Summary
The fort was originally built in 1866 to protect the Northern Pacific Railroad and settlers traveling along the Yellowstone River. Visitors can see the fort's original barracks, officers' quarters, and parade grounds, as well as the site of Sitting Bull's surrender in 1881. The museum on-site features exhibits on the fort's history, as well as the area's Native American culture and the role of the military in the region.
Some of the top reasons to visit Fort Buford State Historic Site include its historical significance, picturesque location along the Yellowstone River, and well-preserved buildings and artifacts. Specific points of interest include the restored barracks and officers' quarters, the museum's exhibits, and the site of Sitting Bull's surrender. Interesting facts about the area include the fort's role in the Indian Wars and the construction of the Northern Pacific Railroad, as well as the fact that the fort was also used as a courthouse and jail in the late 1800s.
The best time of year to visit Fort Buford State Historic Site is during the summer months, when the weather is mild and the site is fully open to visitors. However, the museum is open year-round and offers a unique look at the history of the region during the winter months. Visitors should note that the site is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays from September through May.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
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Fort Buford State Historic Site
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Confluence Access
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Snowden Bridge FAS
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Sundheim Park
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Sharbano City Park
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Trenton Lake Rec Area
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