Williston is the county seat of Williams County and the sixth largest city in North Dakota. The oil boom in North Dakota has increased its population, and the city’s estimated population will nearly double by 2020. If you’re considering a visit to Williston, you’ll find a number of great attractions to visit.
Fort Buford State Historic Site
One of the best things to do in Williston is to explore Fort Buford State Historic Site, a former United States Army post in Dakota Territory that was the site of the famous surrender of Sitting Bull. It is a great place to learn about the history of the area, and it also offers a great way to learn about the Native American culture.
Fort Buford State Historic Site is located about 22 miles southwest of Williston and is close to the Fort Union Trading Post, another historic site in the area. The Fort was once a military outpost and the site contains reconstructed buildings that tell the story of life on the frontier. The Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center is located on the site, and is a great place to see the mighty rivers.
Fort Buford State Historic Site is located near the confluence of the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers. The Fort has an official webpage, and a Facebook page. It also holds special events and reenactments throughout the year.
Another interesting place to visit in Williston is Cut Bluff Outlook, which is east of town. This historical landmark honors the campsite that Lewis and William Clark stayed near in the late 1800s. The site also has a covered picnic area and barbecue pits.
Another great place to visit in Williston is the James Memorial Art Center, which features regional, national, and international art exhibits. The center is housed in a beautiful Beaux Arts-style building that was previously the James Memorial Library. The gallery features changing exhibits, as well as open studios and other special events.
Lewis and Clark State Park
If you’re looking for a scenic outdoor recreation area in Williston, North Dakota, you can’t go wrong with Lewis and Clark State Park. This 525-acre park is located on the upper reaches of Lake Sakakawea and is ideal for camping, fishing, and boating.
A stunning view of the North Dakota Badlands can be found at the park. It also has miles of the Missouri River, so you can take in a scenic drive. If you’re a nature lover, there are many hiking and biking trails and self-guided nature trails.
For picnickers, there are three picnic shelters available, the North and South shelters can accommodate up to 64 people and the Friends Shelter can accommodate up to 128 people. Visitors can also enjoy the day-use beach near the camping cabins. The park is particularly beautiful in the fall, when the leaves are changing colors.
Another historical site in Williston is the Fort Buford State Historic Site. This is a tribute to the pioneers who populated the town in the early days. It was constructed in 1866 near the confluence of the Yellowstone and Missouri rivers to protect settlers traveling west. It was also a major military supply depot.
The state park is surrounded by some beautiful fishing spots, making it a year-round destination. Anglers can fish for different kinds of fish, including the paddlefish. They can also participate in the annual Williston Rural Fire Association Spring Walleye Classic, and the Lewis & Clark Big 10 Showdown.
Visitors to the city will also find plenty to do during their stay. You can go hiking, mountain biking, or cross-country skiing in the park. The area is also home to a recreation center with an indoor ice skating rink and an outdoor rink near Alien Park.
Fort Buford
One of the best places to visit in Willisto, North Dakota is Fort Buford, a former United States Army post in Dakota Territory. It was the site of the 1881 surrender of Sitting Bull. Today, visitors can learn about the history of the site and tour the surrounding area.
The fort complex, which sits just 22 miles southwest of Williston, is located near the Missouri River. It was built in 1866 to protect overland and river routes and was also a major military supply depot for field operations. Today, visitors can tour the reconstructed buildings at Fort Buford.
Another historic site that you can visit is the Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site. This was once the biggest fur trading post on the Upper Missouri River. It has been in use for more than 130 years and was built by the famous American Fur Company. The building is a tribute to the pioneers of the area. It also includes black granite plaques and 35-foot iron wheat stalks. Many locals see the monument as a reminder of their ancestors. You can even add your name to the monument.
Another historical landmark is the Cut Bluff Outlook, located east of Williston. This site commemorates the campsite of Lewis and Clark two centuries ago, as well as the family that lived in the area during the late 1800s. A kiosk on the site provides information about the post, and it has a covered picnic area and a barbecue pit.
Fort Buford is also home to the Buford Cemetery, which features the graves of more than a hundred people. Researchers have worked to identify their graves, as well as the cause of death. The gravestones contain a long list of misfortunes, including death by Indians and heart conditions.
Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site
Knife River Indian Villages National Historic site is located on a historical site that was occupied by Native Americans as early as 12,000 years ago. Visitors to the site can see ruins of two ancient tribes, the Mandan and the Hidatsa. These people were hunters and farmers and traded with each other. The Knife River got its name from flint that was found nearby and was used to make knives. The growing villages along the river were composed of earthlodges.
The Mandan were excellent traders. They traded large amounts of corn for guns and horses. Mandan Village Historic Site is a year-round attraction and a part of the Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site. The site features an authentic replica of a Mandan village from the late 17th century and educational exhibits about Mandan history. This historic site is located six miles north of Fort Abraham Lincoln.
The museum offers a variety of educational programs and activities, including a movie and an exhibit on the history of the area. Visitors can also see the reconstructed earth lodge and replica artifacts. In addition to historical exhibits, the museum also features a gift shop. You can also purchase maps to explore the hiking trails.
The Fort Union Trading Post is another place to visit in Williston. This historic site is a reconstruction of an important upper Missouri fur trading post. The staff is knowledgeable about the history of the area and can answer your questions. You can also earn Junior Rangers badges at the site.
Visitors can walk around the grounds of the site at their own pace. The outdoor areas are open every day from sunrise to sunset. During the summer, visitors can visit the site from 9am to 5pm. During the fall and winter, hours vary. Visitors should also remember to pick up pet waste and keep dogs on leashes.