in Williston. Between 1828 and 1867, Fort Union positioned itself as the most important fur trade post on the Upper Missouri River. Although called a fort, Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site had no connection to the military or the government.
n 1828, John Jacob Astor, the American Fur Companys founder, built Fort Union at the request of the Assiniboine and other six Upper Missouri tribes. For nearly forty years, the fort was a busy trade spot, where the seven Northern Plains Indian Tribes exchanged furs and buffalo robes for manufactured goods, such as guns and clothing. The peaceful relationship between the tribes and Astor made Fort Union Americas longest-lasting fur trade post one of the most profitable ones.
Eagle Ridge Golf Club
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 4 reviews
Eagle Ridge Golf Club located in northeast Williston ND, offers a challenging 18 hole public golf course with rolling fairways, manicured bent greens and an island 7th hole green. The many risk and reward holes and the four sets of tees offer fun and excitement to a any golfer, regardless of their ability.
Reviewed By BrandinFoos – Williston, North Dakota
Eagle Ridge has made great improvements with new management. The ProShop is located in a new area, with a large selection of clubs and apparel. The Food in the restaurant is delicious and reasonably priced. The course has been well maintained and hosts some great tournaments. I only wish they had a Kart trail to the Meadows!
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Theres Plenty To See And Explore
You wont run out of things to do during your stay near Williston, ND. There are countless parks, museums, and activities to take part in. Be sure to check out all these spots during your stay:
- Dickinson Museum Center
- Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site
- Killdeer Mountain Battlefield State Historic Site
- Little Missouri State Park
Why Youll Enjoy This Activity
Go on the ultimate retreat at the International Peace Garden, one of the best places to visit in North Dakota.
Its captivating beauty will take your breath away, and the many therapeutic sounds add to the relaxing and tranquil ambiance.
You can hear sounds like water flowing and chimes from the Carillon Bell Tower every 15 minutes.
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Links Of North Dakota
Overall Ratings
4 based on 3 reviews
130 years ago, Sitting Bull, the most revered of all Lakota Indians, presented himself to American agents at Fort Buford on July 19, 1881. Fort Buford is located 25 miles southwest of Williston on State Highway 1804. A statue of Sitting Bull statue by renewed artist Michael Westergard was unveiled at the front entrance of Stevens Hall, Williston State College Saturday, July 16, 2011.
Reviewed By Raymond N
The life size bronze of sitting bull was done by acclaimed sculptor Michael Westegard. Sitting Bull, the famous Hunkpapa Sioux leader surrendered at Fort Buford, just 25 miles from the monument’s site. Located on the front door of Williston State College, make sure you read the plaques which are affixed to each side of the monument.
Take In The View From Cut Bluff Outlook
The Cut Bluff Outlook is one of the somewhat adventurous things to do in Williston. A historic landmark just east of Williston, the Cut Bluff Outlook commemorates Lewis and William Clarks campsite from two centuries ago.
Youll also find information about a family that used to live in the same place in the late 1800s. The site has a kiosk , a short trail, and a scenic overlook. The kiosk features a covered eating area with a barbecue pit for picnicking. If youre on a road trip through North Dakota, Cut Bluff Outlook is a nice and quiet spot to make a stop and relax.
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Lots Of Things To Do In Williston North Dakota
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What is there to DO in North Dakota?!
Are you even sure where it is on the map?
North Dakota is the third least populated state. And its located north of SOUTH Dakota, somewhere in the middle of the US, along the Canadian border.
Dont let the population numbers slow you down.
Consider traveling to the Williston, ND area here are several local suggestions perfect for a family travel adventure!
- Camping and Hotel Accomodations in WillistonA lot of camping choices to choose from and a few hotels Best Western, Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn Express and a bunch of smaller options.
Ive never been to North Dakota, please go see this area for yourself and let me know what you think. I DO have a sister-in-law who lives there and several of these suggestions come straight from the local herself. I hope she has a couch so I can sleep somewhere when I come to visit North Dakota!
Admire Art At James Memorial Art Center
Lovers of the arts, step inside the James Memorial Art Center and admire local, regional, and international art exhibits in all media. This entertaining museum is in a beautiful Beaux Arts-style building that served as the former James Memorial Library. Their exhibits change every month. So theres always something new to see.
During non-Covid Times, the museum offered events such as Open Mic Night, Game Nights, and even an Open Studio that allows artists to come in and work on their art in a quiet space! Check out their website to find the latest updates on their exhibits.
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Skiing & Snowboarding Guide
Planning a family getaway or a trip with old friends? Now’s the time to hit the slopes in North Dakota. If you’re thinking about a vacation this winter that doesn’t involve warm weather and crystal clear waters, discover some of the best skiing and snowboarding resorts near Williston, ND. Looking to purchase your own gear? Check out your local ski and snowboard shops. Not ready to commit? Find the best rental shops in ND. Here’s how to prepare for the ski and snowboarding season.
Visit A Beautiful National Or State Park
North Dakota is home to unique and beautiful scenery that everyone will enjoy. Take it all in on a solo hike or scenic drive through any of the parks in the area. The western part of the state near Williston is home to two parks that are well-worth a stop:
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
View wildlife, take a hike, drive through the scenery, or participate in a ranger-led educational program at this beautiful national park. Traverse the same lands and our former president and experience the nature that led to his conservationist attitude.
Lewis & Clark State Park
Take in scenes of rolling hills and towering buttes as well as miles of shoreline at this beautiful park on the upper bays of Lake Sakakawea. Visitors can enjoy swimming, hiking, boating and more at this park.
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Fort Buford State Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 65 reviews
Fort Buford State Historic Site preserves remnants of a vital frontier plains military post. Fort Buford was built in 1866 near the confluence of the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers, and became a major supply depot for military field operations. Original features still existing on the site include a stone powder magazine, the post cemetery site, and a large officers’ quarters building which now houses a museum. Fort Buford, located near present-day Williston, was one of a number of military posts established to protect overland and river routes used by immigrants settling the West. While it served an essential role as the sentinel on the northern plains for twenty-nine years, it is probably best remembered as the place where the famous Hunkpapa Sioux leader, Sitting Bull, surrendered in 1881.
Reviewed By J-W – The Villages, United States
Admire The Wheat Monument
If youre wondering what to do in Williston that wont take much time, visiting the Wheat Monument is an excellent option.
Davidson Park in Williston is home to the Wheat Monument. The giant stalks of wheat are a tribute to the men and women who envisioned Williston as agricultural land and raised wheat and other grain on its prairies. Williston artist, David Njos, designed and built the Wheat Monument. Njos finished his work in 1987. The monument features three 35 feet high iron wheat stalks and three black granite plaques where people engrave the names of area pioneers.
Locals see the monument as a lovely reminder of the strong women and men who made Williston and its economy grow with their labor. To this day, people approach the parks staff, asking to add names to the monument.
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Painted Woods Sporting Range
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Painted Woods Sporting Range, we strive to be your one-stop-shop for wholesome outdoor shooting entertainment for the whole family. Our facility is one of a kind and located just a few minutes west of Williston, ND. Featuring a sporting clay course, 5-stand clay field, a variety of gun ranges, archery targets and much more youll always find excitement on the horizon.
Fort Union Trading Post
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 149 reviews
The Grandest Fort on the Upper Missouri River Between 1828 and 1867, Fort Union was the most important fur trade post on the Upper Missouri River. Here, the Assiniboine and six other Northern Plains Indian Tribes exchanged buffalo robes and smaller furs for goods from around the world, including cloth, guns, blankets, and beads. A bastion of peaceful coexistence, the post annually traded over 25,000 buffalo robes and $100,000 in merchandise.
Reviewed By Katiemomma3
Well preserved fur trade post/fort. Nps staff was so friendly and knowledgeable. The whole family had lots of fun. Love that its still a free park! If your taking littles make sure and do the junior ranger program.
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Top Restaurants In Williston
Williston is a city in and the county seat of Williams County, North Dakota, United States. The 2010 census gave its population as 14,716, and the Census Bureau gave the 2015 estimated population as 26,977, making Williston the sixth largest city in North Dakota. The North Dakota oil boom is largely responsible for the sharp increase in population.
Back In Time At The Frontier Museum
A visit to the Frontier Museum is one of those activities in Williston that caters to everyone in the family. The museum is a window to the past, showing all about the people who migrated to colonial America and their lives in these lands. While youll find typical exhibits and buildings, Frontier Museum has gone to great extents to build an interactive experience.
From April through November, the museum offers self-guided tours where guests enjoy living history. You have two major sections: The Old World and America. For both sections, the museum hires actors wearing costumes who illustrate the diverse people and cultures of early America. Its genuinely engaging, and kids love it!
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The 7 Best Things To Do In Williston North Dakota
When is the last time you explored northwest North Dakota? You might think theres not much there but a series of small communities offer a lot to explore, both indoors and out. One such place is the town of Williston, North Dakota.
While Williston is home to only around 15,000 people, it is actually the sixth-largest city in North Dakota. While it isnt on any of the major interstates that traverse the state, it is located along U.S. Route 2 and near the confluence of the Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers. For these reasons, Williston has experienced a cycle of booms and busts today, the city has a lot to offer on top of its historic and storied history.
If youre going to pass through this part of northwest North Dakota and considering an extended stop or overnight in Williston, read on. Youll discover the best things to do in Williston that show how much this community has to offer.
In this post, I promote travel to destinations that are the traditional lands of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara, Niitsítpiis-stahkoii , Michif Piyii , Assiniboine peoples. With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation and respect to the past and present people of these lands. To learn more about the peoples who call these lands home, I invite you to explore Native Land.
Featured photo courtesy of North Dakota Tourism
Best Things To Do In Williston North Dakota
Have you ever visited a new place and felt wow about it? For many visitors, it happens at Williston.
Williston may not be as popular as other cities in United States, but dont let that fool you. Williston is a smaller but beautiful upcoming tourist destination that is worth a visit. You will be surprised by some of the unique things to do and places you can explore at this hidden destination.
You might wish to revisit it someday again, to take a break and relax at Williston.
If you have plans to visit United States and are not sure if Williston should be included in your itinerary, keep reading. In this list, we have put together some of the things to do in Williston and around. We have a hunch that if you include this city in your travel plans, you will be thrilled you did so.
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What To Do
This weekend, enjoy a relaxing trip to the International Peace Gardens, the ideal place to visit when yearning for some much-needed peace and quiet.
Do activities like strolling through hundreds and thousands of vibrant flowers, staying the night and pitching a tent at the campground, paying homage to the fallen at the 9/11 memorial, kayaking or canoeing at the lakes, sharing a delicious picnic, and so much more.
During cold, snowy months, the International Peace Garden becomes a winter wonderland.
You can enjoy activities such as cross-country skiing and ice skating.
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